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The Bagmati provincial government has collected only 10 percent of its estimated annual revenue in the first quarter. Revenue collection has been impacted by weak internal sources, limited cash collection, and shortfalls in grants received from the federal government.

Shri Krishna Acharya, spokesperson for the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Planning, stated that the government collected Rs 6.86bn in revenue in the first three months of the current fiscal year (July to October). The provincial government has set a revenue target of Rs 64.5bn for this fiscal year, of which only 12.95 percent has been collected.

From internal revenue sources, the provincial government collected Rs 898.4m, achieving 19.8 percent of its Rs 4.53bn target.

Major opposition parties criticize the government, alleging that it is overly focused on revenue collection while falling short of its development goals. Prem Bahadur Pulami, a provincial assembly member from the CPN (Maoist Center), remarked, “This is the path to failure for this government. No part of the government seems to be functioning effectively.”

The provincial government expects a subsidy of Rs 15.5bn from the federal government, of which it received Rs 2.06bn (13.23 percent) in the first quarter. However, no additional federal funds have been received so far. Revenue data indicates a lack of focus on enhancing internal revenue growth. 

“There is a recurring issue with provincial governments failing to utilize allocated budgets and mobilize resources. Bagmati, being the province with the central capital, should set an example,” stated Pralhad Lamichhane, former member of the Provincial Policy and Planning Commission of Bagmati Province. He emphasized the need for the provincial government to prioritize resource identification, mobilization, and expenditure, as there are adequate financial resources within the province.

For the current fiscal year, the provincial government expects to generate Rs 27.38bn from taxes and Rs 6.51bn from other revenue sources.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has said the non-resident Nepalis (NRNs) have contributed to the strengthening of Nepal's unity.

In his address to a program organized here today, marking the NRNA Day and AGM, the minister referred to NRNs as honorary ambassadors of Nepal.

On the occasion, he said the government is preparing for legal amendments to promote the economic, social, and cultural rights of the NRN community. He urged them to always stand for a prosperous Nepal with the establishment of democracy and a rule of law.

NRNA President Dr Badri KC said the NRNs are interested in investing in Nepal and urged the government to create an investment-friendly atmosphere.

NRNA former President Dr Upendra Mahato stressed the need to resolve disputes seen within the Association.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that there will be no compromise on the issues of nation and national interests for the cause of power bickering.

Addressing a seminar on the national 'Role of Ex-Security Personnel on National Security and Development', the Prime Minister recalled the signing of the Trade and Transit Agreement with China by considering the national interest when India imposed an economic blockade on Nepal.

"Now, attempts are made to attack the forms of national security under different pretexts. We have moved ahead with the firm determination not to harm others but to grasp our genuine interests," the PM added.

PM Oli said that the current government of two major political parties, Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML, was working to safeguard the aspirations of national unity and national interests.

On a separate context, PM Oli, also the CPN-UML Chairman, said the weapons that are kept under the ground and are rusted won't make any sense now and urged the concerned side not to issue threats to the Nepali society by false publicity.

Likewise, the PM urged his critics-- who term him being unpopular -- to wait until the upcoming elections.

Similarly, he said that democracy was not anarchy and added that any sort of threats was unacceptable in a democracy.

On the occasion, PM Oli said that the government implemented the report of the parliamentary committee on investigations on cooperative funds' embezzlement and stated that showing unruly acts in the court defending the investigated persons was against the democratic norms and values.

The Civil Aviation Authority Nepal (CAAN) has taken action against Thai AirAsia, suspending all flights to Nepal.

However, the flight of the airline flown to Kathmandu from Thailand was finally allowed to land at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) after keeping it 'on hold' for around an hour in the sky, according to the aviation regulatory body.

Authority's Information Officer Gyanendra Bhul confirmed that the CAAN had suspended all flights of Thai AirAsia for the time being. The Airlines' GSA (General Sales Agent) has been scrapped.

Bhul further shared that the flight permit for Thai AirAsia was effective up to October 26 only.

In this light, today's flight has been permitted to operate as a 'special chartered' flight.

According to him, holding the plane for an extended period of time in the sky raises security concerns. "We allowed today's flight to land considering the safety of the passengers and on humanitarian ground," he explained.

However, he clarified that all other flights of the same airlines have been suspended with immediate effect.

The flight will fly to Bangkok today itself with passengers, the TIA said. This action came in the wake of the TIA implementing winter schedules for flights from today.

The new flight schedule is valid from October 27, 2024 to March 31, 2025.

