Nawalpur (Nawalparasi), Aug 26: A female rhino has died after sinking in the swamp at Kawasoti-15, near the Gundrahi Dhakaha bufferzone community forest, the Chitwan National Park (CNP) Office said.
According to Avinash Thapa Magar, the CNP conservation officer, the rhino died this morning after getting stuck in the marsh while going to drink water. The rhino’s horn and hooves are safe.
The latest national rhinoceros census puts the number of rhinos in the country at 752 as of 2021. Among them, 694 are in Chitwan National Park.
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Teej, a moment to voice for equality, empowerment: Former President Bhandari
Kathmandu, Aug 26: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has said Teej festival is a moment to voice for gender equality and women empowerment.
The Former President wished the festival inspired everyone for ending discrimination to build an equitable society.
Issuing a message of best wishes to all Nepali sisters on the occasion of Teej festival through the social network today, Former President Bhandari extended best wishes and believed the Teej would strengthen sociocultural and family ties.
“Teej is a living tradition of our lifestyle, culture and tolerance. The married women wishes longevity and good health to their spouses by observing fasting today,” she reminded. The togetherness of the married daughters to their parental family members and childhood friends creates further affinity in society and relatives, according to her.
Bhandari suggested the celebrants that they maintained frugality and conserved festival by protecting religious and cultural values.
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GP Koirala National Center for Respiratory Diseases adopts EMR system
Damauli (Tanahu), Aug 26: The GP Koirala National Center for Respiratory Diseases at Belchautara, Shuklagandaki Municipality-5, has adopted the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system.
Minister for Health and Population Pradip Poudel inaugurated the EMR system at the hospital today.
The service has been launched with the installation of equipment worth Rs 2 million 526 thousand by the World Health Organization.
The government has established the Center in the name of former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala as the best respiratory disease treatment centre in South Asia.
The Center and the hospital it runs is spread over 740 ropanis of land in Belchautara, Shuklagandaki Municipality.
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Senior citizens lament over fading aura of Teej
-Indra Kumari KC
Ghodaghodi (Kailali), Aug 26: Madal was one of the significant traditional musical instruments giving an original aura to songs sung during the Teej festival.
The women folks, especially the sisters come to the parental homes, used to sing the songs reflecting the plights and experience they had over the year that used to be resonated with by playing the madal together.
Playing madal, a cylindrical hand drum, and singing songs on life stories were not mere recreation but the best medium of the upwelling of the emotional states.
“Actually playing madal used to begin immediately after the completion of rice plantation in Saun month, setting the ambience of forthcoming Teej festival,” recalled 61-year old Parbati Devi Khatri from Ghodaghodi municipality-8, adding those are the days lost in thin air.
Another 63-year-old Toladevi Bista has similar account: “Teej was a moment to share plight for women. But, now it is becoming a tawdry business. It is no more the occasion to show relief by releasing the burden.”
Time changed. Madal is replaced with sound system and modern songs, which make the senior citizens rue over the bygone days.
In view of Tika Chaudhari Bhul, chief of Kailali district coordination committee, the commercial songs and tawdry melodies that are played during Teej celebration are denting much the original tune and aura.
The songs sung during Teej were also sung even during other festivities including marriage ceremony in those days.
“We had to stay patient even till Teej to visit my parental home. If the relative (brother) had not come to invite, we could not got the parental homes then,” remembered Maiti Budhathoki, 65, claiming that there was emotional depth and originality in the songs played in harmony of madal and mujura.
The popular instrument of the time, madal, is hardly heard around these days during Teej.
Deputy Mayor of Ghodaghodi municipality, Guliya Kumari Chaudhary, observed Teej celebration has witnessed radical change for some years. Gimmicky and equivocal words are used in the songs these days. “Those old days of Teej songs with madal playing is hardly found these days,” she added.
Madal is one of the traditional musical instruments that is losing market. Even those making madal have faced challenges in sustaining their business.
A madal entrepreneur Tirtha Badi from Lamkichuha municipality-3, said, “It is very difficult to sell madal now.” He also blames the fading originality in song behind dwindling business of the cylindrical hand dram.
In this connection, Ghodaghodi municipality has made efforts to conserve the ancient songs and culture by organizing folk songs and Teej celebration.
The local level organized a competitive Teej celebration this year yesterday, so that it would contribute to keeping alive the Teej aura, claimed Mayor Khadka Rawat.
