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Newly elected chairperson of the National Assembly (NA) Narayan Prasad Dahal said that he would take initiative to boost the prestige and importance of the upper chamber of the Federal Parliament.

Talking to media persons while exiting from the meeting after his election to the post, Chair Dahal shared that he would play an active role to establish the thinking that NA is the essential institution.

"I am committed to unite NA members of all parties to fulfill the entire roles and responsibilities of NA. I also have self-confidence that I will be successful in it," he underlined.

Stating that he would move ahead taking every activity that falls within NA's jurisdiction seriously, NA Chair Dahal stressed that he would be involved in formulating laws as well as boosting the prestige of the NA.

Dahal is scheduled to take oath of office and secrecy before President Ramchandra Paudel today itself.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 58. 55 points to close at 2, 111. 21 points on Tuesday.

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 10. 60 points to close at 375. 13 points.

A total of 10,609,597-unit shares of 305 companies were traded for Rs 4. 55 billion.

Meanwhile, Janautthan Samudayic Laghubitta Bittya Sanstha Limited (JSLBB), Unnati Sahakarya Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (USLB), Wean Nepal Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (WNLB), Swabhimaan Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (SMFBS) and Jalpa Samudayik Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (JALPA) were the top gainers today, with their price surging by 10. 00 percent.

Likewise, Himalayan 80-20 (H8020) was the top loser as its price fell by 2. 57 percent.

At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 3. 31 trillion.

In 1997, Shailaja Adhikary, founded the fashion and interior design education institution, IEC. In 2007, she started Euro Kids, an international preschool chain, in Nepal. The 47-year-old is currently the CEO of IEC Group and the principal of Euro School. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Business Administration from the Golden Gate University in the US. Adhikary believes in competing with oneself rather than comparing oneself to others. Babita Shrestha from ApEx spoke to Adhikary to find out how she aims to provide quality education through her many ventures. 

What strategies do you implement to uphold high academic standards at the institutions under IEC?

At Euro School, we’re pretty forward-thinking as we follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. This means our teaching and learning methods are fun and easy to grasp. Our classrooms have a friendly environment and we like to mix things up with unconventional teaching methods rather than sticking to the same old traditional ways. We focus on our students’ needs and interests, teaching them in creative ways. We give personalized attention, support, and environment to each learner based on their abilities and capacities. We aim to encourage them to explore, develop skills, and foster a love for learning that will stay with them for life. As for our college, our teaching methods and assessments are also different. We adapt to what the students want and what they’re capable of, making sure to meet their demands and interests.

How do you work on curriculum development to ensure an effective educational program?

At Euro Kids, we’ve got some top-notch educators from places like Harvard and other renowned institutions. Our research and development team comes up with a curriculum that’s unique and meets international standards. We provide training for educators to handle this international curriculum. As for IEC under Limkokwing University, their curriculum is top-notch as they always upgrade it to meet industry needs. It’s not just about giving us the curriculum but also offering training to help our educators and teachers grow both professionally and personally.

What should be done to support and enhance teachers’ professional development?

We care about our teachers’ emotions so we have a social-psycho counselor to support them. We believe teachers need to be emotionally strong to handle students so we’ve got a whole department for that at our schools. Also, we bring in international trainers and experts to train our teachers and mentors. This happens regularly at Euro School and we do the same with workshops for IEC too. It’s all about making sure our teachers are supported and keep growing.

What do you do to thrive in the competitive landscape of the fashion education industry?

Fashion and interior design are growing fast in Nepal and I always keep an eye on what others are doing. I won’t fall into the trap of assuming I’m the best. Instead, I want to learn from others and bring some really good ideas to the table. Our teachers get good training from international experts. We’re always updating our curriculum to match what the industry needs. Whether in Nepal or the global scene, we’re forward-thinking and we aim to make our students ready for anything.

Are there specific ways to facilitate students’ access to internships and real-world experiences?

At Euro School, once the students finish SEE, I always suggest they do an internship. Many of them end up joining their parents’ businesses, but we push them to explore other job opportunities during their three-month break. Because I’m invested in entrepreneurship, I try to get my students excited about learning those skills as well. 

At IEC, I ensure every student does an internship after each semester. Right from the first semester, I encourage the students to start from the basics. I want them to learn and gain experience in a social setting. I want them to find their internship placements. This helps them develop good research skills and become independent. I want them to showcase their capabilities using the knowledge and skills they’ve acquired. We review their work and they’re required to present what they’ve learned during their internship. It’s not just about teaching them. We also guide them to become professionals.

How do you plan to integrate technology into teaching and learning practices?

