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Spring is coming, spring is coming 

Birds build your nest

Bring together straw and feather

Do each your best

Spring is coming, spring is coming 

Flowers are blooming too

Roses, lilies and daffodils

Aren’t they beautiful?

Spring is coming, spring is coming 

The season is blue

Ducks, swans and fishes in the river

Enjoyment is everywhere

Saurav Kafle

Grade: 6

Babalika English Secondary Boarding School, Thim

Every child is a unique flower, and together, these flowers create a beautiful garden in our world. In today’s interconnected global village, where everything is connected through the internet, there has been a significant decline in cultural events. It is our responsibility as individuals to promote intercultural understanding, which holds exponential benefits for children. By learning about different cultures and perspectives, they develop empathy, respect, and openness, which are essential qualities for navigating a diverse and complex world. In honor of ‘The Mother of China’, the Soong Ching Ling Foundation was established on 29 May 1982, with the precise purpose of achieving this objective. Since its inception, the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation has organized various cultural exchange programs involving children from around the world.

I had the sublime opportunity to participate in one of the cultural events organized by the Soong Ching Ling Foundation. The annual ‘Junior Cultural Ambassador’ competition serves as a platform for young minds from across the globe to share their ideologies, views, and perspectives on various topics. In 2022, the competition focused on Chinese culture, attracting 547 participants from 41 countries. Among all the participants, I achieved success and had the privilege of becoming the only Nepali to represent my nation, earning the prestigious title of ‘Junior Cultural Ambassador’.

During my visit to China, I had the chance to explore some of the country’s most iconic landmarks and cultural sites. The Forbidden City impressed me with its display of traditional Chinese architecture, while the sheer size and historical significance of the Great Wall left me in awe. Tianjin Ancient Culture Street provided a charming and historical atmosphere where I could immerse myself in local culture and cuisine. The National Maritime Museum of China offered a fascinating glimpse into the wonders of the country’s ancient and marine life.

Overall, my experience visiting these places was unforgettable and left me with a newfound appreciation for China’s rich culture and history. Among the numerous places I visited, the highlight of the trip was undoubtedly Mrs. Soong Ching Ling’s house. Witnessing her incredible hard work, perseverance, and love for others increased my respect not only for her but also for all those working to make a positive impact. The greatest moment of my trip was undoubtedly when I received the award and title of ‘Junior Cultural Ambassador’.

Being the only Nepali dressed in Dhaka Topi and Daura Suruwal Atari made me feel on top of the world, and representing my nation in front of a distinguished international audience was the proudest moment of my life. One of the many benefits of this program was the opportunity for cultural exchange. I had the chance to interact with young people who had participated and showcased their unique cultures. Learning about their cultures, understanding their views and ideologies on various aspects, exemplified the essence of cultural exchange. This event forged bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime. The incredible people I met during the event taught me that friendship knows no boundaries, transcending nationalities.

Despite no longer being physically together, we continue to stay in touch, sharing our experiences and maintaining connections. This cultural exchange was an unforgettable experience that broadened my perspective and instilled in me a newfound appreciation for diversity.

Upon returning from China, I have been even more motivated to promote culture and friendship between Nepal and China. Countless opportunities have arisen in this process. One of the moments that I will never forget in my entire life was meeting Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. He has always been an inspirational figure and an idol of mine, and having the chance not only to meet him but also to share my feelings and experiences is a moment that I will forever cherish.

Although every journey eventually comes to an end, and as sad as it may be, my trip also concluded. However, I believe it is not the end but a new beginning. This short yet meaningful trip has had a profound impact on my life. It has not only motivated me to delve deeper into the world of Chinese culture but has also made me aware of my role as a ‘Junior Cultural Ambassador’ in strengthening Nepali-Chinese friendship and bridging the cultural legacy between Nepal and China.

This article marks the starting point of my endeavor. Finally, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my school, LRI School, LRI Cultural Center, Chinese Culture Center, BICC, teachers, dear parents, friends, and the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation and the People’s Republic of China. Without their support, this trip would never have been possible. I extend my utmost appreciation to all the wonderful individuals who have aided me on this journey.

Krishav Pant

LRI School, Kathmandu

The Kathmandu District Court on Sunday extended the remand of 17 persons arrested in connection with the Lalita Niwas land grab case by five days.

According to SSP Dinesh Acharya of the Central Investigation Bureau of  Nepal Police, the court extended the remand for the fourth time today by five days.

"The investigation has been expedited so that it can be completed within 60 days," he said, adding, "Arrest warrants have been issued against some more people found involved in the case. Police are preparing to arrest them."

Seventeen individuals including Communications Secretary Krishna Bahadur Raut, Bhatbhateni Supermarket Chairman Min Bahadur Gurung and former election commissioner Sudhir Kumar Shah are in police custody.