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NC to field Neupane’s candidacy for parliament committee President
Kathmandu, Aug 26: The Nepali Congress has decided to nominate Ishwari Devi Neupane for the vacant chairperson position of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee.
A meeting of the top leaders of the party held today under the chairmanship of party president Sher Bahadur Deuba made this decision, party General Secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma said.
The vice-chairpersons, Purna Bahadur Khadka and Dhanraj Gurung, along with the general secretaries, Gagan Kumar Thapa and Sharma, were present at the meeting.
Elections for the new chairperson of the Committee will be held on August 27. The Parliament Secretariat has announced that the nomination of candidacy is scheduled to take place today from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
The position was vacant after Congress MP Ramhari Khatiwada resigned from the post.
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Biratnagar Metropolitan City establishes technical education promote centre
Biratnagar, Aug 26: Biratnagar Metropolitan City has set up a technical and vocational education and training promotion centre.
Sagarmatha I-Lab Group (Koshi Province), the Kathmandu University, School of Education and the ETH Zurich of Switzerland are collaborating on the establishment of the promotion centre.
The promotion centre would be instrumental in producing the technical workforce needed for local level and provinces, according to Mayor Nagesh Koirala.
He further hoped it would help in creating employment and self-entrepreneurship among youths. Youths would be connected to industry and market through skill enhancement.
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Bheri Hospital to provide free dialysis to destitute with special health complication
Banke, Aug 26: Bheri Hospital is all set to provide dialysis services for free of cost to the needy people who also suffer from the diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson and seropositive.
The people with such health issues and also in want of dialysis service would be provided it freely. The hospital made public a list of the people who could access this treatment.
The scheme was launched as per the project directive on treatment of the destitute.
The Nursing and Social Security Division under the Department of Health Service had introduced the scheme.
Medical superintendent at Bheri Hospital, Dr Nirajan Subedi, informed that the people suffering from Hepatitis B and HIV are termed as the seropositive ones. Such patients would be entitled to the treatment costing as high as Rs 300 thousand for dialysis in a year.
With this scheme in place, the people facing financial problems to treat kidney disease would get huge relief.
The service begins on Wednesday, Dr Subedi informed. The hospital is also making homework to finalize the list of the people would be entitled to the kidney transplantation and peritoneal dialyses.
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DPM Singh eulogizes late leader Mangaladevi in establishing women’s representation
Kathmandu, Aug 26: Deputy Prime Minister and Urban Development Minister, Prakash Man Singh has said the Nepali Congress woman leader the late Mangaladevi Singh had made notable contribution towards establishing women representation at various tiers of state governance.
On the occasion of the 29th memorial day of Mangaladevi Singh, the founder of the Nepal Women Association and a leader of the Nepali women’s movement, while offering a garland at Singh’s statue at local Shobhabhagawati today, he stated that Mangaladevi’s role in the fight for women’s rights is unparalleled.
Deputy Prime Minister Singh mentioned that the current constitution has ensured inclusive, proportional representation and women’s participation at the policy level as a result of the struggles of women leaders like Singh who raised their voices for women’s rights and privileges.
Chairperson of the Mangaladevi Foundation, Srijana Singh, said that Mangaladevi Singh is a source of inspiration for Nepali women.
The Nepal Women’s Association was established on Shrawan 24, 2004, under the chairmanship of Mangaladevi Singh, in order to fight for their rights and entitlements, encouraging women to step out of the confines of the four walls of the house.
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Shaanxi Province Deputy Speaker meets CM Acharya
Lumbini, Aug 26: Chief Minister of Lumbini Province, Chet Narayan Acharya, has expressed belief that relations between Lumbini Province of Nepal and Shaanxi Province of China would further strengthen Nepal-China relations by bringing together the people from two countries.
CM Acharya said it during a meeting with a visiting Chinese delegation led by Deputy Speaker (Vice Chairman of the People’s Congress) in the province, Zhang Zhichuan, here today. In the meeting held at Chief Minister Acharya’s office, issues ranging from tourism, culture, green development, smart city, commercialization of agriculture, education and skill development and possible cooperation featured significantly.
CM Acharya said the province government could work in collaboration for the promotion of Jitgadhi fort, Niglihawa, Tilaurakot, Ramgram and others.
He further reminded that Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Nepal in 2019 had given special emphasis on Nepal-China relations.