At Euro School, even our first graders are getting into coding and programming. Students are working with drones and visual effects. Technology is an important tool for learning nowadays. At IEC, every assignment and assessment happens digitally. Digital work is just a regular part of the curriculum. In the first semester, students use sketch paper but by the second semester, we assign them digital designing. 

What plans do you have to assess, adapt, and improve the educational programs?

Education is a lifelong journey. We have to keep learning and upgrading ourselves every step of the way. My goal is to turn my students into global citizens who can thrive in any environment and handle the many complexities of the workplace. While their academic success is important, what matters most to me is that they become good people and responsible citizens. As an educator, I encourage them to explore the world and learn wherever they go, but I also urge them to return and give back to their community and country. In the future, I dream of starting a university in Nepal, where I can use the skills I’ve been teaching students to contribute to the country’s resources. I also want to attract international students to Nepal by offering a progressive academic approach. It’s all part of my vision to promote education in Nepal.

Japanese Ambassador to Nepal KIKUTA Yutaka signed two grant contracts under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) of the Government of Japan for the provision of a total of 12 recycled fire engines.

The signing ceremony was held at the Embassy of Japan in Kathmandu today.

The GGP contract with Dhana Lama, Executive Director of United Mission to Nepal (UMN), was signed to provide six recycled fire engines to six municipalities: Khijidemba Rural Municipality of Okhaldhunga District in Koshi Province, Tansen Municipality, Rainadevi Chhahara Rural Municipality of Palpa District, Sunwal Municipality, Pratapapur Rural Municipality of Parasi District, and Mayadevi Rural Municipality of Kapilbastu District in Lumbini Province with a grant of USD 259,035, reads a statement issued by the Embassy of Japan in Nepal.

Similarly, the other GGP contract with Deepak Chapagain, President of Volunteer Corps Nepal (VCN), is to provide six recycled fire engines to Barahathawa Municipality, Chakraghatta Rural Municipality of Sarlahi District in Madhesh Province, Bahrabise Municipality of Sindhupalchok District, Kageshwori Manohara Municipality of Kathmandu District, Godawari Municipality of Lalitpur District in Bagmati Province, and Walling Municipality of Syangja District in Gandaki Province with a grant of USD 282,614.

In Nepal, only a few municipalities own fire engines. Considering this situation, the Japanese government decided to support 12 recycled fire engines through UMN, which is one of the oldest NGOs serving the society for 70 years, and VCN, which continues to specialize in disaster relief including fire.

The fire engines to be provided by the projects have been faithfully operated and maintained throughout Japan.

These fire engines will play the active role in protecting the communities in Nepal as their second life.

The Embassy of Japan believes that these projects will contribute to the safety of the people in the 12 municipalities and their surrounding areas against fire incidents.

When you are busy, it’s easy to make some noodles or grab a packet of biscuits. While these foods fill you up (and are delicious), they are mostly empty calories with no nutritional value. Packaged food is also believed to cause a lot of diseases including cancer. The right food, on the other hand, can help you stay healthy and prevent many common illnesses, even keeping the annoying seasonal flu at bay. Here are some healthy snack ideas that will not just satiate that hunger but nourish you as well.

Greek Yogurt

It’s delicious. It’s filling. And it’s packed with nutrients. Including yogurt in your diet is also associated with lower body weight, body fat percentage, and waist circumference. Greek yogurt is extra thick and can taste a little like ice cream if you put in a few drops of vanilla essence. Rich in probiotics (bacteria that may improve digestion and increase your immunity), it contains eight grams more protein per serving than regular yogurt. It’s also lower in carbohydrates than regular yogurt. There are many ways to have yogurt. Drizzle it over fruits, add in some spices to make a tangy raita, or simply have it straight out of the tub. As it has a tangier flavor, it can be used as a healthier substitute for mayonnaise or sour cream.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal keeps cholesterol in check, helps fight against heart disease, and keeps you full until lunch, thanks to its soluble fiber. There are many science-backed health benefits of oatmeal. These include weight loss, decreased risk of heart disease, and lowered blood sugar. Choose steel-cut varieties rather than rolled oats. You can make oatmeal in both sweet and savory versions. For a savory breakfast, drizzle cooked oatmeal with olive oil and sprinkle with parmesan, or try cooking oatmeal with spinach and poached eggs. For a sweet dish, you can cook it with peanut butter or add any fruit of your choice. You can grind oats to make cake batter or rotis. Use this instead of regular flour.

Quinoa

Quinoa looks and cooks like a grain. But it’s an herbaceous plant. It’s a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids and offers the same energy and satiety you would get from meat, minus the fat or cholesterol. Quinoa is low in sugar and carbohydrates. It’s thus helpful for anyone trying to prevent or manage diabetes. It also has a low glycemic index, and it’s gluten-free. There are a variety of ways to cook quinoa. YouTube has tons of fun recipes. You can even make pulao or biryani with it. If you want a quick snack, mix some quinoa in your pancake batter, bake some cookies with it, or toss some cooked quinoa in while making scrambled eggs.  

