- Saturday, 30 August 2025
Kathmandu, Aug 22: Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, has emphasized the urgent need for climate protection and environmental conservation to ensure Nepal’s secure future.
Speaking to the media after inaugurating a tree plantation programme at Kansi Bhanjyang in Banepa municipality-3 on Friday, the Minister expressed her concern over the consequences of climate change affecting Nepal.
“Nepal is facing a crisis due to the impacts of climate change. We have raised this issue with the global community, and they now realise that Nepal is not responsible for this crisis,” she said, stressing the need for taking further initiatives to achieve climate justice.
The Minister highlighted that Nepal hosted the Sagarmatha Sambaad a few months ago, utilising the platform to inform the world about the country’s vulnerability to climate change. She also added that she strongly raised the issue in the International Court of Justice.
The Minister further committed to advocating for climate justice for Nepal through mechanisms such as ‘Carbon Trade and the Loss and Damage Fund’.
The programme was organized by Ullens Education Foundation in collaboration with Banepa municipality in Kavrepalanchok.
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HoR sends two bills to committees for clause-wise deliberations
Kathmandu, Aug 22: A meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) on Friday agreed to send the Information Technology and Cyber Security Bill, 2082 BS to the respective parliamentary committee for clause-wise deliberations.
Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, presented the proposal to this end, and the document was unanimously passed by the session.
Likewise, the meeting unanimously entertained a proposal put forth by Minister for Youth and Sports, Tejulal Chaudhary, to send the ‘National Sports Development (first amendment) Bill, 2082 BS to the respective parliamentary commitee for clause-wise deliberations.
The Lower House shall meet again at 1:00 am on Friday, August 29, as informed by Speaker Devraj Ghimire.
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Socialist Front criticizes India, China deal on Lipulek pass
Kathmandu, Aug 22: The Socialist Front Nepal has concluded that the agreement between India and China made for reopening a trade route via Nepal’s territory in Lipulek pass has caused a serious shock to Nepal’s sovereign right.
In a press statement today, the Front has expressed its concerns and protests to the India-China agreement stating that the deal on Lipulek pass would infringe upon Nepal’s sovereign indivisibility.
The Front has urged the government of Nepal to inform the concerned countries through diplomatic channels about the facts and protest the agreement, and make efforts to reclaim Nepal’s land.
The Front has stated that its serious attention was drawn to the agreement signed between India and China made to reopen their bilateral trade through Lipulek pass connecting Pulan and Gunji.
Jointly released by CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, CPN (Unified Socialist) Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal, General Secretary of CPN Nepal Bikram Chand ‘Biplav’ and Chairman of Nepal Samajwadi Party Mahindra Yadav, the statement mentioned that Lipulek pass, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani are Nepal’s inseparable parts based on historical evidences and bilateral treaty.
Stating that the Indian side encroached upon those parts of Nepal in the past, the Front has urged the government to bring back the areas through diplomatic efforts.
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NA passes Nepal Citizenship (second amendment) Bill, Minister daubs it historic in terms of mother’s lineage right
Kathmandu, Aug 22: The National Assembly (NA) on Friday unanimously endorsed the Nepal Citizenship (second amendment) Bill that it received from the House of Representatives (HoR) attached with a message.
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak presented the Bill at the Friday’s NA session and it was passed unanimously.
Now, the Upper House sends the Bill back to the Lower House along with the message. The Home Minister had on January 28, 2025 ( Magh 15, 2081 BS) registered the Bill in the HoR that had approved it on June 28 , 2025 ( Asar 14, 2082 BS).
Prior to the approval of the Bill, the Minister responded to lawmakers’ queries regarding the Bill. As he said, the Bill aims to ensure the practical provision for issuing the citizenship in mother’s name. “With this Bill, we take a historic leap in the citizenship provisions and its credit goes to both the parliament and parliamentarians. This has been possible through collective efforts all”
The Bill has practically ensured that ‘mother is also the lineage of offspring’. With the endorsement of the Bill, it will be easy to issue the citizenship by descent, he added. He further said that the Bill was designed to ensure that no Nepali shall be deprived of the citizenship as guaranteed by the Constitution. He also thanked the parliament for contributing to further enriching the Bill, making it additionally practical and simplified.
