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Nepal Russia Science Society (NRSS), in partnership with the Russian House, Kathmandu, organized a round table discussion on “People’s Diplomacy through Science and Education” at Kamalpokhari on Tuesday to mark the UN International Day of Science for Peace and Development.

Er Ganesh Shah, Former Minister for Science and Technology and President of NRSS, chaired the program, which was moderated by Prof. Dr. Ramesh Maskey.

Bringing together prominent scientists, academics, policymakers, diplomats and energy experts from Nepal and Russia, the program explored the role of science and education as powerful instruments of international cooperation, innovation, and sustainable development.

The event commenced with the official inauguration of a photo exhibition titled “Russian Universities: Diplomacy through Science and Education.”

Chief Guest Dr Rajendra Dhoj Joshi, Chairman of Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology, inaugurated the exhibition, which showcased the legacy and modern achievements of Russian universities in building international academic collaboration.

In her welcome address after the inauguration, Anastasia Khokhlova, Director of the Russian House in Kathmandu, highlighted Russia’s commitment in promoting academic and scientific cooperation with Nepal.

“Science is not only about laboratories and theories; it is about people. When we connect scientists, educators, and young minds from Nepal and Russia, we create living diplomacy that lasts longer than any political document,” she said.

Representatives from leading Russian universities, including the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN) and the Omsk State Agrarian University, joined virtually to share insights on Russia’s expanding network for global education and research partnerships.

Speaking on the occasion, Acad. Prof. Dr. Anjana Singh said that while science diplomacy is still emerging in Nepal, it holds immense potential.

“For a country like Nepal science diplomacy is a pathway to sustainable progress,” she noted, calling for institutional frameworks and science counselors within embassies.

Similarly, Prof. Dr. Jibaraj Pokhrel, Former Vice-Chancellor of NAST, stressed on the need for stronger national prioritization of science and technology, recommending the establishment of a Science Attaché post in Nepal’s embassies.

Likewise, Dr. Mitra Bandhu Poudel highlighted the gaps in policy and human resources, underscoring that Nepal must strengthen competency-based education and negotiation skills before engaging internationally.

Dr Dipak Gyawali, Former Minister for Water Resources, drew a distinction between science and technology diplomacy, stressing the value of Track-2 and people-to-people diplomacy:

“Academia, chambers of commerce, and the media must engage directly to keep collaboration alive even when governments pause,” he said.

Also speaking at the program, Dr Shambhu Ram Simkhada, Former UN Representative, observed that science and diplomacy both depend on truth and trust, stating that “foreign policy must be informed by evidence and guided by continuity.”

Prof. Dr. Tri Ratna Bajracharya linked renewable energy and international education to science diplomacy, noting that Nepal’s hydropower sector could serve as a platform for collaboration with Russia and beyond.

Kushal Gurung, President of the Renewable Energy Confederation of Nepal, called for stronger climate diplomacy, while Er Gunaraj Dhakal, Climate and Energy Expert, emphasized bottom-up motivation and public–private partnerships for green transformation.

In his closing remarks, Er Ganesh Shah emphasized the transformative role of science in diplomacy, stating that it “connects nations beyond boundaries. We can foster global collaboration for peace and sustainability through education, research, and innovation,”

The National Youth Association Nepal, the youth organization of the CPN-UML, has decided to form a youth force covering every ward and province, and assigning the responsibility to vice-president of the association, Maharaj Gurung. 

According to the association’s spokesperson Niroj Paudyal, a campaign to this effect will be conducted in all seven provinces from Nov 13 to 26. 

The aim is to dispel misconceptions about the party’s policies and leadership throughout the country, further strengthening and uniting the party through the upcoming general convention, establishing the party’s core leadership and youth leadership and ensuring the safety of the public in view of the deteriorating security situation across the country, the association stated.

The government has prohibited the construction of structures and planting of trees alongside the 400- kV power transmission line to be built by MCA-Nepal.

The government spokesperson and Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagdish Kharel informed that it has been prohibited to build and plant trees on the land of about 1,381 hectares of land 23-23 meters to the right and left of the center line of the power transmission line in the districts of Nawalparasi, Palpa, Tanahun, Chitwan, Dhading, Sindhupalchowk, Kathmandu, Nuwakot and Makawanpur. T

he Cabinet has decided to provide prior approval for a survey on the organization and management of the Ministry of Energy and its subordinate bodies.

A person died while two others sustained injuries in a jeep accident at Hapani in Ichchhakamana Rural Municipality-2, Chitwan district on Tuesday evening.

Rabindra Adhikari, spokesperson at the District Police Office, Chitwan informed that the deceased has been identified as Bir Bahadur Praja (80) of Hapani.

Similarly, Karna Bahadur Praja and Bishnu Praja of Hapani, who sustained injuries in the incident, have been sent to Bharatpur for treatment.

The jeep was heading to Hapani from Phisling when the accident occurred.  There were four people including the driver in the jeep.

