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Nestled in the serene landscapes of Dhulikhel, Duist Thani Himalayan Resort is the first international chain resort in the region. Conveniently located near the renowned Namobuddha pilgrimage site, this resort has luxury and hospitality by blending Thai culture with the warm, welcoming spirit of Nepal.

At the heart of the resort’s offerings is Dusit’s signature Devarana Wellness program. This comprehensive approach to well-being emphasizes mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Guests can indulge in tailored wellness experiences designed to rejuvenate and restore balance, making the resort a sanctuary for those seeking a holistic retreat.

The resort’s culinary landscape is another highlight, with Thaan, the multi-cuisine restaurant, offering a diverse menu that caters to various palates. From authentic Thai dishes to traditional Nepali flavors, Indian delicacies, and Continental favorites, Thaan ensures a memorable dining experience that reflects the rich culinary traditions of the region.

Under the leadership of Hotel Manager Anirudh Chaudhary, Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort embraces the four core pillars of graciousness that define the Dusit brand. “Our resort is dedicated to providing an exceptional guest experience by upholding the highest standards of graciousness, which are integral to the Dusit ethos,” Chaudhary says. “The resort is also a proud participant in Dusit’s Tree of Life sustainability program, which underscores its commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being.” 

Dusit’s strategy for sustainable business is aligned with the four pillars: Service, by providing personalized and gracious service to ensure every guest feels valued and cared for; Well-being, by delivering wellness experiences that go beyond the spa to encompass all aspects of a guest’s stay; Locality, by uniquely linking guests with the local community to offer authentic and enriching experiences; and Sustainability, by focusing on social, economic, and environmental sustainability to promote responsible tourism and business practices.

Key initiatives implemented at the property include the elimination of single-use plastics, with efforts to reduce plastic waste evident throughout guest-centric areas and back-of-house operations; waste segregation, with effective waste management practices ensuring proper disposal and recycling; energy management, employing innovative strategies to minimize energy consumption and promote sustainability; guest and staff well-being, with programs and facilities aimed at enhancing the well-being of both guests and staff members; local sourcing, prioritizing local products and suppliers to support the community and reduce the carbon footprint; and food-to-compost, transforming food waste into compost to enrich the soil and support local agriculture.

The resort offers a variety of luxurious accommodations to suit different preferences: eight Deluxe Valley View King, four Deluxe Valley View Twin, eight Deluxe Himalayan View King, four Deluxe Himalayan View Twin, four Junior Suite Himalayan View, five One Bedroom Villa, twelve Two Bedroom Villa, and one Three Bedroom Villa. An additional 26 rooms are set to open by the first quarter of 2025.

The package rates for local residents and expats starts from Rs 18,999 for two on bed and breakfast.

The government has for the first time prepared a concept paper on the use and practice of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The government developed the concept paper to determine the basis for formulating the related policy and laws on the use and operation of AI in the context of the country lacking these and in view of the growing use and development of AI the world over.

The technical committee constituted by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology prepared the concept paper after nearly five months' study.

The Ministry had formed a five-member technical committee with Joint Secretary Anil Kumar Dutta as its coordinator as directed by Minister for Communications and Information Technology Rekha Sharma.

Ministry Under-Secretary Narayan Timilsina, Information Technology Director at the Ministry's Information Technology Department, Pabitra Dangol and Lecturer at the Institute of Engineering Dr Baburam Dawadi are the members of the committee while the Ministry's computer engineer Surya Prakash Upadhyay is the member-secretary.

The technical committee was formed on January 19. The committee has prepared a report on the concept paper and presented the same to the Ministry.

The report has made recommendations to the government to enact the necessary policy, laws and procedures for the development, use and regulation of AI.

Pointing out the need of addressing the issues of cyber security, data protection and privacy in policy-level, the report suggested to formulate national policy related to AI, to make national strategy, framework of data protection along with legal bases for the use of AI and the privacy of users, to determine standard compatible with international standard of policies and laws incorporated in data safety and protection.

Similarly, Under-Secretary of the Ministry and member of Concept Paper Preparation Technical Committee, Timilsina shared that the report suggested to build integrated structure to exchange AI related information by developing integrated national portal, forward the research, development and use on the issue with priority, to run programs to accelerate use of AI.

