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Annapurna Media Network General Manager Manoj Basnet has been honored with “Community Media Award 2025” from America.

On the occasion of its first anniversary, The Triveni Times, which is being operated from New York, USA, honored seven journalists with “Community Media Award 2025” including Basnet.

They were honored with the award amidst a ceremony held in New York for playing an instrumental role to connect the media to the community, according to The Triveni Times.

Along with the award, New York State Assembly Member Jennifer Rajkumar's Office also provided a certificate of appreciation to them.

Manoj Basnet of Annapurna Media Network from Nepal, Manzoor Hussain of Dunya International and Global TV USA, Harpreet Singh Toor of Main Stream Media, Samrat Karki of Hello America, Lovlu Ansar of Bangladesh Pration, Yiyi Ji of The China Press and Dave Llavanes of GMA Network INC are among those who were honored with the award.

“Basnet, who is leading the Nepali media industry, has been playing a vital role to connect the media and the community,” The Triveni Times operator Nawaraj KC said during an award ceremony program, adding, “He has been doing greatly exemplary works in connecting the media and the community through Annapurna Media Network, Nepal’s trusted media house.

“At the same time, Annapurna Media Network has been playing an important role to connect the American communities of Nepali origin living in America, which is commendable in itself,” KC said.

He further said that Basnet was selected for the “Community Media Award 2025” for his consistent performance in connecting the media and the community.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has said that achieving economic prosperity is one of the priorities of the incumbent government.

In his address to a press meet organized by the Nepal Press Union in Mahendranagar today, the Home Minister said the Nepali Congress-CPN-UML government aims to achieve economic prosperity, good governance, durable peace and accelerate the mission for development and prosperity.

"The two major political parties formed the coalition government for bringing political stability and durable peace in the nation," the Minister who represented the NC in the government said.

He took time to say that the government is preparing for summoning the Parliament session soon. "Once the winter session of the Parliament convenes, the first day is expected to see the presentations of recently issued ordinances which will be later replaced by laws."

He urged one and all to be confident that the government will last until the upcoming general elections to take place in 2084 BS. "We have no issues at all."

The Home Minister said the government is committed to addressing issues regarding the construction of a bridge over the Mahakali River and building a dry port in Dodhara Chandani soon.

As Maha Kumbh began in Prayagraj at the holy confluence of the revered Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers, the largest religious congregation on Earth is anticipated to generate more than Rs 4 lakh crore in trade in a significant boost to India's economy, The South Asian Times reported.

As per industry estimates, Maha Kumbh is expected to boost both nominal and real GDP by over 1 percent. The Uttar Pradesh government expects approximately 40 crore visitors, both domestic and international, to attend the event.

According to government estimates, Maha Kumbh may generate Rs 2 lakh crore in trade if each of 40 crore visitors spends an average of Rs 5,000.

Industry estimates further say that the average expenditure per person could rise to even Rs 10,000 at the mega event, and the total economic impact could reach Rs 4 lakh crore.

Meanwhile, companies from India as well as abroad are fighting for space to showcase their presence during the 45-day event.

From fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) to pharma sectors, from mobility providers to digital payments platforms, companies have loosened their marketing purse strings, and are set to spend more than Rs 3,000 crore on branding and marketing at Maha Kumbh, according to industry experts.

Public sector giant Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has supplied approximately 45,000 tonnes of steel for the construction of various structures at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, according to The South Asian Times.

The steel supplied by the company includes chequered plates, hot strip mill plates, mild steel plates, angles and joists, according to a statement issued by the Maharatna company.

Prayagraj has undergone a major makeover ahead of the biggest congregation of the followers of Sanatan Dharma. More than 200 roads have been constructed and upgraded, ensuring seamless connectivity for millions of devotees likely to attend the grand spiritual gathering. The roads have been beautified by placing over 3 lakh plants and 1 lakh horticultural samplings, enhancing their visual appeal.

The public debt till mid-January of the current fiscal year has exceeded Rs 2,536 billion.

According to the Public Debt Management Office, Nepal's total public debt has exceeded 44 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In the past six months, Rs 102 billion has been added to the public debt.

At the beginning of the current fiscal year that commenced on July 16, the size of public debt was Rs 2, 434 billion 90 million and it rose by Rs 102 billion 30 million to reach Rs 2, 536 billion 130 million by January 15, the Office said in its report.

 This constitutes 44.46 per cent of the GDP.  The contribution of foreign debt to the total public debt is 51.31 percent amounting to Rs 1301 billion 410 million while the ratio of external debt to the GDP is 22.81 percent.

The Office said that of the total public debt, the internal debt liability amounts to 48.68 percent or Rs 1234 billion 714 million while on the basis of the GDP, this is 21.64 percent and the external debt makes up 22.81 percent.

The government had the target of raising public debt of Rs 547 billion in the current fiscal year (2082-82 BS) and it has raised Rs 240 billion 80 million or 43.89 per cent of the annual target by mid-January or the first half-yearly of the current fiscal.

The government had the target of raising Rs 330 billion as the internal debt in the current fiscal year and it has raised Rs 181 billion 50 million or 54.86 percent.

Similarly, the government has the target of mobilizing Rs 217 billion in external loans and until January 15, it raised Rs 59 billion 30 million or 27.20 million.

 The government had allocated Rs 402 billion 850 million budget for reimbursement of the principal and interest of the public debt in the current fiscal year.

