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Normal life in Tarai-Madhes including Dhanusha district has been affected due to a sudden surge in heat.

The temperature here increased from 38 degrees Celsius to 42 degrees Celsius within a week. Major markets remain closed during the mid-day while the footfall in public places and offices are decreasing lately due to the sweltering heat.

Senior citizens, children and patients of chronic diseases are at high risk due to the increasing heat.

Dr Krishna Dev Das, Spokesperson at the Provincial Hospital in Janakpurdham, shared that the number of patients visiting the healthcare facilities with complaints of wounds, rashes, typhoid, fever and diarrhea has gone up with the surge in temperature.

Dr Das warned, "The risk of heat stroke is also on rise with the surge in temperature. Extreme heat seems to pose problems to daily wage laborers and those who work outdoors. It is, hence, very important to take good care of our health."

Hot air could cause headache, body sore, extreme fatigue, dryness in throat and burning eyes among other health issues, he cautioned.

Meanwhile, hot air has also begun taking toll on the crops, vegetable and fruits farming in the flatland, added Ramdev Banaraitale of Mahendranagar in Kshireshwornath Municipality-5 in the district.

Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has underlined the need for dialogue, consensus and collaboration among all to protect and promote the existing democratic republic system.

In his address to a ceremony held in Godavari of Lalitpur today to mark the Diamond Jubilee of the establishment of Communist Party of Nepal, the leader said, "The CPN completes 75 years of its inception and I congratulate all on this occasion. Minimum consensus and collaboration in the political sphere are needed to strengthen democracy and the republic, to promote the rights of the citizens, and to establish durable peace and good governance in the country."

The parliamentary leader from the main opposition party urged the government to take the concerns of the oppositions in the parliament seriously.

 The leader also questioned an 'unsolved mystery' behind the 'murder' of veteran Communist leader Madan Bhandari.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) plunged by 15. 41 points to close at 1,969.02 points on Monday.

Similarly, the sensitive index dropped by 2. 80 points to close at 347. 95 points.

A total of 5,656,282-unit shares of 320 companies were traded for Rs 2. 05 billion.

Meanwhile, People's Power Limited (PPL) was the top gainer today with its price surging by 9. 61 percent. Likewise, Dolti Power Company Limited (DOLTI) was the top loser with its price dropped by 7. 37 percent.

At the end of the day, the total market capitalization stood at Rs 3. 12 trillion.

Former ministers and experts on foreign affairs have advised the government to give priority to utilizing the visit of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, to Nepal, to secure maximum benefits.  The Emir from Qatar will be paying a two-day state visit to Nepal beginning on April 23, tomorrow.

They believed that Nepal could learn ways from Qatar, a country with a small geography and size, to explore ways for achieving prosperity in a short period in the presence of a far-sighted leadership with maximum utilization of available resources.

Former minister Surendra Kumar Karki praised the role of Qatar in contributing to the international peace establishment significantly, though the country is territorially smaller.

He said that Qatar is exploring its facilitating and decisive roles in establishing regional peace, strengthening international relations and managing significant political tension.

Nepal could learn many things from the experiences of Qatar in efforts to achieve peace when it is pursuing the establishment of a durable peace after the conflict by concluding the peace process, he added.

Besides, Qatar serves as one of the major labor destinations for Nepali migrant workers. Nepal receives a large chunk of remittance from Qatar. The high-level visit taking place from Qatar will be utilized as a moment for promoting the rights of Nepali workers in Qatar and their dignity with the availability of decent job opportunities for them.

The former Minister and Maoist Center leader suggested that it would be beneficial for Nepal if the visit could be utilized as an opportunity to bring about Qatar's investment in the processing of drinking water in the Himalayan regions and the production of organic agricultural products.

CPN-UML leader and expert on foreign affairs, Dr Rajan Bhattarai commended the path of prosperity that Qatar has found amidst severe climate adversity and limited human resources.  Qatar is advancing itself through a multi-dimensional approach, it is exploring its leading role in the global forum and a significant role in dispute management in the Middle Eastern nations, according to Bhattarai.

