PHC endorses proposed ambassador Lamsal for appointment

The Parliamentary Hearing Committee has endorsed the name of proposed ambassador to Belgium, Sewa Lamsal, for appointment to the post.

A meeting of the Committee chaired by its senior most member Pashupati Shumsher JBR today unanimously endorsed Lamsal's name for appointment to the post of Nepal's ambassador to Belgium, Committee member Mahesh Prasad Bartaula said.

Earlier, proposed ambassador Lamsal had presented an action plan including her experience, qualification, interest and future strategy before the Committee.

She has held the responsibility of Nepal's ambassador to Pakistan and Foreign Secretary before this.

 

PM directs Telecom to deliver quality services

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has directed the Nepal Doorsanchar Company Limited (Nepal Telecom) to deliver quality services.

The Prime Minister directed the Telecom team, which reached the Prime Minister's Office to inform about the amount of assistance deposited to the Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund, to engage full-fledged efforts to provide service to the people.

He assured that the government would extend support, if necessary, for equipment and technology and urged to keep the reputation of the organization as the property of the nation.

Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung and Ministry Secretary Radhika Aryal were also present on the occasion.

On the occasion, Telecom's Managing Director Sangita Aryal informed that Rs 10.27 million has been deposited to the fund.

Import from Rasuwagadhi-Kerung Highway begins

Import of goods has begun from the Rasuwagadhi trade transit point with the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung Highway coming into operation.

The import has started with the resumption of the highway after its maintenance. Vehicular movement was completely disrupted along the highway after It was blocked due to recent heavy rains and floods.

According to the Rasuwa Customs Office, four containers of apples, two containers of pears, and three containers of walnuts were imported via the checkpoint on Tuesday.

A total of 76 cargo containers entered Nepal from Kerung via the Miteri bridge and 49 Nepali containers carrying domestic products and one carrying goods have left for China.

Revenue collection has also decreased due to the disruption of the highway and the suspension of imports.

Information Officer at the Customs Office, Rabindra Pyakurel informed that revenue has decreased by Rs 2.5 billion.

Nepal defeat Scotland by five wickets

Nepal defeated Scotland by five wickets in the one day international under the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League-2 Series today.

After losing the toss and being put to bat first at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, US, Scotland were bowled out for just 154 runs in 41.4 overs at the loss of all wickets.

Spinner Sandeep Lamichhane took three wickets to limit Scotland's innings. Karan KC, Sompal Kami and Gulshan Jha took two wickets each and Arif Sheikh dismissed one.

For Scotland, Mark Watt scored highest with 34 runs while other batsmen could not score significant runs.

Nepal chased down the victory target in 29.5 overs. Arif Sheikh contributed 51 runs to cruise Nepal to victory. Likewise, Kushal Bhurtel and Gulshan Jha hit 25 runs each while Asif Sheikh gathered 21 runs for Nepal.

Brandon McMullen took two wickets for Scotland. Bradley Currie, Mark Watt and Jack Jarvis took one wicket each.

Earlier, Nepal had lost to the US by three wickets in the first match of the tri-series under League-2. Scotland defeated the US by 10 wickets in their first match.

Press Council committed to take action against media involved in spreading false information: Basnet

Press Council Nepal Chairman Bal Krishna Basnet said that he is determined to take action against any media that spurs anarchy.

Mentioning that legal action has been taken against some media for deliberately disseminating false information to disrupt social harmony and incite ethnic hatred, he said, “Some elements may be active to create confusion in the society by attacking the system. Media should always stay far from such characters and trends. The Council has already taken action against some media. Others will also be brought to book.”

Speaking at an orientation class attended by the editors of newly launched online media on Tuesday, he said that the violation of journalistic code of conduct is the abuse of press freedom, urning all to do journalism responsibly.

Just 2 weeks ago, the Press Council had written to Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police to take action against 43 YouTube channels for carrying out wrong activities under the guise of journalism.

Further action is being taken by placing some media in black list.

Chairman Basnet said that the online and YouTube media, which are flourishing in the digital world, should always be careful of being used by any interest group.

“Journalism has its own values, beliefs and principles. There are codes of conduct accepted globally. Spreading false information through media is also to provoke the society,” Basnet said.

Meanwhile, journalist duo Keshav Sharan Lamichhane and Bijay Raj Adhikari have been appointed as the board members in the Council.