Principal and interest worth Rs 182 billion 400 million has been paid by mid-January, the Office stated in its report. The expenditure made for paying the principal and interest until January 15 is 3.20 percent of the total GDP.

The price of gold has dropped by Rs 800 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 157, 100 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 157, 900 per tola on Friday.

Similarly, the silver is being traded at Rs 1, 860 per tola today.

Lumbini, the birthplace of Sakyamuni Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is a sacred sanctuary for Buddhists and spiritual seekers worldwide. Beyond its religious roots, the Greater Lumbini Area offers an array of unique experiences through history, archaeology and natural beauty. Yet, this treasure trove struggles to reach its full potential as a global destination.

Today, countries like Thailand, Bhutan, and Srilanka attract hundreds of thousands of Buddhist pilgrims and tourists, while Lumbini sees just about 1m visitors a year. The challenges lie in infrastructure. Although there has been a surge in hotels across Lumbini, the region still falls short in offering comprehensive facilities beyond basic stay. Modern tourists not only want to visit the birthplace of Buddha but also, they seek for extended stays enriched with engaging activities, better facilities, and a well-rounded experience.

Lumbini and its surrounding areas are home to ruins dating back as far as the 11th century BCE to the 3rd century CE, alongside other sites such as Tilaurakot, Kudan, Gotihawa, Niglihawa, Araurakot, Sagarhawa, and Ramagrama. These sites hold profound connections to the life of the Buddhas and the evolution of Buddhism. Additionally, the region is remarkable for being the birthplace of the three Buddhas of Bhadrakalpa—Kanakamuni, Krakuchhanda, and Gautama Buddha. However, the lack of accessible information and proper guidance for tourists diminishes the potential of these historical and spiritual places.

There is an urgent need for effective marketing campaigns to highlight the essence of Lumbini and its sites. Many visitors remain unaware of the rich stories and spiritual significance behind the monuments scattered across the region. Developing meditation retreats, promoting outdoor activities, and offering cultural immersion programs could transform Lumbini into a holistic tourism center.

We cannot afford to wait for another ‘Visit Nepal’ campaign to spotlight Lumbini’s potential. It’s essential to focus now on establishing Lumbini as a truly iconic destination.

We have been together for three years now and we are planning to get married. But we often find ourselves arguing over finances and that is creating a strain in our relationship. What are some effective strategies for us to address financial disagreements without harming our relationship?

Answered by Rika Rijal, consultant psychiatrist

It’s great that you’re proactively seeking strategies to address financial disagreements. Money can be a sensitive topic, but with open communication and a shared approach, it can become a source of strength in your relationship. 

First and foremost, open and honest communication with your partner is the key. Schedule a time to discuss finances when both of you are calm and focused. It’s important that you both understand each other’s money mindset. Explore each other’s attitudes toward saving, spending, and financial priorities. Recognize that differences in financial attitudes often stem from upbringing and personal experiences, not from a lack of care or responsibility.

Plan on setting common goals. Identify short-term and long-term financial goals together, such as saving for a wedding, buying a home, or planning for retirement. Align your spending and saving habits with these shared goals. Also, learn and discuss about creating a budget together. Work together to draft a monthly budget that accounts for income, expenses, savings, and discretionary spending. Use tools like apps or spreadsheets to track expenses and ensure transparency.

Divide financial responsibilities. Decide how to split expenses—whether equally, proportionally to income, or another method that feels fair to both. Assign roles for managing specific aspects of finances, like paying bills, monitoring investments, or managing savings. It’s important to understand that you must agree on a threshold for discretionary spending that doesn’t require prior consultation (e.g., purchases over a certain amount need mutual agreement). This helps avoid surprises and builds trust between each other. Schedule monthly discussions to review your budget, discuss progress toward goals, and address any concerns. Treat these meetings as collaborative rather than confrontational.

If financial planning feels overwhelming, consult a financial advisor to help you create a plan. A neutral third party can offer objective insights and strategies. Acknowledge and validate each other’s financial priorities, even if they differ. Compromise when and where necessary to ensure both partners feel heard and valued.

Remind yourselves of why you’re together and the life you’re building as a couple. Avoid letting financial disagreements overshadow your relationship’s positive aspects. For those couples who are planning to get married or stay together, it’s important to be honest with each other. Talk about your financial expectations even before marriage or companionship. Share your financial histories, including how you were raised to think about money, your current financial situation, and your future goals. Be transparent about your income, debts, and spending habits.

Approach disagreements with empathy and a willingness to understand, rather than with the intention to win the argument. A therapist can help you address underlying issues and develop better communication and conflict resolution skills. By working as a team and prioritizing your relationship over financial disputes, you can build a stronger foundation for your future together.

Opposition parties have urged the government to call the winter session of the Parliament.

During a press conference organized in the Capital on Friday, CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal warned that they would be compelled to start the process to call a special session if Parliament session is not convened immediately.

Objecting to the ordinances that recently got the presidential stamp of approval, the former Prime Minister said that they would come up with stern protests if such activities are not corrected.

“The majority should respect the minority in the parliamentary system. We are of the opinion that the trend of abusing the state agencies to fulfill their vested interests, tendency of avoiding the Parliament, making political decisions in a biased manner will put the democracy at stake,” leader Dahal said, adding, “That is why, we opposition parties, respecting the dignity of the Parliament, urged the government to call the winter session of the Parliament at the earliest.”