Lawmakers Krishna Bahadur Rokaya, Renu Chand, Gopal Bhattarai, Maya Prasad Sharma, Padam Bahadur Pariyar, Bishnu Bahadur Bishwakarma and Suresh Alemagar took part in the discussions on the Bill.
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‘UML has not scrapped anyone’s party membership’
Kathmandu, Aug 22: CPN (UML) Chairman and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has welcomed senior vice-chairman of Aam Janata Party, Upendra Sah, and other leaders into the UML.
At a programme organized in the UML party central office on Friday, Sah and other cadres of the Aam Janata Party joined the UML. Sah was also the central committee member of the UML in the past.
Other leaders of the Aam Janata Party Manoj Kumar Yadav, Kantidevi Mahato, Simal Kumari Sah and others from Rautahat and Dhanusha districts joined the UML.
Receiving the new entrants, UML Chairman Oli thanked them for joining the party by quitting the wrong path. “We want peace, humanity, development and happiness. You have escaped the network of those having criminal mindset. Let’s work together in a large family of UML,” Oli added.
Asking the UML leaders and cadres to be clear about the central committee decisions on party membership of the former President Bidya Devi Bhandari, the UML Chairman stated that Bhandari renounced the party membership after her election to the President. “The party membership won’t be continued just for paying the nonexistent receipts by cheating the officials,” according to Oli.
Oli elaborated that Bhandari has not lodged her application for membership renewal or for new membership. Likewise, PM Oli stated he had not even imagined that former President Bhandari would trouble the party unity process by gathering some disgruntled leaders and those defeated in the party’s sister organizations.
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Identity of indigenous peoples will be recognized while amending the constitution: NC President Deuba
Patan (Lalitpur), Aug 22: Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said that the identity of indigenous peoples will be recognized and arrangements will be made to eliminate the conflict over identity while amending the constitution.
At a programme organised to release a book titled ‘Adiwasi Janajati Yoddharu’ by the Indigenous Peoples Department of the Nepali Congress at the party central office, Sanepa today, he recalled that friends from the indigenous people’s community have made significant contributions to the party for democracy.
“Nepal has succeeded in becoming a democratic republic on the foundation of indigenous people’s sacrifice and contribution,” said Deuba, “I am very happy to honour their families with the book release.”
Stating that the party’s statute has been developed in an inclusive and proportional manner, President Deuba said that the statute has ensured that one joint general secretary and at least 15 central members are elected to ensure the participation of the indigenous people in the party structure.
“The participation of indigenous peoples has helped make the party bigger and stronger. The current constitution, which was formed under the leadership of the party, has made efforts to include the voices of all communities, including indigenous peoples, and has made inclusive and just provisions for all in the constitution, respecting all castes and religions,” he said.
NC Vice President Purna Bahadur Khadka stated that Nepal’s politics rests on the shoulders of the Nepali Congress and said that he has resolved to improve the party’s shortcomings.
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Health Minister Paudel insists in increment in health budget
Doti, Aug 22: Minister for Health and Population, Pradip Paudel, has acknowledged the inadequate investment in Nepal’s health sector.
Speaking at a press meet in Doti on Friday, the Minister stressed the need for increased government funding in health. As he said, according to international standards, at least 10 percent of a country’s total budget should be allocated to the health sector. However, in Nepal, the health sector receives less than five percent of the national budget.
Minister Paudel also urged both province and local governments to prioritize and increase their health budgets.
Furthermore, he assured that Rs one million will be allocated for the operation of basic hospitals established through joint investment of the Ministry and local governments, particularly those that have already undergone official handover.
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SAFF U-17 women’s Football: Nepal defeats Bhutan
Kathmandu, Aug 22: Nepal came from behind to defeat Bhutan in the South Asian Football Confederation (SAFF) U-17 Women’s Championship.
In the match held at the Changlimithang Stadium in Bhutan today, Nepal defeated the hosts by a margin of 2-1 goals. Nepal was trailing by 1-0 in the first half of the match but equalized in the 58th minute of the match. Sahara Limbu neutralized the sore by Kunden Sonam Shegel of Bhutan in the 42nd minute. Sahara then doubled the score in the 77th minute of the match to give Nepal a 2-1 lead and eventually a win.
