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A meeting of the Judicial Service Commission today decided to recommend Devendra Dhakal as the chief registrar of the Supreme Court (SC).

The meeting chaired by Chief Justice Bishwambhar Prasad Shrestha recommended Dhakal who presently serves as the secretary of Judicial Council for the appointment to the post of SC chief registrar.

Similarly, Bimal Paudel has been recommended for the appointment as the SC registrar.

The posts are lying vacant since Lal Bahadur Kunwar who was the SC chief registrar and Nirmala Paudel who was the registrar were appointed as the High Court judges.

Rajin Maharjan, a filmmaker based in Kathmandu, has been in the spotlight since 2010 when he started working as a visual editor and animator. Transitioning seamlessly into creative writing and ad film direction, he has become a sought-after creative director in Nepal, particularly for social development organizations.

 Maharjan is dedicated to the promotion of Nepal Bhasa, adding a culturally resonant layer to his creative portfolio. Through captivating advertisement songs and other innovative approaches, he contributes to the preservation and promotion of Nepal Bhasa, showcasing its richness and relevance in contemporary storytelling. In a conversation with Evana Manandhar from ApEx, Maharjan spoke about his creative journey and cinematic expertise and his wish to shape the landscape of Nepali filmmaking through interesting collaborations.

 What are the challenges faced by Nepali cinema that limit its global exposure?

 Nepali cinema faces several challenges that limit its exposure and appeal beyond its borders. One significant obstacle is the industry’s limited visibility on the global stage, hindering its capacity to reach a broader international audience. Production quality, encompassing aspects like cinematography and special effects, poses another challenge.

Despite language differences, successful Hindi and South Indian films have demonstrated that compelling storytelling and high production values can transcend linguistic boundaries. The Nepali film industry has to actively address language concerns through measures such as subtitling or dubbing. The industry’s limited participation in major international film festivals and difficulties in securing international distribution hinder its market access.

Nepali cinema could benefit from international collaborations, improved film education, strategic marketing, diversification of themes, and continued government support. Active participation in international film festivals can also enhance visibility and facilitate distribution deals. The industry needs to adapt and implement these strategies to enhance its global presence.

Do you have some advice for aspiring filmmakers in Nepal?

Begin by investing in a comprehensive education in filmmaking, mastering the various aspects such as directing, scriptwriting, cinematography, and editing. Networking is equally important, as establishing connections within the industry through events, festivals, and workshops can lead to collaboration and mentorship.

Start with smaller projects to gain practical experience. Use digital platforms like YouTube and Vimeo to showcase your work globally. Stay attuned to industry trends and technologies, incorporating them into your craft. Actively seek collaborations, value feedback, and be open to constructive criticism. Attend film festivals, both locally and internationally, to gain exposure and recognition. Craft stories that are authentic to Nepali culture yet possess universal themes. Understand the business aspects of filmmaking, including funding and distribution, and consider seeking mentorship from experienced professionals. Persistence, resilience, and a willingness to learn from failures are essential qualities on the path to success. Embrace technology to your advantage, taking advantage of affordable equipment and editing software. Most importantly, maintain a passion for storytelling and a commitment to continuous improvement, as success in the film industry often stems from a combination of talent, hard work, and strategic planning.

How do you stay connected with your audience and receive feedback for your work?

Staying connected with the audience and receiving feedback is important to improve my skills. Feedback channels include community forums, where discussions provide insights into audience reactions, and dedicated feedback platforms that allow for more structured input. Informal channels such as comments on social media or conversations with friends contribute to understanding how my work resonates with viewers.

I recognize that feedback is inherently diverse, reflecting individual perspectives and preferences. Comments may encompass a wide range of opinions, including those with liberal viewpoints. This diversity of feedback is invaluable in gauging audience reactions, identifying strengths and weaknesses in my storytelling, and refining my artistic approach.

Engaging with audiences on social media platforms allows for direct interaction, fostering a sense of connection and providing a platform for fans to express their thoughts. Whether positive or constructive criticism, this feedback helps me understand the impact of my work and guides decisions for future projects.

How do you see the future of Nepal Bhasa in the context of your work and the broader cultural landscape?