On the occasion, visiting Chinese leader informed that they could collaborate with Lumbini province in the sector of development of tourism infrastructure, smart city, solar and wind energy, technical education, processing of medicinal herbs.
Chief Secretary of Lumbini Province, Baburam Adhikari said the province government had prioritized sustainable development, modernization of agriculture and industrialization.
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Neupane’s lone candidacy for State Affairs and Good Governance Committee President
Kathmandu, Aug 26: Only the candidacy of Nepali Congress MP Ishwari Devi Neupane has been received for the vacant position of President of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee under the House of Representatives.
Nepali Congress lawmaker Ramhari Khatiwada proposed Neupane’s candidacy while CPN (UML) lawmaker Krishna Gopal Shrestha seconded it.
Neupane is the member of the same Committee. She registered her candidacy at 3.00 pm today. The schedule for nomination of candidacy was from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm today.
Nepali Congress chief whip Shyam Kumar Ghimire and UML’s chief whip Mahesh Kumar Bartaula had accompanied Neupane to register her candidacy for the position.
Neupane would be declared elected unopposed the President of the Committee after the proposer informs in the Committee’s meeting tomorrow that only Neupane’s candidacy has been submitted for the position.
Neupane, who had begun her political career with her affiliation to the Nepal Student Union, is now a central member of the Nepali Congress.
Earlier, she was the member of both the Constituent Assemblies. She has carried out party responsibilities in various capacities, including chief of women department in NC.
Neupane resigned from the post of Chairperson of the Parliamentary Hearing Committee to become the Chairperson of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee.
The NC office bearers’ meeting held today had decided to field Neupane as the Chairperson of the Good Governance Committee since the post was lying vacant following lawmaker Ramhari Khatiwada’s resignation from the post.
Talking briefly to media persons after filing the candidacy, leader Neupane said she would garner support from all sides concerned to forward the significant bill.
“Where there is challenge, there is equal possibility. I carry out my responsibility by creating favourable atmosphere,” she added.
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First lady Paudel visits Pashupatinath on Teej festival
Kathmandu, Aug 26: First Lady Sabita Paudel visited the Pashupatinath Temple on Tuesday to pay homage to Lord Pashupatinath on the occasion of the Teej festival.
On the occasion, temple’s chief priest, Ganesh Rawal Bhatta, offered her tika and prasad.
Prior to the rituals, she was welcomed by Subhash Chandra Joshi, Acting Member Secretary of the Pashupati Area Development Trust, along with other officials.
A large number of women devotees thronged the temple to celebrate Teej, a major festival observed by Nepali Hindu women.
The temple premises remained vibrant with cultural singing and dancing as part of the Teej celebrations.
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President Paudel seeks Jordan monarch’s cooperation for Bipin’s release
Kathmandu, Aug 26: President Ramchandra Paudel has urged King Abdullah II of Jordan to take necessary initiative for the release of Bipin Joshi, a resident of Mahendranagar, Kanchanpur, who has allegedly been taken hostage by Hamas, a Palestinian armed group.
In an official message dispatched to the Jordanian monarch on Tuesday, President Paudel requested immediate efforts to ascertain Joshi’s present status, ensure his safe release, and facilitate his return to Nepal.
The President said that Nepal would deeply appreciate any humanitarian and diplomatic initiatives undertaken by King Abdullah II in this regard.
Earlier on Sunday, Bipin’s mother and sister called on President Paudel and appealed for his support in securing his release. In response, the President assured them that he would make all possible efforts to that end.
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Energy Minister, South Korean Ambassador discuss bilateral cooperation
Kathmandu, Aug 26: Ambassador of South Korea to Nepal, Park Tae Young paid a courtesy call on Minster for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka.
At the meeting held at the Ministry of Energy on Tuesday, various matters related to bilateral collaboration were discussed, the minster’s secretariat said.
Also discussed during the meeting was the preparation of Global Infrastructure Corporation Conference (GICC), 2025 to be held in Korea from September 16-18.
On the occasion, Ambassador Young apprised the Minister of confirmation of participation from 35 countries in the conference so far.
The Ambassador expressed the confidence that Nepal could emphatically utilize the opportunity to present its energy projects at international forum.
The secretariat further informed that discussion was also held on various projects Nepal has advanced with the Korean assistance along with Upper Trishuli Hydropower Project and Transmission Line Project.
