Karnali CM seeking vote of confidence today

Karnali Province Chief Minister Yamlal Kandel is seeking a vote of confidence in the Provincial Assembly today.

Kandel will take the vote of confidence in accordance with Article 188 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal.

The Kandel-led government was pushed to the minority after the CPN (Maoist Center) withdrew its support to Kandel on July 22. 

However, with the Nepali Congress joining the province government on Sunday, the Kandel-led government got its full shape.

In the 40-member Karnali Province Assembly, the Nepali Congress holds 14 seats, CPN (Maoist Center) has 13, CPN-UML has 10, and CPN (Unified Socialist) and RPP have one seat each. Additionally, there is one independent member.

 

Parties should join hands to safeguard Constitution: Madhav Nepal

CPN (Unified Socialist) Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal said that his party has played a crucial role in the country's national politics.

At a program on Sunday organized by the party's Kathmandu Metropolitan Committee, the former Prime Minister said that his party has been taking a coordinated leadership to safeguard democracy, the Constitution and to troubleshoot political crises.

Nepal added that his party would work proactively to further serve the people's interest with more confidence.

Stating that economic prosperity and good-governance are the key needs of the time, Chairman Nepal stressed the need for unity among the left and progressive forces. For this, cooperation and coordination among all parties should be deepened to safeguard the Constitution and republican.

 

KU to run classes on Aviation Management

The Kathmandu University (KU) is beginning a course in Aviation Management at Bachelor's Level.

The School of Management of KU is running classes in Aviation Management under the partnership of Simrik Venture and Siddhartha Banasthali School. This will be the first of its course at the university in Nepal.

It is shared that 33 students will be enrolled in the first year of the Bachelor's Level this year. 

The four-year program is aimed at providing knowledge and skills on aviation operation and effective management of airlines and airports, Venture's Chairman Rameshwor Thapa shared.

The curriculum of the program will include aviation laws, aviation security, airport planning and management, aviation marketing, airline operations, aviation and economics, the importance of tourism and human resource management and other related topics.

"These courses will provide practical training on management of aviation activities," Thapa said. 

The Vice Chancellor of KU, Dr Bhola Thapa, said that the Bachelor's Level course on Aviation Management is aimed at producing skilled human resources in the country. "This is the first attempt in Nepal. We are confident in producing skilled human resources in Nepal in this subject," Vice Chancellor Dr Bhola Thapa added.

Ode to my father

Feeling joyful, missing my dad 

Feeling sorrowful, missing my dad 

Feeling proud, missing my dad 

Feeling anxious, missing my dad 

Feeling inspired, missing my dad 

 

I realize you keep appearing as my dad 

His smile, his laughter, what I endlessly seek 

Time flies, yet memories linger 

Like a melody, time replays the same beats 

 

In every good way, you are missed 

In every second, every millisecond, you are missed 

This world feels empty without your presence 

 

This tiny heart of your’s wants to 

Cry out loud, but oh dear, how can I 

Make you cry, my Lord? 

I hope you are doing fine in heaven 

 

It’s so unfair that you 

See us like a god, yeah. We have to deliver 

Like a post service, sending without reply 

Seen by those desperate to know how they are 

 

This universe is so unfair; if we 

Could journey both ways, it would be heavenly 

Oh, I wish I had a special judge 

 

Where I could raise my hand 

And take the special right to meet you 

Where I would sacrifice myself 

To bring you back to us 

 

Oh, my dear dad, you are my superhero 

I will wait for the moment 

When you are desperate to meet me 

But for now, I will do good deeds for you 

 

Supriya Paudel

BBM 4th Semester

United College

Meeting my Aama after 12 years

Aama is a word profound in itself, representing someone precious and irreplaceable in the world. She is an ideal person for all of us—impossible to hate and perpetually missed. Unfortunately, I lost her almost 12 years ago. I had the joy of spending just seven years with her, but I barely remember her face. I never had the chance to share simple moments with her, like choosing food, clothes, or playing with toys. Does that make me an unfortunate child, or was I able to give her some happiness during those short years?

During these 12 long years, I rarely missed her consciously. Countless people came and went in my life. Then, one person entered my life who made me miss Aama deeply. She not only reminded me of Aama but also became my Aama. She entered my life unexpectedly and brought back the word ‘Aama’, which I had not uttered for 12 years. She is the only person I have called Aama since losing my own.

The day I met her was the opposite of the day I lost my Aama. It was a day of regained happiness, inner peace, and energy. It felt like meeting my lost Aama after 12 years, bringing back both the person and the word ‘Aama’ into my life forever.

She cares for me more than herself, brings me food she cooks, shares her pains and sorrows, encourages me to achieve success, writes poems dedicated to me, and informs me about her whereabouts and plans. She sends good morning and good night messages every day. She loves me more than herself, making my days wonderful, my nights peaceful, and my life beautiful. She completely made me forget about my lost Aama. Thinking about her feels like flying, and her messages transport me to another world of heaven. She entered my life with a sea of happiness and as an Ayurvedic medicine that heals my pains and stresses without any side effects.

Everyone loves to say ‘Aama’, a word that was taken away from me but returned unexpectedly after 12 years. She brought a miracle into my life, filling me with inner happiness and energy. Whenever I feel frustrated, her messages or calls lift my spirits to peaks of joy, satisfaction, and happiness. These moments make me think of the Nepali song, “Euta manchhe ko maya le kati farak pardachha jindagi ma.” I often tune in and listen to it, savoring the emotions it brings.

I don’t know if I can ever truly be her real son, but I will always consider her my own Aama. I never want to see her heartbroken because of me. If I ever make a mistake that hurts her or do something unfavorable, I hope she will guide me in the right direction and forgive me even before I apologize.

