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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.

Groupwise discussions are taking place from today in the ongoing first meeting of the National Convention Representatives Council of the CPN-UML. The meeting started on Saturday at Sunrise Hall in Godawari, Latilpur.

Discussions are expected in Chairperson KP Sharma Oli's political report and general secretary Shankar Pokharel's organizational report.

The reports have raised the issue of democratizing the party's life and making UML a decisive national force through upcoming elections to reach socialism by fulfilling the national aspirations of 'Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali'.

Likewise, the reports of the central disciplinary commission, central accounts commission, central accounts commission, central election commission and central advisory council would also be discussed in the meeting, Chief of UML Publicity Department Rajendra Gautam said.

The meeting attended by more than 2,454 representatives is expected to chart out the party's course for making it a robust national force through organizational strengthening and refinement.

Likewise, the UML is hosting a special programme on the occasion of the 75th year of the establishment of the party on Monday.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, former Prime Ministers and top leaders of the parties are scheduled to attend the special ceremony.

Jufal Airport in Dolpa, which had remained closed for 53 days, has resumed operations from today.  

The airport was temporarily shut to upgrade the 185-meter-long runway which was completed at a cost of Rs 60 million including VAT, according to Civil Aviation Authority's engineer Bir Prasad Shahi.

This morning, a Tara Air flight from Nepalgunj landed at Jufal, marking the resumption of the services. Prior to this, the runway was in a dilapidated condition, posing a threat to travelers.

Jufal serves as the sole airport in Dolpa of Karnali Province, the largest district across the country.