Indian Embassy organizes event to mark Ashadha Purnima

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu organized a special event to mark the auspicious occasion of Ashadha Purnima.

Representatives from various Buddhist sects and monasteries in Nepal participated in this celebration.

Ashadha Purnima marks the moment when Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon to his initial five ascetic disciples at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh.

This sermon, which took place after Lord Buddha's enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, introduced us to the 'Four Noble Truths' and the 'Noble Eightfold Path'. This day is also recognized as the ‘First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma’.

The celebrations featured ceremonial prayers conducted by the Theravada Sangha, Mahayana Sangha, and Vajrayana Sangha. These were followed by the recitation and dedication of prayers from the Buddhist Sutras, reads a statement issued by the Embassy.

Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM), Shri Prasanna Shrivastava, highlighted the profound significance of Lord Buddha's teachings, emphasizing that the sacred Buddhist sites in both India and Nepal exemplify the shared cultural heritage between the two nations.

The DCM also underscored that Buddhism has long served as a unifying force between India and Nepal, fostering enduring ties over centuries.

 

CPN (US) issues whip to vote against PM Oli in floor test

The CPN (Unified Soclialist) has directed its lawmakers to vote against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in a floor test scheduled for today.

CPN-US Leader Metmani Chaudhary said that the party has instructed its lawmakers to mandatorily present in the Parliament meeting today and vote against PM Oli.  

The party will support the government on merits and demerits by remaining in the opposition, he added.

 

Gold price drops by Rs 1, 300 per tola on Sunday

The price of gold has dropped by Rs 1, 300 per tola in the domestic market on Sunday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the yellow metal is being traded at Rs 146, 200 per tola today.

Similarly, tejabi gold is being traded at Rs 145, 500 per tola.

Meanwhile, the silver is being traded at Rs 1,810 per tola today.

 

PM Oli seeking vote of confidence today

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is seeking a vote of confidence in the Parliament today.

The Constitution of Nepal mandates that the Prime Minister appointed with the support of two or more than two political parties should seek a vote of confidence within 30 days of his/her appointment

The newly appointed Prime Minister is taking a trust vote at the House of Representatives (HoR) as per the Article 76(4) of the Constitution.

It may be noted that President Ram Chandra Paudel on July 14 had appointed Oli as the Prime Minister in accordance with the Article 76 (2) of the Constitution.

Chairperson of the CPN-UML, Oli was appointed the Prime Minister with the support of the Nepali Congress.

The Parliament meeting is scheduled for 1 pm today.

Prime Minister Oli (73) succeeded CPN (Maoist Center) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal as the 45th Head of Executive of the country.

In the trust motion, Prime Minister Oli is likely to garner votes from his own party and the Nepali Congress as well as other fringe parties.

A total of 138 votes are required for a majority in the 275-member House of Representatives.

 

Heavy rain likely in Sudurpaschim, Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini

Some places of Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces and some places of Koshi, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces are receiving light to moderate rain.

This is due to the influence of monsoon air prevailing across the country, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.

This afternoon, the weather will be partly to mostly cloudy in the country with a possibility of light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning at some places of Gandaki, Lumbini and Sudurpaschim Provinces including hilly areas of Koshi and Bagmati Provinces. There is also a possibility of heavy rain at one or two places in Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces.

Later tonight, the weather will be partly to mostly cloudy across the country with a possibility of light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning at some places in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces and some places in Madhes Province. There is a possibility of heavy rain in some places of Sudurpaschim Province and one or two places of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini Provinces.

In the next 24 hours, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning in many places of Sudurpaschim Province, some places of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Karnali Provinces and some places of Madhes Province.

Also, there is a possibility of heavy rain in one or two places of Sudurpaschim Province, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini Provinces, says the weather bulletin issued by the department this morning.

 

17 students returning from Bangladesh today

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that 17 students studying in Bangladesh will be brought to Kathmandu today.

The Prime Minister said that arrangements have been made to bring back 17 Nepali students studying at Inam Medical College in Sawar region of Bangladesh, as per the request of the concerned families.

In a message released by Prime Minister Oli on Saturday night on social media, he said, "Due to the protest demanding the abolition of the quota system in government service in Bangladesh, Nepali students are insecure. Today I met with the families of those students. According to the request of the family, arrangements have been made to bring 17 Nepali students studying at Inam Medical College in Sawar area to Dhaka airport at 4 am tomorrow and then to Kathmandu."