Nepal which has played two matches so far has collected three points. In the first match, Nepal was defeated by India 7-0. On the other hand, this is the second consecutive defeat for Bhutan. Bhutan was defeated by Bangladesh 3-1 in the first match.
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Investment Board of Nepal approves investment worth Rs 8.84 billion
Kathmandu, Aug 22: The Investment Board of Nepal has approved an investment of Rs 8.84 billion for the development of the Lower Apsuwa Hydropower Project with a capacity of 54 megawatt.
A Board meeting held today took this decision, Spokesperson of the Investment Board of Nepal Pradhumna Prasad Upadhyay said.
Likewise, the Board has decided to form a talk committee under the leadership of the CEO to table a proposal on project development agreement, financing modality and other issues regarding the West Seti Hydropower Project.
\ The meeting chaired by the Chairman of the Board and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has entrusted the Board’s CEO to submit the feasibility study report of Kathmandu-Hetauda-Birgunj podway project and development and operation of Panchkhal Special Economic Zone as well as provide the survey license for the projects.
Furthermore, the meeting provided approval to the developer company, Karnali Transmission Company, for the environmental impact assessment and feasibility study of the new route alignment for the development of transmission line for the Upper Karnali Hydropower Project of 900 megawatt capacity.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel, Physical Infrastructure and Transport Minister Devendra Dahal, National Planning Commission Vice Chairman Prof Dr Shivaraj Adhikari, Chief Secretary Eaknarayan Aryal, central bank governor Dr Bishwo Nath Paudel and other top ranking officials attended the meeting.
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First Women Police Conference concludes with adopting Kathmandu Declaration
Kathmandu, Aug 22: Kathmandu, Aug 22: The two-day First Women Police Conference concluded here on Friday, issuing the Kathmandu Declaration.
Speaking at the closing session, Home Secretary Gokarnamani Duwadi said that the event marked a new historic chapter in Nepal Police’s journey toward gender inclusion and empowerment.
The conference brought together active and retired women police officers, as well as individuals committed to women’s empowerment and gender equality. “It served as a unified platform to discuss relevant issues, share experiences, and explore leadership and future opportunities for women police,” the Secretary said.
He added that the event provided valuable feedback to Nepal Police in formulating strategies for institutional reform with a focus on gender sensitivity and inclusion. He described the Declaration as a significant outcome and urged concerned bodies to ensure its effective implementation.
Inspector General of Nepal Police, Deepak Thapa, praised the role of women police officers in maintaining peace, investigating and combating crimes, and managing traffic. He urged them to continue delivering with high morale and to remain responsive to citizens’ needs.
He expressed hope that the conference would be a milestone in making police services more inclusive, professional, and citizen-friendly.
The event aimed to mainstream gender equality and justice within the police institution. On the concluding day, awards were presented to women police officers for outstanding performance in their roles, along with recognitions for individuals and organizations that contributed to the successful organization of the event.
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KOICA completes 30 years of its development partnership in Nepal, marks with 29 million USD grant
Kathmandu, Aug 22: The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has completed 30 years of its development partnership in Nepal.
Marking the occasion, agreements related to three important projects were signed at a special ceremony held here on Friday.
Accordingly, the first agreement involved a project to be implemented from 2025 to 2030 to establish the Gandaki Technical Institute with a support of nine million US dollars. The agreement was signed by Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Ghanashyam Upadhyay and South Korean Ambassador to Nepal, Park Tae-young.
Similarly, the second phase of the ‘Fruits and Vegetables Value Chain Development Project’ has been signed. The project which will run from 2025 to 2031 has a budget of 10 million US dollars. The agreement was signed by Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development Dr. Hari Bahadur KC and Country Director of KOICA Nepal, Mooheon Kong.
Another project to establish the Sudurpaschim Polytechnic Institute has also been signed. The budget of this project which will be implemented from 2025 to 2030 is 10 million US dollars. The agreement was signed by Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Shiva Kumar Sapkota, and Director of KOICA Nepal, Mooheon Kong.
Since 1991, KOICA has been providing assistance to Nepal in sectors including health, education, agriculture, technical training, rural development, information technology and tourism. So far, KOICA has mobilized 2,921 volunteers in Nepal, while 2,230 Nepali civil servants have participated in capacity building programs in Korea.