Extending gratefulness for ongoing Korean cooperation and investment in Nepal, Minister Khadka expressed his commitment to advance the collaboration being made in the transmission line and other energy infrastructure projects to a positive direction.
The minster expressed his hope for attracting further volume of Korean investment in energy, water resources and irrigation sectors.
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Investment from NRNs is necessary for a prosperous Nepal: Finance Minister
Kathmandu, Aug 26: Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel has invited Nepalis living in different parts of the world to invest in Nepal.
Inaugurating the first convention of the Association of Nepali Origin (ANO) Nepal Chapter today, he said the development and prosperity of the country are a matter of happiness and prosperity for all Nepalis so the government is working accordingly. “Cooperation of Nepalis living abroad is necessary and the government is creating an investment-friendly environment and is ready to facilitate it further,” he said.
Stating that the ANO also has a role to play in connecting Nepalis around the globe, he stressed the need for exchange programs.
ANO Central President Dilli Adhikari shared that the organization was formed in Thailand last year with the participation of Nepalis living in 32 countries of the world with the aim of helping build a golden future for all Nepalis.
A 13-member Nepal Chapter of ANO has also been formed under the coordination of former President Krishna Prasad Sapkota. Rajendra Adhikari has been elected as the vice-chair, Phulmman Bal the general secretary, Krishna Prasad Odari the secretary, and Yamuna Parajuli Adhikari the treasurer. In addition, Geeta Gurung, Dr Sushila Nepali, Ranjan Bidari, Krishna BK, Ravita Tamang, Sunil Thapa and Diksha Chapai were elected members of the ANO Nepal Chapter.
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Ahimsa Festival Nepal 2025 from August 28 in Kathmandu
Kathmandu, Aug 26: Preparations have been completed for the upcoming ‘Ahimsa (Non-Violence) Festival Nepal 2025’, which is set to begin this Thursday, August 28, at the Nepal Police Club, Kathmandu.
The three-day event, organized by the Nepal Vegetarian Association (NVA), will run until August 30 under the theme “Compassion Connects.”
Entry to the festival is free, according to the organizers. The festival aims to promote vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, highlighting their importance for animal welfare, human health, and the preservation of the environment and the planet. It seeks to serve as a platform for dialogue and collaboration focusing on non-violence among supporters of non-violence, vegetarians and vegans, animal rights activists, relevant organizations, and the broader community.
As part of the festival’s promotional activities, a race competition was held last Saturday, successfully drawing attention to the event’s message and objectives.
The festival will also feature interactive sessions on sustainable living, the benefits of vegetarian and vegan diets, and the importance of animal rights. These discussions will be enriched by the participation of international speakers and experts in the field.
In addition to its educational components, the event will include a range of cultural performances, including musical and singing presentations. A key attraction will be the vegan food stalls, some of which will offer free vegan food samples to visitors.
According to the NVA, the festival is expected to attract over 50,000 attendees over the three days.
It is worth noting that the Nepal Vegetarian Association previously hosted the 8th Asia-Pacific Vegetarian Congress (APVC) in 2074 BS, marking a significant milestone in its advocacy efforts.
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UML central committee meeting postponed citing inadequate preparation
Kathmandu, Aug 26: The 10th central committee meeting of the CPN (UML) called for August 29 has been postponed.
UML central publicity department chief, Rajendra Gautam shared that the meeting set for August 29 at the central office in Chyasal, Lalitpur has been adjourned.
The pre-set meeting has been postponed due to inadequate preparation, he shared. It may be noted that the UML had set the meeting meant for gearing up preparation for its second statutory convention.
There was an agenda to present the report with recommendations on party statute amendment at the central committee, but it is still continuing, so the meeting has to be put off, Gautam added.
A fresh date will be ascertained soon, he said. The party has set August 27 as the deadline for its subordinate committees to submit recommendations on the statute amendment.
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One killed, 11 injured in road accident
Madhyabindu (Nawalparasi), Aug 26: One person has died and 11 others were injured in a road accident that took place in Devchuli Municipality-6.
The deceased has been identified as 35-year-old Rijuwan Khatun, a resident of Motihari, India, died. The incident took place when an auto (Lu 1 Sa 9094) coming from Kirtipur towards Daldale met with an accident near Tokrekhola Bridge in Ward No. 6.