The language’s future is intrinsically tied to audience engagement and support, as sustained interest and appreciation for content in Nepal Bhasa can encourage its continued use in creative works. Educational initiatives, including its inclusion in curricula, and government and institutional support for linguistic diversity are vital factors that can shape the language’s trajectory. The digital era offers opportunities for Nepal Bhasa to reach a global audience through subtitled or dubbed content on digital platforms, fostering a broader understanding and appreciation. Collaboration, adaptability in storytelling, and a commitment to cultural preservation are key elements that can collectively contribute to ensuring a vibrant future for Nepal Bhasa.

What challenges do you face in promoting Nepal Bhasa, and how do you address them creatively?

One significant challenge lies in the potential limited audience reach, as the language is specific to the Newar community. To address this, I explore innovative storytelling techniques and themes that resonate universally, ensuring that the cultural richness conveyed through Nepal Bhasa becomes an accessible and engaging experience for a broader audience. Another challenge is the need for subtitles or dubbing to make the content inclusive. Collaborating with skilled translators and voice actors who can maintain linguistic nuances and cultural authenticity is important. Limited financial resources is another hurdle in the production of films or projects in Nepal Bhasa. I would seek creative financing solutions, such as crowdfunding campaigns or partnerships with cultural organizations that share a commitment to preserving linguistic diversity. 

The price of gold has dropped by Rs 200 per tola in the domestic market on Wednesday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the yellow metal is being traded at Rs 120, 800 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 121, 000 per tola on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, tejabi gold is being traded at Rs 120, 200 per tola. It was traded at Rs 120, 400 per tola.

Similarly, the silver is being traded at Rs 1,455 per tola today.

A police constable died after being hit by a motorbike in Makwanpur on Wednesday.

The deceased has been identified as Binod AD (25) of Dadeldhura, currently stationed at the Bagmati Province Police Battalion, Hetauda.

The two-wheeler (Na 43 Pa 222) heading towards Nawalpur from Hetauda hit Binod at around 6:30 today.

Following the incident, he was taken to the Hetauda Hospital but doctors pronounced him dead at 7:30 am, District Police Office, Makwanpur spokesperson Laxmi Bhandari said.

Motorbike rider Laxman Lama (41) of Huprachaur, Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City-4 was injured in the incident, police said.

He is undergoing treatment at the Chitwan Medical College for treatment.

Three more Nepalis serving in the Russian army have died.

The Foreign Ministry confirmed the death of three more Nepalis serving in the Russian army.

With this, the number of Nepalis killed in the Russia-Ukraine war has reached 10.

The deceased have been identified as Raj Kumar Giri of Dhading, Hari Prasad Aryal of Syangja and Bharat Bahadur Shah of Kailali, according to Amrit Bahadur Rai, spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The government has urged the Russian government to send the bodies to Nepalis who lost their lives in the war.

Rai said that the government has urged the Russian government not to recruit Nepali citizens and to return the Nepali citizens who have joined the Russian army.

The import of electric vehicles (EVs) is experiencing a significant surge in Nepal, thanks to the government’s duty waiver on the import of environmentally friendly vehicles.

Data recently released by the Department of Customs shows that a staggering 3,675 units of electric cars, jeeps, and vans made their way into the country in the first five months of the fiscal year 2023/24. This figure is nearly triple the imports recorded during the same period in the previous fiscal year, where 1,353 EVs were brought into the country.

The surge in EV imports reflects the growing popularity and acceptance of clean and green mobility options. The country imported EVs with a combined import value of Rs 9.29bn.

Out of total imports, 2,028 cars have the capacity below 50 kWh. The import value of these cars is Rs 5.81bn. Additionally, 52 units of cars with a capacity ranging from 51 kWh to 100 kWh entered the country during the review period. These cars cost a combined Rs 262.64m. Likewise, 11 units of cars with a capacity ranging from 201 to 300 kWh were imported into the country in the review period. The total import value of these cars is Rs 77m. 

While the import of passenger cars is increasing at a healthy rate, the rate of EV adoption in public transport is very low. According to the Department of Customs 134 units of microbuses with 11-14 seats with a total import value of Rs 414.4m were imported into the country during the review period. Likewise, 56 units of microbuses with 15-25 seats entered the country. The import volume of these microbuses is Rs 187.6m. The majority of these microbuses have been used in public transportation. 