Since prioritizing Nepal in 2010, assistance to Nepal through the South Korean government has increased significantly. By 2025, KOICA’s total assistance will exceed 200 million USD.
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US Assistance to Nepal to prevent Illegal Wildlife Trade
Kathmandu, Aug 22: The US government has donated equipment and tools worth more than 700,000 US dollars to Nepal’s park rangers, anti-poaching activists and local communities.
The equipment was received with collaboration between the US Department of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and the National Nature Conservation Trust. Ram Chandra Kandel, Director General of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, received the equipment from handed over by Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Kathmandu, Jason P. Meeks.
The assistance includes laptops, walkie-talkies, headlights, searchlights, binoculars, cameras, and medical treatment kits, the embassy said today. It is believed that such assistance will strengthen patrols within Nepal’s national parks, discourage transnational wildlife crime, and contribute to the conservation of biodiversity.
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Beni-Jomsom and Beni-Darbang roads obstructed by landslide
Myagdi, Aug 22: The Beni-Jomsom road linking Mustang district with national highway and Beni-Barbang road connecting three local levels of Myagdi district with its district headquarters have been disrupted since today morning due to landslide occurred at various places.
Vehicular movement along the Beni-Jomson road has come to a grinding halt after landslide at Majhkharja of Raghuganga rural municipality-2, Sukebahar of Annapurna rural municipality-3 and at Mahabhir, according to the District Traffic Police Office, Myagdi.
Chief of the District Traffic Police Office, Bishal Darji, shared that Beni-Darbang road has been obstructed due to landslide occurred at Beni Municipality-4 and Phaparkhet of Mangala rural municipality-2.
Locals have been facing problem due to obstruction of vehicular movement following the landslide.
Efforts are underway to clear off the landslide debris to resume traffic at the disrupted roads, police said.
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Six students injured in college van accident
Baglung, Aug 22: Six people were injured when a van carrying college students met with an accident near the Shivalaya Temple at Galkot municipality-5 in Baglung district this morning.
According to the Area Police Office, Galkot, Sushmita BK, 18, Pramila BK, 18, Mohan Singh Sunar, 25, Jivan Khattri, 19, Amisha Chettri, 19, and Sunita Sapkota, 18, were injured in the accident.
Assistant Sub Inspector of Police, Man Bahadur Karki, shared that the van (Ga 1 Jha 743) met the accident while heading towards Hatiya from Harichaur.The vehicle belonged to Galkot Multiple Campus. The injured ones are undergoing treatment at Galkot Municipal Hospital, police said. Police confirmed that overspeed was the cause behind the accident.
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Pay heed to development of education: Leader Dr Koirala
Kathmandu, Aug 22: Nepali Congress leader Dr Sekhar Koirala expressed worry that the persons bearing responsibility were ignoring the development of education sector in Nepal.
Addressing a function organized on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Gyanjyoti Women Secondary School here today, leader Dr Koirala said development of education shapes Nepal’s future. Those influencing policy and decision making are yet to realize the fundamental need in education, he blamed.
Schools should not be limited merely to the teaching institutions but also be developed as the centre of community pride and excellence, he said, underscoring the urgency of exploring the potential of Nepal and its people. Capacity building of teachers requires continuous support, according to him.
In his opinion, quality education is ensured once the teachers are capable and paid well.
Educated society counts much, for it works as a foundation of a prosperous country, leader Dr Koirala reminded. He stressed keeping education sector away from political interest.
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Amplify positive aspects of federalism: Speaker Ghimire
Lalitpur, Aug 22: Speaker Devraj Ghimire has said positive aspects of federalism should be amplified and make known to the common people.
“Research on Nepal’s federalism and its findings should be internalized and promoted for correction and best practices rather than making baseless comments on the system,” he reminded while addressing a programme organized by the Nepal Administrative Staff College here today. He further argued light comment and misleading analyses create problems on strengthening of federalism.
Speaker Ghimire released the second series of a book ‘Federal System in Nepal: Dimension and Practice’ published by the College. He welcomed the research initiative carried out by the College.
