Submit your Article

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that the government has made serious diplomatic efforts for the safe repatriation of students in the captivity of Palestinian rebels to Nepal.

Addressing the Fourth Convocation Ceremony of the Far-West University here today, PM Dahal, who is also the Chancellor of the University, expressed sorrow over the Nepali students who lost their lives in the attacks by Palestinian insurgents in Israel on October 7, 2023.

"I am deeply saddened by the incident in which our students who had gone to Israel as part of the 'Earning while Learning' program of the Far-West University's Institute of Agriculture lost their lives in the attacks by the Palestinian rebels," he said, and extended tribute to those students killed in the incident as well as expressing condolences to their family members.

The Prime Minister stated that the government has been fulfilling with alacrity the responsibility it has to undertake to bring back to Nepal the students who were injured and affected by the incident, and to repatriate the bodies of those killed in the attack. 

"Even now a student is in the captivity of the rebels. Necessary diplomatic initiatives are going on for returning him to Nepal," the PM said.

Bipin's release will also be agenda during Qatari Emir's visit to Nepal, says PM

Speaking in the same program, Prime Minister Dahal said the topic of taking initiatives for securing the release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali student who is under the captivity of Hamas militants, is included in the agenda during the State visit to Nepal.

He said that the role that the Qatari Emir can play in Joshi's release is also included in the agenda of his visit.

"The government is vigorously playing its role in bringing the affected students’ home from Israel. Only this morning in an interview to a Kuwaiti television channel, I spoke on Qatar's role in securing Joshi's release and also requested to take the initiative to that end," PM Dahal said on the occasion.

PM Dahal also on the occasion handed medals to the University students who won various medals.

Minister for Education, Science and Technology and the University Pro-Chancellor, Sumana Shrestha and Professor of the Kumaun University of Uttarakhand State, India, Prof Diwan Singh Rawat also expressed their views.

Three hundred and seventy-six students were graduated in the convocation ceremony, according to the Far-West University.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said the production of scientific and technical human resources is vital for accelerating economic transformation in the country.

In his address to the Fourth Convocation of the Far-West University on Sunday, the Prime Minister and the University Chancellor said such human resources are the demand of the time.               

Pressing an idea for utilizing universities as a supporting tool for behavioral, social, and economic transformations, the Prime Minister urged the University to prioritize the production of human resources who can deliver with a sense of responsibility towards the nation and citizens.

Youths are the future of the nation and they should have qualities such as integrity, discipline, and a high sense of responsibility while passing out from universities as graduates.  Scientific, advanced, and creative human resources are warranted to further strengthen a democratic system and achieve a rapid economic transformation, according to him.

He advised the University to ensure educational and managerial reforms so as to produce graduates capable of competing in the global education sphere, commending its role to increase citizens' access to education specifically in the far-west Nepal.

Stating that the University that has already started teaching medical science under the Faculty of Medical Sciences towards the technical stream should now expand its services, he assured of the government's required support for the same.

'Govt will provide support in establishment of the National Medical Sciences University'

PM Dahal believed that access to specialist medical services could be ensured in the Far-west region with the establishment of the National Medical Science University in Geta of Kailali.

"The government has decided to set up the Sahid Dasharath Chand National Medical Science University in Geta of Kailali, realizing the lack of access to higher technical education in this region," he said, adding that works like the formulation of laws for the establishment of the University have been expedited.

He expressed the confidence that the University to be established in Geta would prove to be a milestone in the development of this region.

Academic standard of universities needs to be improved

The Prime Minister underscored the need of maintaining a high academic quality of the university. He insisted that the university should be the center of attraction for study and research for all.

"There is a need for the university teachers, employees and students all to strengthen mutual collaboration, cooperation and goodwill for the uplift of the universities' academic standards. The Government of Nepal is ever ready to provide the necessary support to improve the universities' standard," he reiterated.

PM Dahal pointed out the need of the University developing itself into an excellent institute of learning and education with the university's leadership carrying out the physical and educational improvement of the university and also expanding student welfare activities through collaboration with other prestigious universities around the world.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has assured of a shift from the conventional approach while bringing the policies and programs, and the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

Talking to the media at Dhangadhi Airport today, the Prime Minister highlighted the government's preparations for coming up with advanced, objective, and citizen-friendly programs, policies, and the budget. The PM had transited at Dhangadhi Airport while en route to Kanchanpur.

The government head took time to make it clear that the existing government does not reflect the power equation among the leftists.  Instead, it should be considered as a political power equation, he said.  According to him, the incumbent government coalition will complete its full term and there is no issue within it as rumored outside.

Stating that the government is preparing to welcome the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, who is arriving here for his two-day formal visit beginning on April 23. "This opportunity is historic," he said.

Similarly, preparations for the third Nepal Investment Summit scheduled to take place on April 28-29 are near completion, according to him.