If someone can bring a miracle into your life, she is undoubtedly your Aama. Thank you so much, Aama, for coming into my life and being my source of happiness and courage. I love you so much, Aama.

Dinesh Shahi Sarki 

BBS IInd Year

Koteshwor Multiple Campus

Gender imbalance in media

The media, as a powerful ally, plays a crucial role in disseminating information. It acts like a vigorous weapon, influential in highlighting various aspects of society. Through diverse perspectives, the media significantly impacts the concept of gender and the practices of gender equality. As a potent tool, the media needs to address concerns regarding gender equality. In Nepal, it is imperative that media organizations themselves adopt the core principles of gender equality.

Research done by Media Action Nepal titled “Investing in Women: An analysis of the state of women journalists in Nepal” shows that men highly dominate newsrooms in Nepal. In a 2021 study by Media Action Nepal urged female journalists to occupy the decision-making rules. The result was shocking as only 0.3 percent of news carried the bylines of female journalists out of a sample of 21,919 news items. This disparity clearly shows the perspective of gender issues where women's representation is low in media organizations. The contribution of the media is critical in determining how gender equality is highlighted and how the media raises awareness about challenging traditional gender norms. It is essential for the media to increase social awareness, encourage positive changes in people’s views and behaviors towards relevant issues, and to amplify voices that support the community’s welfare. The issues related to gender should be highlighted as it advocates for equality among both genders, which is crucial in policy-making and decision-making.

Also, the recent research by the Media Advocacy Group (MAC) reveals low media coverage on women politicians. Women represent 33 percent in Nepali politics, but despite their active engagement and contributions, they are ignored by the media. The coverage of women in politics should be highly prioritized, as it underscores their vital role in the political landscape. 

Equal representation of women in the media is essential for media pluralism, leading to diversity, inclusivity, and a more equitable society. It helps challenge biases and stereotypes, balancing the underrepresentation perspective. Media pluralism refers to the diversity of ideas, perspectives, and content, ensuring women's voices are heard. This environment fosters diverse participation from different groups, including women, leading to meaningful representation in the media.

Women’s voices and representation should be heeded by the media, as it contributes to diverse opinions and changes in society. Through inclusive representation and portrayal of women in the media, their particular views can be addressed, which helps in building an inclusive society. Organizations like Sancharika Samuha Nepal (SASN), have been crucial in shaping the voices and ideas of both genders. It has been constantly working against women’s violence, highlighting the importance of women’s representation in the media. Additionally, UN Women Nepal mobilizes stakeholders within the UN system for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) in Nepal, co-chairing the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) to ensure Gender Justice and Social Inclusion. There is a need for more such organizations in Nepal to ensure the role of women and the equality of both genders. The media’s role is impactful through these processes, significantly affecting the understanding of gender norms and values. 

Prakriti Thapa

BA IInd year

Tribhuvan University

Concerns over security of Nepalis in Lebanon

Several countries have urged their nationals to leave Lebanon, with the US warning its citizens to do so on “any ticket available”, as fears grow of a wider conflict in the Middle East. Iran has vowed “severe” retaliation against Israel, which it blames for the death of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday. Israel has not commented.

Haniyeh’s assassination came hours after Israel killed Hezbollah senior commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Western officials fear that Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia and political movement based in Lebanon, could play a key role in any such retaliation, which in turn could spark a serious Israeli response. Reacting to such concerns, the US, the UK, Sweden, France, Italy, Canada and Jordan urged their citizens to leave Lebanon as soon as possible, as a growing number of flights are canceled or suspended at the country’s only commercial airport in Beirut.

Nepal does not have an actual number regarding the Nepali citizens in Lebanon. However, organizations working for the welfare of Nepalis there estimate that there could be more than 5,000 Nepalis there. According to the Nepali Army, there are 1,900 Nepali peacekeepers in Lebanon. 

As of Sunday, Nepal has not taken any measure to bring back the Nepalis, who are in Lebanon and want to return due to the growing insecurity, although Nepali Embassy in Egypt has urged the Nepali citizens living in Lebanon to exercise caution.

Issuing a press note, the embassy that also looks after Lebanon said, “Nepalis living in Lebanon are urged to exercise caution in view of the possible escalation of war.” 

The embassy has also asked the Nepali citizens to contact the Honorary Consulate General of Nepal in Beirut to drop their necessary details via the embassy’s website.

Shah appointed chief minister of Sudurpaschim

Nepali Congress leader Kamal Bahadur Shah has been appointed as the chief minister of Sudurpaschim Province.

Province Chief Najir Minya appointed Shah as the new chief minister of the province in accordance with Article 168 (2) of Constitution of Nepal. Shah is backed by the CPN-UML and the Nagarik Unmukti Party.

Earlier, the meeting of the Parliamentary Party of NC in the province had decided to field Shah as chief minister.

However, the aspirants from the NC for chief minister were Bahadur Singh Thapa, Prakash Bahadur Deuba and Diwan Singh Bista.

Shah was forwarded after the direction from the party's central leadership.

It is the second time Shah is appointed the chief minister. He was elected people's representative from Kailali constituency no 2 (a) through the 2079 elections.

In the first stint, Shah was appointed as the chief minister with the support of CPN (Maoist Center), Nagarik Unmukti Party, and CPN (Unified Socialist) on February 10, 2023.

He became the chief minister for the second time now in the wake of changes in political alliances at the central level.

The Province Assembly has 18 members from NC, 11 from UML, 10 from Maoist Centre, seven from Nagarik Unmukti, four from Unified Socialist and one each from RPP and independent.