“We’re in a historic journey towards transformation through state restructuring and introduction of new constitution. Three tiers of government are in place with rights ranging from legislative to administrative matters. Our constitution has reinforced the concept of cooperation, coordination and coexistence,” Ghimire reminded. The book must be a worth reading text at present.
On the occasion, Member of the National Planning Commission, Ganga Datt Awasthi, believed the College would help promote good governance and enforcement of federalism in all tiers of government. Once new laws on federal civil service and the school education are enacted, those would help implement federalism, he argued.
Constitutional expert and member of the Constituent Assembly, Radhe Shyam Adhikari, underlined the need of giving continuity to the publication of such book. Democracy, federalism, proportional and inclusive principles are major tenets of constitution, he added.
Similarly, former Foreign Minister Bimala Paudel Rai observed that the book was an analytical text on federalism.
Executive Director at the College, Ramsharan Pudashaini, expected further research-based articles in the coming publications. There are 14 articles and two interviews in the book.
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Law to regulate social networks: Minister Gurung
Gandaki, Aug 22: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, said the government was introducing a bill on operation and regulation of social networks so that anarchy fueled in the name of media would be curbed.
At a press conference organized by the Press Chautari Nepal Kaski chapter today, Minister Gurung, who is also a CPN UML leader, argued efforts were made to spread the misleading information on the bill. “The bill on social networks is not for control, but for regulation. We have a democratic government. So, democratic values will not be compromised,” Minister Gurung argued.
He, however, made it clear that it is imperative to control cyber crimes because such activities can not be favourable to nationality, national independence and unity. Cyber crime is an emerging threat, requiring support from multiple sides. In the last 10 months alone, over 29,000 complaints relating to cyber crimes were registered in police offices, according to the Minister.
Similarly, the Media Council Bill the government has forwarded would regulate all sorts of media. The present bill will be capable to regulate online media.
The Spokesperson of the government further informed that old laws would be amended and new ones made on communication sector.
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NC General Secretary Thapa for forwarding constitution amendment
Kathmandu, Aug 22: General Secretary of the Nepali Congress, Gagan Kumar Thapa, has said constitution amendment is neither a luxury nor an option but a measure for resolving serious problems surfaced before the system.
During a talk programme organized by the Local Leadership Development Forum on ‘A decade of federalism: A review and way ahead’ here today, General Secretary Thapa said the major political parties should forward amendment to the constitution even by taking risk so that the faults on implementation of federalism, electoral system and governance would be corrected.
Clarity on structure and rights of three-tiers of government is imperative, he said, reminding the constitution amendment as one of the points mentioned in the seven-point agreement signed between NC and UML before the formation of present government.
On the occasion, Chief Whip of NC, Shyam Kumar Ghimire, admitted that the enforcement of federalism did not gain pace as per expectation despite passage of a decade. Impractical provisions in the constitution are behind it, he blamed.
“Although many good initiatives were made, the bad governance plagued democracy and constitution,” he argued.
Chief Whip of CPN UML, Mahesh Bartaula, said foundation of the present government is the strengthening of federalism with its effective enforcement. Once the political federalism is effective, administrative and fiscal federalism will be robust, according to him.
Although government is for constitution amendment, unnecessary issues should not be entertained to polarize the country, he warned.
Member of the National Assembly Gopi Bahadur Sharki Achhami said fiscal and administrative federalisms were weaker than political federalism.
Madan Kumari Sah (Garima) also admitted that the law-making process did not gain pace.
Forum’s Chairman Bansalal Tamang suggested consideration of the experiences of local levels before forwarding constitution amendment.
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Parliamentarians demand diplomatic efforts against India-China agreement on trade route via Lipulek
Kathmandu, Aug 22: The Members of the House of Representatives (HoR) continued expressing concern over the agreement India and China made for reopening trading route via Lipulek and called for resolving the issue through diplomatic process.
In the Special Hour of HoR meeting today, Ramhari Khatiwada said the agreement relating to reopening of trading route along the Lipulek, Limipyadhura and Kalapani area should be diplomatically addressed. Stating that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is likely to visit to both neighbours in a few days, he emphasized the need to solve the issue through diplomatic talks.
He underscored the need for all Nepalis to unite and support the Head of the Government in this cause.