"We receive widespread positive and encouraging responses regarding the Summit," he said, adding the government is preparing to introduce some Acts through the ordinances to build an investment-friendly atmosphere.

On the occasion, the PM also shared with the media that Nepal will be hosting an international conference of mountain countries on climate change.

At the cordial invitation of President Ram Chandra Paudel, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, is arriving in Nepal on 23 – 24 April, 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release today.

During the visit, the Emir of the State of Qatar will meet with the President of Nepal at Sheetal Niwas.

President Paudel will host a State Banquet in honor of the Emir of the State of Qatar.

Similarly, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on 24 April 2024.

Following the talks, both leaders will witness the signing ceremony of bilateral Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding.

His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar will depart for Qatar from Kathmandu on 24, April 2024.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 12. 29 points to close at 1,984.43 points on Sunday.

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 0.28 points to close at 350. 75 points.

A total of 6,393,245-unit shares of 310 companies were traded for Rs 2. 25 billion.

Meanwhile, Dolti Power Company Limited (DOLTI) was the top gainer today, with its price surging by 9. 88 percent.

Likewise, Adarsha Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited was the top loser as its price fell by 7. 46 percent.

At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 3. 14 trillion.

Life in the Tarai region as well as in the hilly region has been affected due to the lack of rain for a long time. The increasing heat and dry conditions have led to the growing incidences of fire in various places of the country.

News reports of livestock, food grains and properties destroyed by infernos have been received from various places.

A report from Bhairahawa, Rupandehi, stated that a fire spread to nine villages from Rohini Rural Municipality-6 in Rupandehi district last night, said Deputy Superintendent of Police Manohar Bhatta, the spokesperson at the District Police Office Rupandehi.

The fire that started from the dry wheat stalk was fanned by winds and it spread to Bishnupura, Parsa, Buchi, Barawa, Tarkulaha, Kotahawa, Chamkipur and Piprahawa. Although there are no human casualties due to the fire, 40 houses have been destroyed and 39 goats killed in the fires, he said.

The fire was brought under control in the evening with the joint efforts of the police, the Armed Police Force, the Nepali Army and the locals, using the fire engine of the Devdaha municipality.

Spokesperson Bhatta said fire incidents have been reported from throughout the district, Bhatta said. A fire at Gaidahawa rural municipality has also destroyed properties worth hundreds of thousands of rupees, he said.

Fire destroys 28 houses and sheds in Gulmi

A news report from Tamghas, Gulmi said 28 structures, including houses, shops and cowsheds were destroyed by fire that spread from a forest in Gulmi district.

Fire that raged on Friday until Saturday night razed many houses and cowsheds at Isma Rural Municipality's wards 1, 2 and 4, and at Gulmidurbar Rural Municipality, said Shankar Prasad Pokhrel, the spokesperson at the District Police Office, Gulmi.

According to him, the fire that started at the Rani Community Forest at Sindukha, Isma Rural Municipality-2 on Saturday afternoon spread to the settlements. The fire destroyed houses and animal sheds belonging to 15 persons at Hastichaur, killing a dozen cattle.

Similarly, the fire that spread out from the nearby forest has partially damaged the electricity substation at Birbas, Gulmidarbar rural municipality-4 on Friday. Security personnel and locals brought the fire under control and prevented the substation from becoming fully-destroyed.

The fire has caused damage worth around Rs 20 million to the substation, police said.

Similarly, a news report from Birgunj, Parsa said fire that spread from a wheat field across the border in India burnt thatched roof houses and food grains as well as crops of farmers at Bhalamahiya settlement, Chhipaharmai rural municipality-1 in Parsa district. The disaster has damaged properties and food grains worth hundreds of thousands of rupees, it has been learnt.

The Janata Samajbadi Party has quit the Lumbini government.  

The JSP quit the Lumbini government saying that the agreement reached during the formation of the government was not implemented.

Bhandari Lal Ahir, who was appointed as the Minister for Agriculture from the Janata Samajbadi Party, resigned some time ago.

The party, however, has not withdrawn the support extended to the government.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has urged the people residing in the vicinity of Budhigandaki River in Gorkha to remain vigilant at possible consequences from an increased water flow in the river.

A massive avalanche from Mount Manaslu this morning fell into the Birendra Lake beneath the peak, causing it to overflow. The lake is considered the origin of the Budhigandaki.

Following the lake outburst, the water level in the river has significantly increased, prompting the Home Ministry to issue a notice of precaution to the people residing near the river in the downstream areas.

According to Ministry Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, the flood may result in a significant loss. "And amidst this possibility, we appeal to the population concerned to take preventive measures on time. "

However, the District Police Office, Gorkha said the situation suggests no immediate risk for the further loss. Once reporting about the occurrence of the disaster, a police squad from the office promptly left for the site for a response, it is said.