According to Superintendent of Police Yadav Dhakal of the District Police Office, there were 12 people including the driver in the auto that fell off the road. All the injured, who Indian visitors, have been taken to Chitwan for treatment.
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Koshi CM promises further discussions on Mass Communications Bill
Morang, Aug 26: Chief Minister of Koshi Province, Hikmat Kumar Karki, has said he is concerned over the issues raised by stakeholders regarding the proposed Mass Communications Bill.
While receiving a memorandum from a delegation of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Morang, on Tuesday, the Chief Minister acknowledged the media’s concerns and assured that the Bill would only be taken ahead after thorough discussions with the stakeholders concerned.
The delegation was led by FNJ Morang Chair, Bharat Khadka. Chief Minister Karki stated that chances are very slim for the endorsement of the Bill by the current session of the Province Assembly.
He further added the Bill, which was endorsed by the Justice, Administration, and Legislation Management Committee, has been criticized for not being media-friendly. Since assuming office, Karki said, he has been committed to strengthening journalism institutions, and the Bill also aims is to support that vision. However, he admitted that some provisions may need reconsideration.
The FNJ, the umbrella organization of Nepali journalists, has been enraged by certain ‘controversial’ provisions in the Bill, particularly that propose fines of up to Rs 100,000 against journalists merely for writing news stories. The Bill also grants the Press Registrar the authority to impose such fines and seek compensation, which the FNJ strongly opposes.
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Pokhara and Korea’s Cheong Sports Committee join hands for sports development
Kaski, Aug 26: Pokhara Metropolitan City and Cheong Yang County Sports Committee of South Korea have entered into a partnership for enhancing friendly and collaborative relations in the sports activities.
Chief Administrative Officer, on behalf of the metropolitan city, Muktiram Aryal and Chairman Han Gwang Seok on behalf of Cheong Yong County signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Pokhara today.
On the occasion, Mayor Dhanraj Acharya stated that the partnership aims to enhance friendly relations through sports activities, facilitate exchange visits among athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts, and provide coordination support to further enhance performance of Pokhara’s players, as well as coordinate and collaborate for the export of sports-related products and other goods and services from Korea.
“The MoU will be spectacular in honing in our athletes’ skills in various sports. The international cooperation has validated the intent of making Pokhara, the tourist capital, a hub for sports”, he noted.
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Third Nepal Snake Festival to take place in Purandaha
Dhanushadham, Aug 26: The Third Nepal Snake Festival is to take place in Mithila Bihari Municipality-2, Purandaha of Dhanusha district.
Chairperson of Mithila Wildlife Trust, Dev Narayan Mandal informed that the two-day festival is to be jointly organized by the Trust and Save the Lives on coming September 18-19.
Earlier, the first snake festival was held in Nawalparasi (West) and second in Tilottama municipality of Rupandehi.
Mandal shared that the aim of the festival is to create public awareness about snakes. The festival includes several programmes such as awareness creating drama on snake, poetry recitation, documentary screening and musical performance.
The festival will also feature a ‘snake museum’.
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Agreement to build GP hospital during PM’s India visit: Minister Paudel
Damauli (Tanahun), Aug 26: Minister for Health and Population Pradeep Paudel has said that an agreement will be signed for the construction of a 300-bed hospital building at GP Koirala Respiratory Treatment Center during the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to India.
Inaugurating the ‘Electronic Medical Record’ system at the Center in Belchautara, Shuklagandaki Municipality-5, Tanahun on Tuesday, Minister Paudel said that the hospital will be expanded to a 300-bed capacity and an agreement will be signed with the Indian government for the same.
The Indian government has already agreed to help upgrade the hospital and an agreement in this regard will be signed during Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s near-coming visit to India and the construction process will begin, Minister Poudel said.
The goal is to upgrade the hospital and make it the largest respiratory treatment center in the country.
Speaking at the event, Chief of World Health Organization in Nepal, Dr Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav, said that the WHO will continuing its significant support to Nepal’s health sector.
The e-medical record system was implemented at the hospital with the technical assistance of the World Health Organization.
Executive Director of the hospital, Dr. Ram Kumar Shrestha, said that with the launch of this system, it will be easy to get information on ticketing, billing, reports, medicines, etc. through the online system.
It will also reduce errors in patient treatment and that health workers’ time will be focused more on treatment than on paperwork, and it will help in policy planning and research as well.
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