In a display of unity and cultural heritage, over 1,000 dancers and musicians gathered at Kathmandu Durbar Square on World Tourism Day 2024 to perform a vibrant Mass Dhime dance and a unique fusion orchestra. The event, organized by the Kathmandu Durbar Square Tourism Promotion Association in collaboration with the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, showcased Nepal’s rich traditions and attracted a captivated audience.

Dancers, dressed in colorful traditional attire, delivered a lively and spirited performance, highlighting the country’s diverse cultural landscape. The celebration aimed to promote tourism and appreciation of Nepal’s cultural heritage, bringing together locals and visitors alike.

The event was directed by Sudan Man Munikar, with video coverage by Siddhartha Maharjan and his team, capturing the essence of this joyous occasion. World Tourism Day 2024 served as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural traditions while embracing tourism as a vital component of Nepal’s economy.

I recently started working as an intern at a firm in Birgunj, Nepal. Initially, I was excited to join and I didn’t have any difficulties making friends. But, at my new workplace, no one talks to me. It’s been months, and despite my efforts to communicate, my colleagues don’t engage with me and often give me extra work. I frequently feel isolated and burdened. I even have lunch alone. The enthusiasm I had when I first joined has completely faded. Now, I don’t feel like going to work and would rather stay in bed all day. Is there something wrong with me? How should I handle this?

Answered by Dr Rika Rijal, consultant psychiatrist

Firstly, it’s important to acknowledge that workplace challenges like isolation and heavy workloads can deeply affect our mental well-being. What you’re experiencing is more common than you might think, especially for fresh graduates entering a new professional environment. Many people feel the pressure to fit in, but if the environment remains unwelcoming or overly demanding, it can lead to feelings of loneliness and burnout.

This year’s World Mental Health Day theme—It’s time to prioritize mental health in the workplace—is a reminder that everyone, regardless of their position or level, has the right to mental well-being and a supportive environment. It’s crucial to prioritize your mental health. Consider having an honest conversation with your manager or HR about how you’re feeling. They may not be aware of the issues you’re facing. This could lead to some positive changes.

It’s okay to establish boundaries when it comes to workload. You shouldn’t feel burdened with excessive tasks that go beyond your capacity as an intern. Learning to say ‘no’ when necessary is important for your mental well-being. Try to connect with colleagues, even outside of work. Joining any social or interest groups within or outside the workplace could help foster new friendships. Reflect on what aspects of the job bring you joy or stress. If the overall environment doesn’t align with your values and well-being, it may be worth considering a change.

Before making any final decision about leaving, try to assess if things improve after communicating your concerns. However, if the workplace continues to negatively impact your mental health, it’s perfectly reasonable to look for a new opportunity where you feel valued and supported. Remember, prioritizing your mental health is not only your right but essential for overall success.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) plunged by 9. 19 points to close at 2,617.95 points on Sunday.

Similarly, the sensitive index dropped by 4. 45 points to close at 369. 80 points.

A total of 11,134,178-unit shares of 320 companies were traded for Rs 4. 73 billion.

Meanwhile, Life Insurance Corporation (Nepal) Limited (LICN), River Falls Power Limited (RFPL) and Mai Khola Hydropower Limited (MKHL) were the top gainers today with their price surging by 10. 00 percent.

Likewise, Nepal SBI Bank Limited (SBI) was the top loser with its price dropped by 6. 79 percent.

At the end of the day, the total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 16 trillion.  

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has recommended utilizing IT innovations to simplify our lives.

In his address to the "Artificial Intelligence (AI) International Conference,' organized by the Youth Association of Nepal today, the Prime Minister stressed the need to promote the use of science and technology to pursue a more convenient lifestyle.

"We have a thirst for development and the concept of Digital Nepal was launched to address such desire.  We should ensure the responsible use of AI, being aware of its potential misuse," the Prime Minister said. He also echoed the need for legal provisions to prevent the potential abuse of AI technologies.

He advised that the use of AI in education be explored to improve students' performance. Prime Minister Oli also said the government will develop policies and plans on AI.

The two-day event aims to educate youths, political parties, and the public about AI development and its applications, it is said

Prime Minister Oli today inaugurated the event which is said to be the first of its kind in Nepal. According to YAN Chair Kshitiz Thebe, the event is expected to help enable an atmosphere conducive to preparing a national policy on AI.

"We hope this conference will contribute to the further development of the IT sector in Nepal," he said, adding that it has been attended by around 1,000 representatives from home and abroad.

Association General Secretary Suman Puri said the Conference will feature 10 panel discussions on various AI-related topics with the participation of foreign AI experts and representatives including from the European Union, Japan, the UK, and so on.