The Kathmandu District Court had extended the remand for the first and second time by seven days, five days for the third time and five days for the fourth time today to keep them in custody.

Police had started an investigation in this case in a new way by detaining seven persons at a time on June 27.

Min Bahadur Gurung, Sudhir Kumar Shah, Dharma Prasad Gautam, Gopal Karki, Shivaji Bhattarai, Ghaman Kumari Karki, Baburaja Maharjan, Ramesh Kumar Pokharel, Dev Narayan Maharjan, Lokhari Ghimire, Dhruba Prasad Aryal, Krishna Bahadur Raut, Yograj Paudel, Narayandas Mishra, Rudra Prasad Shrestha, Bal Krishna Shrestha and Binod Paudel are in the custody.

Kaladhar Deuja, Surendraman Kapali and Hupendramani KC, however, were released on the basis of the court's stay order.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 12. 16 points to close at 2, 097.09 points on Sunday.

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 2.90 points to close at 394. 15 points.

A total of 7,184,254unit shares of 286 companies were traded for Rs 2. 37 billion.

Meanwhile, Sunrise Focused Equity Fund (SFEF)was the top gainer today, with its price surging by 10. 00 percent. Similarly, Liberty Energy Company Limited (LEC) was the top loser as its price fell by 5. 96 percent.

At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 3. 08 trillion.

Kankai Municipality in Jhapa district has banned the sale and consumption of tobacco products effective from tomorrow (July 17).

The municipality has formulated an act and the town assembly meeting took a decision in this regard, said the municipality mayor Rajendra Kumar Pokharel.

“The sale and consumption of tobacco products have been banned in view of health and environmental risks. This will come into effect from tomorrow. I urge all to implement the municipality’s decision,” said the mayor.

This is as part of the municipality’s campaign to make Kankai clean, beautiful, managed, and developed local level, he added.
Violation of the directive and selling tobacco products is subject to a punishment of Rs 50,000 in fine, said the municipality chief administrative officer Mohan Prasad Neupane.

In the case of the consumption of tobacco products in public places, Rs 5,000 is fined.

Doing away with the gentlemen’s agreement, banks have decided to set the interest rate themselves. Breaking the long-standing interest rate cartelization practice, the meeting of the Nepal Bankers Association (NBA) on Thursday decided that it was the right time to let the banks decide the interest rate.

Till now, commercial banks used to determine the interest rate as per the decision of the NBA. Now, the NBA decision is not required to fix the interest rates. They (banks) can determine the interest rate of deposits and loans every month based on their requirements. 

With this, interest rates from the new fiscal year that begins on July 17 will vary from bank to bank. With the banking system having investable funds above Rs 400bn, the majority of commercial banks are preparing to reduce interest rates on deposits in Shrawan (mid-July to mid-August)

Santosh Koirala, Vice President of the NBA and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Machhapuchhre Bank, said that they have decided to allow the banks to determine interest rates. “With Thursday’s decision, banks will be able to determine interest rates in their own way from mid-July,” said Koirala.

According to Everest Bank CEO Sudesh Khaling, Thursday’s decision will end the unhealthy competition in the market. “There was unhealthy competition in the market when all banks had the same interest rate. Now the deck has been cleared for banks to fix the interest rate based on their requirement,” he said. “And, customers can go to their preferred bank to conduct their banking transactions.”

However, banks have to follow the parameters set by the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) while fixing the interest rates. As per NRB’s guidelines, banks and financial institutions can reduce the interest rate up to 10 percent.

Commercial banks had decided to keep the deposit interest rate unchanged for the month of Ashad (mid-June to mid-July). Since the regulatory provision allows the banks to reduce interest rates by 10 percent, the interest rate on fixed deposits can come down to nine percent in Shrawan from the current 9.99 percent. 

Currently, the banking system has deposits amounting to Rs 5,736bn, while loans totaling Rs 4,854bn. Since Baisakh, the banking system has collected Rs 242bn in deposits. In the first three weeks of Ashad (the last month of the fiscal year), Rs 147bn in deposits have been added to the banking system. With the improvement in liquidity, the CD ratio currently stands at 82.11 percent. Banks can provide loans with a CD ratio of up to 90 percent.

With the liquidity position becoming easier, the interbank interest rate has also decreased. The interbank interest rate has come down from seven percent during the review period to 1.36 percent. 

After reducing the deposit interest rate in Baisakh (mid-April to mid-May), the NBA, the association of CEOs of commercial banks, decided to keep it unchanged for the month of Jestha (mid-May to mid-June).

In Baisakh, under huge pressure from the private sector, NBA lowered the deposit interest rate to 9.99 percent for individual depositors. Similarly, the interest rate for institutional deposits was lowered to 7.99 percent from nine percent. 

A love-struck couple from arch-rivals India and Pakistan, who met in a gaming chat room before sneaking across borders to be together, say their passion trumped national rivalries or fear of religious backlash.