"A strategy should be taken to promote privacy protection, transparency and accountability, research on development and promotion of use of AI as well as increasing investment and collaboration", reads the report.

The concerned   sectors should keep the development and promotion of use of AI in their policies, strategies and programs in priority for the same, the report reads.

National Assembly members have demanded the government to increase the budget in the education sector and modernization of agriculture.

Taking part in the discussion on different headings of various ministries under the Appropriation Bill, 2081 in the meeting, Padam Bahadur Pariyar mentioned that the 16th periodic plan has set a target of keeping budget of education sector above 10 percent, so the budget of education sector should not be reduced.

He shared that the budget was not allocated in the education sector as per the need of the hour.  "The government has allocated 10.95 percent of the total budget in the education sector. It is 11.27 percent in the fiscal year. But it is reduced for the coming fiscal year. The budget of education should not be decreased", he stressed.

Pariyar, however, expressed happiness for bringing different programs for differently abled teachers and students.

Likewise, Ananda Prasad Dhungana underlined that poverty alleviation was not possible until the modernization and commercialization of agriculture.

"Agriculture is the backbone of the country's development. But the problems of farmers are still not sorted out. The budget allocated for the agro sector could not resolve the problems", he explained. 

Stating that the budget of the agro sector for the coming fiscal year has been reduced by Rs 1 billion, Dhungana questioned whether the modernization of agriculture is possible by reducing the budget.

He urged the government to provide a sufficient amount of fertilizer, seed and irrigation facilities to farmers on time.

National prosperity possible through Agriculture Decade

Similarly, lawmakers, taking part in the deliberations on appropriation headings related to various ministries under the Appropriation Bill, 2081 in the meeting, said that prosperity is possible through implementation of the Agriculture Decade incorporated in the budget statement for the upcoming fiscal year.

They expressed the view that the national economy could be boosted up with the development and restructuring of the agriculture sector and through its mechanization, modernization and commercialization.

Lawmakers Bamdev Gautam, Jhakku Prasad Subedi, Bhagawati Neupane, Mohammad Khalid and Gopi Bahadur Sarki Achhami took part in the deliberations.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has pointed out the need of building the capacity of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic missions of Nepal abroad for the welfare of Nepalis overseas.

Prime Minister Dahal said so in the discussion regarding the presentation of the Organization and Management Survey of the Foreign Ministry and subordinate bodies held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM), Singha Durbar, today.  

Saying that he has given top priority to welfare and rights of Nepalis working and living abroad, he mentioned that organizational and structural capacity building was the main agenda for the same, according to the OPMCM.

The Prime Minister explained, "Number of people going abroad is growing. But, our Foreign Ministry, as well as offices and missions under it are not capacitated as per the time. These institutions are running under very old quotas. Let's make it timely and make organization and human resources management strong as well as carry out activities keeping the welfare and rights of Nepalis living abroad in mind. Make technical preparation at secretary-level for the same and we will reach a conclusion soon."

Similarly, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha laid emphasis on the need of strengthening Foreign Ministry and its subordinate bodies.

Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun, Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration Bhanu Bhakta Joshi, Acting Chief Secretary Leela Devi Gadtaula, Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal, Finance Secretary Madhu Kumar Marasini, as well as officials of OPMCM and Foreign Ministry were present on the occasion.

Nepali Congress General Secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma said that the to be formed Nepali Congress-CPN-UML government will open the files of corruption without any prejudice.

Speaking to journalists after the party meeting on Wednesday, Sharma said that the to be formed new government will open the pending files of corruption without any prejudice and partiality.

Responding to the comment of Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane that the government was changed just because of opening the files of corruption cases, he suggested the Home Minister to open files of corruption cases, saying the current government is still in place.

He claimed that the country would head towards the path of stability and prosperity due to the seven-point agreement signed with the CPN-UML.

Dismissing the reports that preparations are being made to reinstate the Constitution of 1990, leader Sharma made it clear that the Constitution will be amended for progressive changes.

Saying that a two-thirds majority is needed to amend the Constitution, he said that discussions are currently going on with all the parties to secure the same.