 

Bote community trained in plastic management

In an effort to combat rising pollution in Nepal's rivers, CREASION Nepal organized a “Capacity Building Training for Vulnerable Communities” on October 26, 2024, for the Bote community of Chitwan and informal waste workers (IWW). The training gathered 20 participants, including 10 Bote members, to enhance skills in plastic waste management and recycling, focusing on economic opportunities in the circular economy.

Sujata Koirala, CREASION Nepal General Secretary and CAP Project focal person, emphasized the Bote’s traditional role as river stewards, whose livelihoods are increasingly impacted by plastic waste. The program covered hands-on training in waste collection, sorting, and sales, along with financial strategies to promote sustainable practices.

“By empowering the Bote to manage waste effectively, we aim to reduce pollution and protect their rivers and community,” Koirala said, adding that these skills are crucial for fostering a cleaner, safer environment.

Hilton Kathmandu kicks off festive season with cake mixing

Hilton Kathmandu marked the beginning of the festive season with a joyful Cake Mixing Ceremony at its Lava Box coffee shop, drawing in guests, partners, and team members for a celebration filled with tradition and holiday spirit. This inaugural event embraced the rich aromas of spices, fruits, and spirits, officially kicking off Hilton’s seasonal festivities and creating an atmosphere of warmth and cheer.

The Cake Mixing Ceremony, a longstanding holiday tradition symbolizing unity and joy, encouraged participants to don Santa hats and aprons as they joined Hilton’s culinary team in blending dried fruits, nuts, and spices soaked in liqueurs. The spirited gathering highlighted the communal preparation of the fruit mixture that will soon become Hilton’s signature holiday fruitcake, bringing together friends, family, and the local community.

“We are delighted to introduce this cherished tradition to Kathmandu, celebrating joy, togetherness, and the anticipation of the holiday season,” said Sanjeev Jaiswal, Director of Food & Beverage at Hilton Kathmandu. “This event embodies the heart of Hilton’s hospitality – creating unique experiences that celebrate culture and connection.”

Guests, influencers, and media were in attendance, capturing the highlights and enjoying festive treats and signature cocktails crafted specially for the occasion. The Cake Mixing Ceremony is set to become an annual fixture, symbolizing Hilton Kathmandu’s commitment to celebrating community and holiday tradition.

Tihar treats

Tihar is here and with that it’s time to entertain and indulge in some good food that you normally wouldn’t have the time to make. Food isn’t just something to fill your tummies with, it can be a way to foster connection and bond with family and friends. But what can you serve that doesn’t come in a box, won’t make you guilt-ridden because of the holiday weight gain, and is quick and easy to make? Here we have four ideas that might be able to help you get started on your festive meal prep.

Sooji halwa

Sooji halwa is a pudding made of semolina and all you need is three ingredients: Sooji, ghee, and sugar. It’s super easy to make. You just have to fry sooji in ghee till it’s light brown in color, add sugar and then let it simmer in water for a bit. You can replace sugar with jaggery and add some dry fruits if you want. You can batch make this dish and keep it in the fridge to dole out when guests arrive. Serve it hot or cold depending on your preference. If you want to take it up a notch, try making gajar ko halwa or moong dal halwa. The process is pretty much the same.

Masala peanuts

Who doesn’t love a savory snack especially at a time when the sweet stuff is all that you are offered everywhere you go. A really simple thing you can do is buy some peanuts and mix that with chopped onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, add some basic spices and salt, sprinkle some lemon juice and a mouthwatering snack is ready in minutes. You can also skip the other ingredients and just sprinkle spices, salt, and lemon over plain peanuts if you want a basic flavor.

Coconut barfi bites

Here’s a simple recipe for a mithai that feels indulgent and healthy at the same time. Mix all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Add three eggs one at a time and a teaspoon of vanilla. Combine the dry and wet ingredients and whisk. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes. Once the barfi cools down, top it up with a mixture of shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, salt, and ground cardamom, and refrigerate for 15 minutes before cutting into bite-size pieces to enjoy.

Mango lassi

Lassi is basically a cross between a milkshake and a smoothie. Mango lassi is a simple thing to make. All you need is about equal amounts of mangoes and creamy full-fat yogurt, a little ice, and a high-powered blender to combine these ingredients into a delicious treat. You can replace the mangoes with any other sweet fruit like bananas, strawberries, or papaya and the result is just as spectacular. There is no hard and fast rule about how thick or thin your lassi needs to be. It depends on how you want it to be. But it helps to make it thinned out enough to be drinkable through a straw.