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are super nutritious. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. They provide a good amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, and manganese. They are also believed to have anticancer properties and may promote immune function. They are great for your eyes and the reproductive system as well. They come in a variety of colors but the darker they are, the richer they are in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that has a horde of health benefits. Boiling is often considered the worst method for retaining nutrients in your food. But when it comes to sweet potatoes, boiling is good. It retains more beta-carotene and makes the nutrient more absorbable than other cooking methods. So, boil a couple and eat it with salt and pepper, or make mashed potatoes with it. Have them fried (like French Fries) or bake them in the oven. You can also air-fry thin slices to make (sweet) potato chips.

Avocado

Avocados contain a wide range of nutrients. Some health benefits of eating avocado may include improving digestion, lowering the risk of depression, and preventing bone loss. Avocados contain high levels of healthy fats that can keep a person fuller between meals. Eating fat also slows the breakdown of carbohydrates, which helps keep blood sugar levels stable. Avocados are easy to eat. The simplest way to enjoy avocados is by sprinkling them with a pinch of salt and pepper (or peri-peri if you like spicy foods). You can smear some mashed avocados on bread, toss a few slices with cucumbers and carrots, and make a salad, or have it in a smoothie form. It can also be a good substitute for mayo in your sandwiches.

Narayan Dahal elected as National Assembly chair (With video)

CPN (Maoist Centre) candidate Narayan Dahal has been elected as the chairman of the National Assembly.

In the election held today, Dahal garnered 39 votes while his contender Yuvaraj Sharma of the Nepali Congress secured 17 votes.

After Dahal obtained majority votes, Vice-Chairperson Urmila Aryal announced that he was elected as the chairman of the upper house.

A total of 56 lawmakers were present in the election.

Gopi Bahadur Sarki proposed Dahal for the post while Devendra Dahal of CPN-UML, Beduram Bhusal of CPN (Unified Socialist) and Mohammad Khalid of Janata Samajbadi Party seconded the proposal.

Dahal is the brother of Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

He was nominated as a member of the National Assembly by the President on the recommendation of the government in 2021.

With the formation of a new alliance, an agreement was reached among CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, CPN (Maoist Center) Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Rastriya Swatantra Party President Rabi Lamichhane and Janata Samajbadi Party Chairman Upendra Yadav to support the candidate of Maoist Center for National Assembly chair and UML for vice-chair.

The position remained vacant after Ganesh Timilsina retired after completing his six-year tenure on March 3.

Five political parties in the coalition government have inked a seven-point agreement, pledging to support the Pushpa Kamal Dahal-led government and make it successful.

The meeting that took place at the Prime Minister's official residence in Baluwatar today decided to support Narayan Dahal, the candidate for the election of National Assembly (NA) Chair on behalf of the CPN (Maoist Center).

The election for the post of NA Chair is taking place today.

A meeting attended by the top leadership of five political parties representing in the Federal Parliament decided to promote mutual cooperation to make the government delivery further 'effective' and 'advance' towards good governance, social justice and prosperity.

The meeting also agreed to proceed ahead with dialogue with other political parties positive over the process to form a new coalition government and promptly conclude the transitional justice issue, remaining task of the peace process and matters regarding the establishment of a durable peace on the basis of consensus.

They also agreed to enact remaining laws required for implementing the federalism, make the operation of the three-tier government effective and prepare a common minimum program among the parties in the government, and to come up with government policies and programs capable of promoting the interests of the nation and democracy.

An understanding has been reached among the political parties to strengthen national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity as well as to move ahead towards the path of political stability for socialism-oriented socio-economic development. 

The five political parties agreed to move ahead to fulfill people's aspirations of good governance, development and social justice as well as putting the issues of national interest and concerns in priority.

Similarly, these parties have made an effort to develop a balanced and holistic international relation and to move ahead in the path of prosperity in an effective manner by strengthening the federal democratic republic as per sentiments and spirit of constitution of Nepal.

CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman and Prime Minister Dahal, CPN (Unified Socialist) Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal, Rastriya Swatantra Party President Rabi Lamichhane, and Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal Chairman Upendra Yadav signed the agreement.

The gold is being traded at Rs 126, 000 per tola in the domestic market on Tuesday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, tejabi gold is being traded at Rs 125, 400 per tola.

Meanwhile, the price of silver, however, has increased by Rs 10 and is being traded at Rs 1,485 per tola today.