Prime Minister Oli has also mentioned that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a notice to fill the online form for the facilitation of other students who want to return to Nepal.

In Bangladesh, students are protesting against the reservation imposed in government service.

Around 3, 000 Nepali students are currently studying in various universities in Bangladesh, according to the Embassy of Nepal in Dhaka.

 

42nd BP Memorial Day being celebrated today

The 42nd Memorial Day of the first elected Prime Minister, BP Koirala, is being celebrated today by organizing a variety of programs across the country.

Born on Bhadra 24, 1971 BS, Koirala passed away on July 21, 1982. Founder of the Nepali Congress, BP Koirala had also established his fame as a proponent of the principles of 'nationalism, democracy and socialism' and 'national reconciliation'. Koirala became the first elected Prime Minister of Nepal in May, 1959 after the parliamentary elections of 1958.

He has also contributed significantly to the field of Nepali literature. A pioneer of psychological realism in Nepali literature, Koirala has to his credit one and a half dozen works including 'Tin Ghumti', 'Modi Ain', 'Hitler and Jew', 'Sumnima' and 'Narendradai' among others.

During his prime ministership, he pushed forward the land reform program of abolition of birta system and the notion that the tillers should own the land.

On December 15, 1960, after the popularly elected government was overthrown by the then King, Koirala and other leaders were imprisoned in the Singha Durbar. A month later, he was imprisoned in Sundarijal jail along with other leaders.

Koirala, who was released from prison for health reasons in 1968 BS, lived in exile in India for eight years. After analyzing that nationalism weakened while in exile in India and fighting for the restoration of democracy, he returned to Nepal with the policy of national unity and reconciliation on December 30, 1976.

The Sundarijal Prison, where the Prime Minister, Speaker of the Parliament and Ministers of the first elected government were imprisoned, has been transformed into the BP museum. The museum shares a collection of the important things of BP's life. In addition to the important materials of BP's life, the tanker used in the revolution of 2007, the plane of Nepal Airlines Corporation, which was hijacked by the Congress to raise funds for the revolution in 1972, are also kept in the museum.

On the occasion of BP Memorial Day, Nepali Congress, sister organizations and BP Museum Management Committee will organize a variety of events today, said Chief Secretary of the NC Office, Krishna Prasad Paudel.

Likewise, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has organized a program to distribute the BP Koirala National Award at the Prime Minister's Residence in Baluwatar later today.

 

Mind Matters | Constantly worried

I’m a 35-year-old man. For the last 10-15 years, I have constantly worried that something bad might happen. I seek advice from many people about my problems, but I struggle to trust their perspectives and can’t decide what to do. Even after solving problems, I don’t feel happy and quickly start worrying about new issues, feeling sad again. My mind fixates on problems, preventing me from taking definitive actions or sticking to my decisions because I fear there might be more problems. What should I do?

Answered by Kapil Sharma, counseling psychologist, Nepal Institute of Mental Health 

Constant worry, indecision, and an inability to feel content even after resolving problems might be signs of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). For those with GAD, managing worries can be incredibly tough, impacting everyday decisions and overall well-being. These worries often span many areas of life and can feel overwhelming without a clear reason. People with GAD often tend to expect the worst, thinking that one negative event means more are on the way. This mindset can make it hard to trust others’ advice and make decisions, leading to more anxiety and inaction.

If you’re dealing with GAD, mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help. Practices like deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can calm your mind and reduce anxiety by keeping you focused on the present. Structured decision-making can also be effective. Listing pros and cons, setting deadlines, and seeking advice from fewer people can prevent feeling overwhelmed. Creating a clear plan for decision-making can bring clarity and direction.

Engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment is crucial. Practices like deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety by keeping you focused on the present. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a highly effective treatment for GAD. It helps identify and challenge distorted thinking, promoting healthier thought patterns. A trained therapist can provide tools to manage your anxiety and make more confident decisions, helping reframe catastrophic thoughts into more balanced perspectives and reducing worry.

Seeking professional support from a trained mental health specialist is essential for successfully treating GAD. With the correct treatment and support, you can learn to manage your anxieties, make confident decisions, and live a more rewarding life. Consulting with a psychologist or psychiatrist who can provide individualized support and, if necessary, medication to help control your anxiety is highly recommended.

Taking preventative measures can dramatically improve your mental health and well-being. Seeking treatment is a sign of strength and the first step towards a healthier, more balanced existence.