Stating that Qatar is seeking to establish itself as a 'world champion' in the resolution of the unrest in the Middle East including in Hamas and Israel, he said Qatar is being developed as an international transit hub in the course of its efforts to expand air connectivity in the global forum.

From the diplomatic perspective, the Qatari Emir's upcoming visit to Nepal stands as a symbol and an example that Nepal is moving on a positive path. "Qatar is an economically prosperous country in the Middle East. Over 400,000 Nepali migrant workers are working in Qatar at present. Nepali migrant workers have shed blood and sweat for the development and prosperity of Qatar. Against this backdrop, the visit of Qatari Emir to Nepal is a matter of great importance and an opportunity,' he observed.

Stating that Nepal could also benefit from Qatar's advancement for the economic development and prosperity, he emphasized creating an enabling environment in Nepal for job creations for the youths rather than sending labor forces offshore.

Dr Bhattarai further asserted, "There's a high prospect of investment in Nepal from Qatar and other Middle East countries. Export from Nepal to Qatar could be increased. Nepal has been importing fuel in a huge quantity. We could make an effort to secure some concessional cooperation towards this end as well. Nepal should pitch these issues and advance the discussion during the visit."

According to him, securing the welfare of the Nepali migrant workers in Qatar and addressing the issues relating to their employment should be a part of the regular agenda of the Nepal's government during Emir's visit.

Bhattarai added, "Qatar has achieved economic prosperity in the last few years by capitalizing on its natural resources. It is advancing in terms of development and economic prosperity thanks to an able leadership with a good vision coupled with political stability. It has taught us a lesson that we could move ahead by optimizing the natural resources."

Similarly, Nepali Congress leader and former minister for foreign affairs Dr Narayan Khadka opined that Qatar was succeeding diplomatically and economically lately. "Countries like the USA and the UK among others have been seeking Qatar's mediation in any form in resolving the dispute between Israel and Hamas," he mentioned.

He viewed that discussion and consultation on the facilities for the Nepali migrant workers in Qatar should be held during the Emir's visit. He suggested a timely amendment in the labor pact between Nepal and Qatar.

According to him, the Qatari Emir's visit in the eve of the third Investment Summit was an opportune time to create an environment of confidence for the international community to consider investment in Nepal.

Khadka expressed his belief that the ties between the two countries could be expanded at people-to-people level if a training center would be established in cooperation with Qatar to impart training to aspiring Nepali migrant workers.

He suggested Nepal should accord hospitality with heart wide open to the Qatari Emir who is arriving here for his two-day official visit by giving Nepal so much value and importance.

'Initiatives should be taken to raise pay, facilities of Nepali workers'

Similarly, Dr Narad Bhardwaj who served as Nepal's ambassador to Qatar from 2019 to 2022 has suggested utilizing the Emir's visit, which is the first high-level visit from the Middle East Asian kingdom, for securing the rights and interests of the Nepali migrant workers there.

Nearly 400 thousand Nepalis are working in different sectors in Qatar at present. According to Dr Bhardwaj, the Qataris also have interest on this topic as they are impressed by the Nepali workers.

"The government of Nepal should take initiatives on increasing the salary and job security of Nepali migrant workers in Qatar and their welfare. This is the high-level visit taken from Qatar and if the Qatari Emir gives his approval during his state visit there would not be any problem in the implementation," former ambassador Bhardwaj said.

According to him, although Qatar is a rich and developed country, the salary of Nepali workers there is comparatively low. He said the Nepali migrant workers there get lower salary compared to the pay they get in South Korea and Israel whereas Qatar is comparatively a rich and developed country.

Nepal's Former Ambassador to Qatar suggested to the Government of Nepal to lobby on this topic during the Emir's visit. Stating that in Qatar there is provision of providing accidental insurance to the Nepali workers only in case of accident at the workplace and not in the case of accident on the way or other accidents, he urged the government to raise this topic as well.

"Qatar had made efforts to take Nepali workers in the security sector before this and Nepal too has made a decision to that end. But the decision is not yet implemented. If this topic could be taken ahead during the Amir's state visit by taking cognizance of their perspective on it, it would be of much benefit to Nepal in terms of income," Dr Bhardwaj suggested.