The government formulated Environment-friendly Vehicle and Transport Policy in 2014 setting a target of increasing the number of EVs to 20 percent of total motor vehicles in the country by 2020. While the government missed this target, recent import data shows the automotive landscape in Nepal is undergoing a transformation. 

The passenger car segment is witnessing a significant growth. Nepal had 249 EV passenger cars in 2020/21, which has increased to 4,050 units in 2022/23. 

The government imposes a one percent customs duty, 13 percent VAT, and five percent road tax on EVs with a capacity of up to 50 kWh. Similarly, microbuses with 11-14 seats are subject to a 13 percent VAT, 10 percent customs duty, and seven percent road tax.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has pointed out the need for transformation in educational policy, curriculum and structure for the reform of the country's education sector.

Addressing the Kantipur Education Summit ceremony here today, Prime Minister Dahal mentioned that the government has been carrying out activities for reforms of the educational sector.

He shared, "In the context when Nepal's higher education is facing global problems of globalization, such programs will have quality contribution for policy making with our own specialties and uniqueness in light of experiences across the world."

There are impacts of globalization at most of the areas of national life including education, said PM Dahal, adding, "There are direct impacts of globalization across the world. In developing countries like Nepal, its multifaceted impact exists as a challenge.  It has brought changes in economy, education, psychology and social structures of small and independent countries."

"We can overcome this challenge only after making changes in our educational policy, curriculum, and structures", he opined.

Stating that a negative mindset has been developed in the new generation in recent periods that there is no quality in a country's education and it could not compete in the global market, the Prime Minister stressed the need to discourage such a mindset.

The trend of brain drain of those academic personalities and those having employment opportunities in the country due to temptation of acquiring wealth in a short period was the matter of concern, he shared.

We came across Feels in Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur, right before Tihar when we were looking for a place to have brunch on the Saturday right before Laxmi puja. We had a great time. The restaurant was stunning. The food was great. We ended up staying for five hours, chatting and sipping on all kinds of hot beverages. Turns out, they had only had a soft launch back then. According to their Instagram page, they formally opened their doors a few days before Christmas.

 Feels is a restaurant we highly recommend. It’s aesthetic. The food is delicious. You really can’t go wrong with ordering anything on the menu. You could close your eyes, place your finger anywhere on the menu, and order that item and you wouldn’t regret it. We had the breakfast platter, chicken meatballs, tortilla wrap, and peri peri fries.

 The best thing about them all, apart from the fact that we couldn’t find anything to complain about in terms of taste, was just how beautifully they were plated. The dishes used were heavy ceramic pieces in pastel shades that made the food stand out even more. Wooden trays were used for the platters. The fries came in paper cones in mental holders, atop a plate. The orange juice came in champagne flutes. We pretended they were mimosas. 

The prices are reasonable, given the portion sizes. Three of us ordered almost two drinks each (non-alcoholic) and four food items and the total bill was still a little less than Rs 5000. We also didn’t feel bad about parting with the money because we had enjoyed our time there.

There are plenty of seating options at Feels. We haven’t been there since the official launch but going by some friends’ posts on Instagram and Facebook, there have been quite a few upgrades and additions. And all of it looks quite lovely.

There’s a post on Feel’s official Instagram page where the founder talks about wanting to open a place that wasn’t just a restaurant, but a space where you could relax and have a good time without feeling obliged to keep ordering. Five different sections of the restaurant include a brunch area, study area, bar, boho-themed section, and a 90s space.

The brunch area has hues of blue and gray. The study area doubles as a co-working space. The bar is interestingly done, and there are some mean cocktails on the menu. The boho-themed area has plants and white macramé décor whereas the 90s space has interesting knickknacks sourced from the founder’s family and friends. We had fun looking at tape recorders and one of those chunky phones where you have to spin the wheel to dial a number. It was all very nostalgic.

 All in all, Feels stood out as a spectacular restaurant. We loved it. We will definitely be going back and we urge you to give it a try as well. You won’t regret it.