CPN-UML Chairman and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the big political parties have to ease the situation for the nation through dialogue and common efforts when the nation is in difficulty.

"We are of the belief that democracy should be based on healthy competition. We together drafted the Constitution and should move ahead together. The required outlet can be provided to the nation by moving forward hand-in-hand,"  he said during an interview with RSS.

Asked about his thoughts on big parties including the Nepali Congress and the UML together leading the country for resolving the specific problems facing the nation, he recalled that the UML itself had proposed to the Congress for working together at the time of the Constitution promulgation, making it clear that they have never lagged behind when the Congress has come forward for dialogue.

Stating that the UML does not steps back from the journey of dialogue and consensus on national issues, but rather takes the lead, the former PM stated, "In such situations, the UML had taken the lead and paved the way in a democratic manner in the past as well and it will not backtrack from it even now if required."

He said it should not be forgotten that after the devastating earthquake (in 2015) the UML had played a constructive role with the commitment to work together with the CPN (Maoist Center) on reconstruction and constitution making, although it was the opposition party at that time.

"We have a history of working for the country and the people also in the past. All should come together when necessary. The UML, Congress and Maoist Centre alone had worked together for the nation in the past," Chairman Oli said, answering the question why not the three largest parties – the Nepali Congress, the UML and the Maoist Centre- which are the agents of political change in Nepal, together form a coalition government for the purpose of giving political stability to the country in the context of the citizens yearning for the same at present.

The UML Chair and former Prime Minister said, "The UML is a party that works in deference to the people's aspirations and the nation's needs. Collaboration is needed among the agents of change for the country's political stability. The UML is taking the lead for this."

Saying the Constitution is the means of happiness and prosperity of the nation and people, Chair Oli mentioned, "Dialogue is the best tool to remove misunderstanding taking place among us. Dialogue can lead to consensus. Dialogue is again necessary. It is not necessary that there should be agreement on everything, but there must be consensus at least on basic things.  We brought a multi-party system of healthy competition of ruling and the opposition. Consensus should be accepted without refusing this system. "

Responding to a query, he explained that they have no excuse not to provide any achievement to the people while remaining in the government.

"To be in power is to develop the country and provide facilities to the people. There is no meaning to remain in the government if people's problems are not addressed. There is no meaning of any government if it fails to address the people's problems," he underlined.

Chair Oli explained that the UML proposed the Nepali Congress to join hands at a time when it is necessary to develop the system as envisaged by the Constitution and to formulate laws, adding the NC should be serious on it.

"We should stand together and we are one of the basic principles of democracy. We brought this system after a long struggle and on our own choosing. It should be made strong. The Constitution should be amended if problems surfaced in the course of its implementation. We should hold dialogue and forge consensus for its successful implementation keeping the people at the center," he stressed. RSS

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 3.79 points to close at 2,104.22 points on Wednesday.

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 2.13 points to close at 372. 85 points.

A total of 17,134,082-unit shares of 314 companies were traded for Rs 5. 08 billion.

Meanwhile, Central Finance Co. Ltd. (CFCL) and ICFC Finance Limited were the top gainers today, with their price surging by 10. 00 percent. Likewise, Chirkhwa Hydropower Limited (CKHL) was the top loser as its price fell by 4.70 percent.

At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 3. 33 trillion.

A right-wing pro-monarch leader has claimed that only the return of monarchy and declaration of Nepal as a Hindu state would bring stability to the Himalayan Nation.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Rajendra Prasad Lingden, chairperson of right-wing pro-monarch Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) claimed the present political system has failed and needs reform.

Lingden, also the parliamentary leader of the fifth largest party in the parliament with 14 seats, called for the dismissal of the federal structure claiming it to be costly and unfavorable.

“In the context of Nepal, in order to make it a peaceful, stable and prosperous nation, the provincial system of governance should be dismissed and the Hindu nation as well as the monarchy should be reinstated. On the basis of it peace and stability would prevail and the people's representative would then be able to take forward the developmental works,” Lingden told ANI.