Police said that they have arrested Jeep driver Bikash Praja for investigation.

The third Shuklaphanta industrial and tourism fair kicked off at Jhalari in Kanchanpur on Tuesday.

Organized by Shuklaphanta Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the main objective of the fair is to promote local economy, self-sufficiency and contribution to prosperity in Sudurpaschim Province.

Chamber's Vice Chairman Basudev Bhandari informed that that event would promote culture, tourism and handicrafts as well.

Agricultural and industrial products, food festival, document screening, children’s games, cultural pageant and performance by the national and local artists feature the two-week-long fair. The organizers have estimated the proceeds of Rs 3.9 million from the event.

Those setting up stalls need to pay a fee to the organizers. Shuklaphanta Municipality is sponsoring the fair.

Even a 181-member main organizing committee and nine thematic committees have been formed to conduct the event successfully.

The 23rd edition of the Doha Forum is scheduled to take place on 6–7 December 2025.

The Forum will bring together heads of state, policymakers, thought leaders, and experts from across continents to engage on the defining challenges of the 21st century — spanning peace and security, economic resilience, and technological transformation.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, Doha Forum 2025 reaffirms Qatar’s steadfast commitment to diplomacy and multilateral cooperation.

Guided by this year’s theme, “Justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress,” the Forum will convene diverse voices to exchange perspectives and explore pathways toward a more just, balanced and sustainable world.

Mubarak Ajlan Al-Kuwari, Executive Director of Doha Forum, said: “At a time of profound global change, Doha Forum continues to serve as a neutral and inclusive platform for dialogue and diplomacy. By bringing together diverse perspectives, we aim to strengthen mutual understanding and foster solutions that advance the common good.”

Maha Al-Kuwari, General Manager of Doha Forum, added: “Doha Forum 2025 places justice at the heart of global dialogue - not as an ideal to debate, but as a shared responsibility to uphold. Our goal is to ensure that the conversations taking place here translate into the cooperation and tangible results the world urgently needs.”

Developed in collaboration with leading think tanks and international institutions, the 2025 program will explore the critical issues shaping today’s global agenda - from conflict prevention and economic reform to energy security, AI governance, and media integrity.

Vehicular movement along the Barpak-Laprak section in Gorkha has been closed from today.

The road linking Barpak of Barpak Sulikot Rural Municipality-1 and Laprak of Dharche Rural Municipality-4 has been closed for two days from today for its upgrading. 

Chairperson of Dharche Rural Municipality-4, Kisan Gurung, said the construction company, Sharma-Vicky JV Construction Company, is constructing different structures by closing the vehicular movement for two days.

Gurung shared that vehicles have been urged to use alternative routes.

Passengers have been facing problems in lack of completion of the road section on time. The road section used to remain closed for months during the rainy season every year due to delay in road upgrading tasks.

Though the contract was signed in Jeth, 2072 BS in order to complete the road construction by Jeth, 2079 BS, it has not been completed so far.

Earnings per share (EPS) of most commercial banks have declined in the first quarter of the current fiscal year compared to the same period last year, according to financial reports published by the banks. Of the 19 commercial banks listed on the Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse), only four reported a fall in EPS in the first quarter of 2025/26. Citizens Bank has posted a negative EPS.

EPS represents the portion of a company’s profit allocated to each outstanding share of common stock. It is calculated by dividing a company’s net profit by the number of its shares. In the banking sector, EPS serves as a key indicator of profitability and operational efficiency.

Everest Bank recorded the highest EPS among commercial banks, at Rs 36.44 per share—an increase of Rs 1.59 compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal year. Standard Chartered Bank stood second with an EPS of Rs 27.57, down Rs 9 from Rs 36.57 a year ago. Similarly, the EPS of Prime Commercial Bank dropped by Rs 0.59 to Rs 25.94.

Nabil Bank’s EPS stood at Rs 25.49, followed by NMB Bank at Rs 19.95, Global IME Bank at Rs 19.51, Nepal SBI Bank at Rs 18.41, and Kumari Bank and government-owned Nepal Bank both at Rs 16.11. Machhapuchchhre Bank posted an EPS of Rs 13.83, Sanima Bank Rs 13.15, Himalayan Bank Rs 12.45, Prabhu Bank Rs 9.49, Siddhartha Bank Rs 9.03, and Laxmi Sunrise Bank Rs 5.46.

Among the lowest performers were NIC Asia Bank with an EPS of Rs 3.21, Nepal Investment Bank with Rs 0.17, and Citizens Bank with a negative EPS of Rs –5.97.

A higher EPS typically signals better earnings performance, suggesting that the institution can provide higher returns to shareholders, either through dividends or capital gains. On the other hand, a declining or negative EPS raises concerns about profitability, efficiency, or growing costs.

EPS is one of the most closely watched indicators for investors in the stock market. A consistently high EPS suggests stable income and potential for dividend payouts, while a shrinking EPS can dampen investor confidence.

Table

EPS of commercial banks (in Rs)