Likewise, Metmani Chaudhary echoed similar view as Khatiwada and urged the government to raise the issue and resolve it by dealing diplomatically.
Likewise, Mahesh Kumar Bartaula appraised the parliament about the increasing death of cattle from Lumpy Skin Disease in Makawanpur district. He informed that a total of 33,645 cows and buffalos were reported dead due to this infection in the last two months alone, incurring a loss of around Rs 70 billion in total.
Bartaula drew the attention of the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development as well as the government to ensure availability of vaccine against this infection.
Barshaman Pun expressed concern over the government changing tax rate bypassing the parliament. He dubbed the act of altering the tax rates in less than a month of passage of the Finance Bill an ‘economic crime’. He sought a response from the Minister for Finance on this matter.
Prabhu Shah questioned why the diplomatic notes sent by Nepal to India and China a decade ago asserting Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani belong to Nepal went unacknowledged. He also raised a question about the performances of the ambassadors in those countries and thus demanded their performance evaluation.
On a different note, he demanded an impartial investigation into the case of youth stabbed to death at Gaur, Rautahat some days.
Bhagwati Chaudhary worried over lack of protection of Tharu language in Koshi Province and drew the attention of three-tiers of government towards it. She called on the government to make Tharu language an official language and use it in government’s function.
Hitraj Pandey demanded compensation to the families of those who died after falling off a cliff in a remote village-Chumnumri- the northern belt of Gorkha district.
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Preparation on to cover all Nepalis under SSF: Minister Bhandari
Kathmandu, Aug 21: Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security, Sharat Singh Bhandari, has said preparation was made to cover all Nepalis under the social security fund (SSF).
Responding to the queries related to the ministry in today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Minister Bhandari mentioned that necessary arrangements were in place to align all with the SSF. He viewed that out of total Nepali migrant workers, 1.835 million have joined the SSF, adding support of all sectors was necessary to cover all Nepalis and workers of the informal sector.
The government has signed agreement with United Arab Emirates and fixed the minimum salary for Nepalis going there for employment while a bilateral agreement is being signed with Saudi Arabia soon, he argued.
Minister Bhandari argued the government was aware of sending skilled or semi-skilled workers for foreign employment. Preparation is on to digitalize labour and employment sector as well, he shared before the parliament.
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Meetings of both Houses set for today
Kathmandu, Aug 22: The House of Representatives (HoR) under the Federal Parliament is holding its meeting at Federal Parliament Building at 1.00 pm this afternoon.
There is an agenda to pass the ‘Alternative Development Finance Mobilization Bill, 2082’ in today’s meeting. In this connection, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Bishnu Prasad Paudel is scheduled to present a proposal seeking discussion on the bill. According to the Federal Parliament Secretariat, there is an agenda to pass the bill following deliberations.
The line ministers, according to the agenda, are set to respond to the oral queries related to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Ministry of Youth and Sports, and Ministry of Forests and Environment.
In the meeting, Kusum Devi Thapa, President of the Agriculture, Cooperatives and Natural Resources Committee, is presenting the committee’s report on ‘Bill to Amend Certain Nepal Laws Related to Land, 2082.’
Likewise, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Ramnath Adhikari will present a proposal seeking considerations over the ‘Nepal Veterinary Council (First Amendment) Bill, 2082.’
Similarly, Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung will present a proposal to send the ‘Information Technology and Cyber Security Bill, 2082’ to the relevant parliamentary committee for clause-wise discussions.
Minister for Youth and Sports Tejulal Chaudhary is also scheduled to present a proposal that the ‘National Sports Development (First Amendment) Bill, 2082’ be sent to the relevant committee for clause-wise discussions.
The National Assembly meeting is set to take place at 12:15 pm today.
In today’s meeting, the line ministers will respond to oral queries related to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supply, and Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation.
Similarly, Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey will present a proposal seeking considerations over the ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage (Protection) Bill, 2081’.
Minister of Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak will present a proposal seeking deliberations on the ‘Nepal Citizenship (Second Amendment) Bill, 2081’, received with message from the HoR and a report of the Legislative Management Committee.
A tentative agenda has been set to endorse the proposal after discussions.