Similarly, Qatar is seeking to take Nepali women as domestic help, but Nepal has prohibited this. At the same time a large number of Nepali women have been going to the Gulf countries on visit visas and working there as domestic workers. This issue also needs to be managed and the government should address it during the Qatari Emir's visit.

The CPN-UML has awarded the 'Republic Pride Honor' to former President Bidya Devi Bhandari. 

The honor was presented on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Communist Party of Nepal amidst a ceremony held today at the Godavari-based Sunrise Meeting Hall. 

The National Congress Representatives Council meeting of the CPN-UMLthat concluded on Sunday decided to honor the former President with the title. Bhandari is the former Vice Chair of the party. She received the award from party Chair and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

Bhandari was presented the honor in recognition of her contribution to the democratic and communist movement in the country, and to the safeguarding of national sovereignty, it is said.

Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist Center) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, CPN  (Unified Socialist) respected leader and former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, Nepal Socialist Party Chair and former Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai and (former) Chair of Council of Ministers, Khilraj Regmi were among those present on the occasion.

The Kathmandu Youth Orchestra, dedicated to nurturing young musicians and promoting cultural music, mesmerized audiences with their spring concert on Saturday, April 20. The student concert, titled ‘Spring Concert, Tunes of Nepal’ was held at the Russian Culture Center, Kamalpokhari, Kathmandu.

Established in 2011, Kathmandu Youth Orchestra showcased a diverse array of instruments, including Violins, Piano, Cello, Guitar, and more, under the presence of Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Sunita Dangol.

The evening commenced with the stirring rendition of the national anthems of Nepal and Russia, setting the stage for an unforgettable musical journey. Highlighting Newa songs, the program featured captivating performances such as ‘Mangal Dhun’ and concluded with the ‘Lakhey Dance’.

Deputy Mayor Dangol expressed her appreciation, stating, “Kathmandu Metropolitan City has been supporting music in various ways. It’s crucial to recognize and encourage musicians, fostering a new generation filled with musical spirit. I’m delighted to witness three generations come together on one stage with such joy.”

John Sharply, a distinguished music educator, composer, and pianist from Singapore, emphasized the profound significance of music, saying, “Music lies in all of our hearts, we all are musical, we are born musical, even science tells us we are born to experience music. Music is a profound part of our identity and our life. It’s a privilege to meet amazing people with a different diversity of backgrounds, ages and yet all of them come together for one common goal, and that goal is music.”

Sharply was born in Houston, Texas, and obtained a doctorate in composition from Boston University. He also earned both a bachelor of music and a master of music from the University of Houston, in addition to diplomas in piano, violin, and composition from the National Conservatory of Music in Strasbourg, France. 

After the musical performance, there was a book launch for ‘Nepali Orchestra (Tunes of Nepal) Vol 1’, which features transcriptions of Nepali and Nepal Bhasa folk and traditional songs written in staff notation.

The concert not only showcased the talent of young musicians but also celebrated the rich musical heritage of Nepal, leaving the audience enchanted and inspired, say the organizers.

The government has announced a public holiday tomorrow on the occasion of the state visit of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, to Nepal.

Government spokesperson and Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma said a meeting of the Council of Ministers convened at Singha Durbar today decided to give a public holiday tomorrow on the occasion of the Qatari Emir's state visit to Nepal beginning tomorrow.

Madhu Kumar Marasini has got the responsibility of finance secretary.

A Cabinet meeting held on Monday morning decided to give the responsibility of finance secretary to Marasini.

Finance Secretary Krishna Hari Pushkar, however, has been transferred to the Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.

Government spokesperson and Minister for Communications and Information Technology Rekha Sharma informed that the government has decided to give the responsibility of finance secretary to Marasini.

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority had filed a case against him at the Special Court for his alleged involvement in carrying out irregularities in the Payment Gateway purchase case.

He was suspended soon after.

On Friday, he got a clean chit from the Special Court.

After he was acquitted by the court, the government decided to give the responsibility of finance secretary to Marasini.