Sachin Meena, 22, an unmarried Indian shopkeeping assistant and a Hindu, connected with 27-year-old Seema Haider, a married Pakistani mother of four and a Muslim, playing the online shooting game PUBG during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.

“We became friends and our friendship turned to love and our chats became longer—every morning and night—before we finally decided to meet,” said Seema, speaking to AFP from the cramped courtyard of Sachin’s two-room family home, where she now lives.

Seema, who left Pakistan and her husband with her four children by smuggling herself into India via Nepal in May—for which the couple were arrested then bailed out last week—said she has since married Sachin and taken his name.

“I converted to Hinduism,” she said, sitting next to Sachin in the village of Rabupura, about 55 kilometers from New Delhi. “I’d rather die than return or leave Sachin”. While the lovers have found each other, the history of their respective nations is bitter.

India and Pakistan, both nuclear-armed nations, have fought three wars since being carved out of the subcontinent in 1947. Each expelled the other’s high commissioner in 2019, and bilateral diplomatic, cultural, business and sporting links are very limited.

Indian police insist that Seema’s long-term stay will be impossible.

“I request the Indian government to grant me citizenship,” Seema pleaded, a red headscarf covering her hair and her four young children playing nearby.

‘Destined’

Apostasy is considered punishable by death in some interpretations of Islam. Seema said she had already received online threats and insisted the couple would “live and die together”.

Seema’s proclamation of “undying love” for Sachin and a promise to only return to Pakistan “as a dead woman” when they featured on a raucous Indian TV debate this week drew cheers from the crowds sitting around them.

Seema said she had been first attracted by Sachin’s gaming skills.

Three years later, the couple met in person in March in Nepal.

She became sure about leaving her “abusive” Pakistani husband—charges he denies—after the first meeting.

The couple said it took months of meticulous planning with help from YouTube videos on how to enter India via Nepal. In May, she succeeded.

“It was very difficult to travel from Pakistan to India,” she said. “I believe that with God’s love, we were destined to meet.”

Sachin’s family only learned of her existence when he rented a nearby apartment with her.

“There was some resistance, but my father and everyone accepted us. They are happy for us,” said Sachin. “I will do everything for them.”

Indian police found out after they tried to get married at a local court.

‘Still my family’

Seema’s estranged husband, Ghulam Haider, left his job as a laborer and rickshaw driver to earn more money for his family in Saudi Arabia.

Haider, who said he had not heard of PUBG, wants his family back.

“I earnestly appeal to Indian and Pakistani authorities to bring my wife and children back to me,” Ghulam Haider told AFP by phone from Saudi Arabia.

Haider said the couple, from different Baloch tribes, have a defiant love story of their own.

Forbidden by their families from marrying, they ran away to get hitched—a taboo in Pakistan that can sometimes lead to so-called honor killings.

“Later, a jirga (council of elders) was summoned to settle the matter and a fine of one million rupees (around $3,640) was slapped on me,” he said.

“I am far from my home, from my family, and it is very agonizing for me because we married out of love.”

‘She is an adult’

In India, the couple have received a popular welcome. Crowds from nearby villages have been visiting them since their arrest grabbed national headlines. “We took selfies,” said Rakesh Chand, 37, who drove over an hour to offer his congratulations, one of the dozens lining up to greet them.

“Sachin is very happy, even his family has accepted them, so the government must ensure that she isn’t forced to leave.” But on the streets near her old home in Pakistan, Dhani Bakhsh village in eastern Karachi, the news has not been welcomed.

While people know about Seema’s story, few are willing to talk about the incident openly—though they gossip in small groups on street corners. “Let’s forget about her, as she has gone and she is an adult,” said Haider’s cousin Zafarullah Bugti, blaming PUBG for turning Seema into ‘a psycho’.

Seema herself is unrepentant, calling Sachin the “love of her life” and insisting she will dedicate herself to her family. “My children will get all the love, care and attention here,” she said. 

AFP

Finance Minister Dr Prakash Saran Mahat has left for India on Sunday.

He left for the southern neighbor this morning to take part in the Third G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBGs) meeting.

Along with the finance minister, Shreekrishna Nepal Chief at the International Economic Cooperation Coordination Division of the Finance Ministry and minister’s personal secretary Yuvaraj Pandey have also left for India.

The meeting will start at the Gujarat-based Gandhinagar of India from Monday.

Finance Minister Mahat will return home on Wednesday.

Though Nepal is not a member of G20, Finance Minister Mahat will participate in the meeting as a guest member.

World economy and world health, sustainable finance and infrastructure development, global financial scenario, international tax system and financial inclusion are among the major agenda of discussions in the meeting.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Governor of Reserve Bank of India Dr Shakti Kanta Das will jointly chair the meeting.