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Heavy rainfall forecast in hilly areas of Gandaki and Sudurpaschim
Kathmandu, Aug 22: The low-pressure line of the monsoon is currently situated around the average position, the Weather Forecasting Division said.
This afternoon the weather is expected to be generally cloudy across the country. According to the division, there is a chance of moderate rainfall in some areas of the hilly regions in the country, including Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces, as well as in some parts of the Terai.
Heavy rainfall is likely in one or two places in the hilly regions of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki provinces, and in the Terai and hilly regions of Lumbini province.
Tonight, the mountainous areas of the country will generally remain cloudy, while the remaining areas will have partial cloud cover.
Additionally, there is a chance of moderate rainfall in some places in the hilly areas. Heavy rain is expected to take place in one or two areas of the hilly regions of Gandaki and Sudurpashchim provinces.
In view of potential risks resulting in from landslides and debris flows in the hilly areas and thereby rising water levels in large and small rivers and streams, the Division has urged one and all to stay alert with preparedness.
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Top End T20 Series Nepal facing Pakistan today
Kathmandu, Aug 22: Nepal is taking on Pakistan in the Top End T20 Series underway in Northern Territory of Australia.
In the final match of the group stage under the series, Nepal and Pakistan are set to compete today. The match will begin at 3:15 pm Nepali time.
Nepal is in 7th place in the score board among the 11 teams participating in the series.
Nepali team is under pressure to win today’s match to qualify for the semifinals.
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Kaligandaki Corridior obstructed
Gulmi, Aug 22: The Kaligandaki Corridor has been completely obstructed after landslide in Rakse.
A police team from Purtighat-based police post has been mobilized to remove landslide debris immediately after receiving the information about the traffic disruption.
Information Officer at the Gulmi District Police Office, Ganga Bahadur Saru informed that equipment such as dozers are being used for clearing off the road.
Vehicles en route to Palpa and Butwal through Pabat, Baglung and Ridi have been stranded after traffic disruption.
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High Court in own building after 30 months
Galkot (Baglung), Aug 22: The High Court Pokhara Baglung bench which has been delivering service from the district court building in absence of its own has started rendering service from its building from Thursday.
The High Court had been delivering its service from the District Court at Rudrepipal in Baglung Bazaar for the past 30 months.
Registrar at the Pokhara Baglung Bench of the High Court Ram Bahadur Thapa said it has become easier to provide services and protect records with the well-equipped building in operations.
The six-and-a-half-storey building is disable-friendly and includes underground parking along with the construction of judges’ residences. The building was constructed at a cost of Rs 570 million.
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Letters of Credence presented
Kathmandu, Aug 22: Ambassador of Nepal to Brazil Nirmal Raj Kafle on Thursday presented his Letters of Credence to Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra, President of Peru, as Non-Resident Ambassador of Nepal to Peru.
Presenting the credentials at a special ceremony held in Lima, Ambassador Kafle conveyed best wishes from Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to President Zegarra for her personal health and happiness as well as for the continued peace and prosperity of the friendly people of Peru, stated Nepali Embassy in Brasilia.
The President of Peru extended her best wishes to the Ambassador and assured him of full support from her Government in the discharge of his duties as Ambassador.
Senior officials of the Foreign Ministry and the Office of the President were present at the ceremony.
During his stay in Lima, the Ambassador held a meeting with the Director-General for Asia-Oceania, Fernando Quiros, and the Director-General for Economic Affairs, Jorge Felix Rubio Correa, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on various aspects of bilateral relations and cooperation. The two sides will work toward an arrangement of mutual visa exemption for official travels as well as toward establishing a mechanism for bilateral consultations.
The Peruvian side expressed its readiness to extend technical assistance to Nepal under South-South Cooperation, in areas such as disaster risk management, water and sanitation, and sustainable cities.
They discussed ways for capitalising on potentials for economic partnerships, including through facilitating exchanges of business delegations.
The two sides will also work together to promote cultural and people-to-people linkages.
Matters relating to multilateral engagements on agendas of common interest were also discussed during the meeting. For example, both countries share the challenges posed by the adverse effects of climate change on their rich biodiversity. Nepal, home to the mighty Himalayas, and Peru, the custodian of the vastAndes mountain range, have worked closely in international forums for the common agenda of Sustainable Mountain Development.
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