According to Lingden, the party has been using the fronts of the road as well as parliament to raise awareness and garner its support from the public to bring about the changes. The pro-monarchist leader stated that the party would convince existing parties to agree on a point to make changes in the constitution making them realize the failure in delivery which was promised at the time of change.

“The existing political parties who have stood in line with the republic, secularism and federalism, those political parties would be convinced and made to agree for it for change. The reason would be their own roadmap which led their country to this phase has been proven wrong. The current malpractice has proved this system to be wrong. In order to correct it, we would convince them to make the correction and reinstate the monarchy, Hindu state and annul the federalism, moving forward with a new roadmap which would be achieved through mutual understanding and the conviction,” Lingden added.

Demands for a Pro-monarch system have continued to rise in the Himalayan Nation in recent years with huge turnovers seen in the protest called by various pro-monarch groups. Thousands of people took part in a pro-monarch protest organized in the capital Kathmandu on 23 Nov 2023, which clashed with the police for hours where pro-monarch chants along with others relating to loan shark laws were heard.

Earlier this year on April 9, thousands of pro-monarch supporters rallied in Kathmandu and broke into a restricted zone in front of Singha Durbar, the administrative capital of the nation, defying the tear gas and water cannons used by the Police.

Lingden who had led the protest claims it to be a result and testament to rising frustration/ dissatisfaction of people towards the existing system of governance.

“Now the calls for a Hindu state and the monarchy are rising. People now are realizing that replacing the King with a President has led to the inclination in the respect and value of the nation. The public in real-time is experiencing it. In bygone days many had thought that the nation could operate in the absence of monarchy, develop and prosper, there are countries in existence in the absence of Kingship, and it worked as a driving force. Making a comparison of the past and present and the place of Nepal in the world arena, the lowering graph also might have made people realize the importance of the monarchy in any form, the essence of a strong guardianship,” the leader of the right-wing pro-march party said.

“On the other hand, being an independent nation and its prerequisites apart from the geography, the governing system—the existence of the monarchy, only Hindu state in the world, like we have been saying the country of Mount Everest, Hindu state and the Monarchy also would add-on identity to Nepal. It has been realized lately which has given rise to the Hindu state and the monarchical system.”

Nepal in the year 2006 had abolished a centuries-old constitutional monarchy after then King Gyanendra seized power and imposed an emergency sending all the leaders under house arrest. The movement also referred to as ‘People’s Movement II’ witnessed bloodshed with dozens killed in the crackdown against protestors by the government.

After weeks of violent protest and increasing international pressure, Gyanendra gave up and reinstated the dissolved parliament, the dawn of a new democracy is highlighted as Lokantantra (People’s Rule).

Upon being asked about the form of the monarchy that the RPP is promising, Lingden replied, “When we talk about monarchy, there is a perception that the King is only related to RPP. Those who follow us (RPP) also are under the illusion that the King whose reinstatement we are talking about only relates to us but the King which RPP is talking about, whether you call it figurative, cultural, constitutional or any of the name to be given, it (Kingship) will perform the duty as a parental institution, bounded by the constitution and the parliament would have the rights to appoint the successor. We are doing so because the concept which we have proposed has the provision of a Directly elected Prime Minister with executive rights, which gives the King a limited right to remain within the boundaries of the constitution. The Kingship which was in practice in bygone days does not come under our proposed monarchical system.”

Formed in the 1990s after lift of the ban on the formation of political parties by then monarchical system, the RPP since then served as the force always supporting the Kingship. It also has been taking part in periodic elections and presenting its demands forth.

In the year 2008 right after the overthrow of monarchy rule from Nepal, the RPP had secured eight seats in the Constituent Assembly out of the 575 seated strong parliament. In the 2013 election, it was able to secure 13 seats while in the year 2017, it fell down to one seat while it bounced back in the election of 2022 with 14 seats.

The party since its inception has been supporting the Hindu State and the Kingship as interdependent in the tiny nation buffered between two giants India and China. The Himalayan Nation of Nepal has a population of 30.55m with a Hindu population of 81.19 percent as per the census of 2022.

With rising demands for the Hindu state and monarchy, Lingden also clarified that the party’s demand would be inclusive and not based on any religious ultraism feared by minority groups. ANI