US Ambassador Thompson calls on DPM Shrestha
US Ambassador to Nepal Dean R. Thompson called on the newly-appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha, today.
In the meeting that took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they held discussions on various topics of bilateral interest, said Ministry Spokesperson Amrit Bahadur Rai.
Discussions were also held on timely completion of the development projects operated in Nepal with US assistance.
On the occasion, the US Ambassador congratulated the DPM Shrestha and also extended to him his best wishes.
Nepse surges by 22. 10 points on Sunday
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 22.10 points to close at 2,052.65 points on Sunday.
Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 4.26 points to close at 364. 53 points.
A total of 7,043,457-unit shares of 304 companies were traded for Rs 2. 92 billion.
Meanwhile, Wean Nepal Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (WNLB) and Jalpa Samudayik Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (JALPA) 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 7.06 percent.
At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 3. 22 trillion.
We will also extend help to conclude transitional justice: US Ambassador
The United States has shown concern over the remaining works of peace process and issues of transitional justice.
During a meeting with newly appointed Finance Minister Barshaman Pun, US Ambassador to Nepal Dean R Thompson said that the remaining works of the peace process would conclude soon.
According to an official at the Finance Ministry, Ambassador Thompson, during the meeting, said that the bill related to transitional justice will be finalized soon, expressing his hope that the works of peace process will get momentum after that.
“Bill related to transitional justice will be finalized soon and the US is hopeful of concluding the remaining works of the peace process,” US Ambassador Thompson said, adding, “America is ready to extend help for the same.”
He said that America is ready to provide financial support to conclude the remaining works of the peace process, mentioning that many other countries of the world are also found to have been interested in extending the support.
The Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee of the Parliament is preparing to finalize the TRC bill.
During a meeting called by the Committee to finalize and endorse the bill, Law Minister Dhan Raj Gurung had sought time to discuss the controversial issues of TRC with the Prime Minister.
After questions were raised over some provisions of the bill, Law Minister Gurung said that internal discussions should be held on the issue.
The CPN-UML underscored the need for the victim-friendly bill.
A UML-led new coalition has been formed after the break-up of the Nepali Congress-CPN (Maoist Center) alliance.
With the change in the ruling coalition, a meeting of the Law Committee called on Monday to finalize the bill related to transitional justice was postponed.
The government is preparing to finalize the TRC bill from this Parliament session by forging consensus on some issues.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Thompson expressed his commitment to continue the development assistance provided by the US.
In response, Minister Pun thanked Ambassador Thompson for his commitment to continue the cooperation in the coming days while recalling the efforts of the US in the overall development of Nepal.
RPP leader and former AIG Thakur Mohan Shrestha attacked
Former Additional Inspector General of the Armed Police Force and Rastriya Prajatantra Party leader Thakur Mohan Shrestha has been attacked after he called party leader Bikram Pandey corrupt.
He was attacked by the supporters of Pandey. He is also a former minister.
Shrestha called Pandey corrupt during a meeting of the Central Work Execution Committee held at the party office this morning.
Immediately, Pandey walked out of the meeting and told his supporters about the incident.
Pandey’s cadres attacked Shrestha while he was coming out of the meeting hall.
Leaders said that Shrestha was attacked due to the views he expressed in the Central Work Execution Committee meeting.
Following the incident, party Chairman Rajendra Lingden issued a directive to identify the attackers.
RPP spokesperson Mohan Shrestha said that further investigation into the incident is underway.
PM Dahal expands Cabinet, inducts two ministers from JSP
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal expanded his Cabinet by inducting two ministers on Sunday.
Upendra Yadav and Nawa Kishor Sah of Janata Samajbadi Party have become ministers in the Dahal Cabinet.
Yadav has been appointed as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health and Population and Sah as Minister for Forest.
President Ram Chandra Paudel administered the oath of office and secrecy amidst a function at Sheetal Niwas.
With the appointment of two ministers, the current Council of Ministers now has 22 members.
Gold price increases by Rs 1, 000 per tola on Sunday
The price of gold has increased by Rs 1,000 per tola in the domestic market on Sunday.
According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 126, 000 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 125, 000 per tola on Friday.
Similarly, tejabi gold is being traded at Rs 125, 400 per tola. It was traded at Rs 124, 400 per tola.
Meanwhile, the price of silver has increased by Rs 5 and is being traded at Rs 1,475 per tola today.
RPP Central Work Execution Committee meeting today
The meeting of the Central Work Execution Committee of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) is being held today.
The Committee's meeting will be held at 9 am at the party's central office, Dhumbarahi, according to party spokesperson Mohan Kumar Shrestha.
The meeting continues today from yesterday where members of the committee are continuing to express their views on various agenda presented by party Chairman Rajendra Lingden for discussion.
Krystyna Pyszkova from Czech Republic crowned Miss World 2024
Czech Republic's Krystyna Pyszkova on March 9 won the coveted Miss World 2024 title at a grand event in Mumbai, The Hindu reported.
Miss Lebanon Yasmina Zaytoun was named the first runner-up.
Reigning Miss World Karolina Bielawska from Poland crowned her successor at the star-studded finale here.
Pyszkova is the second Miss World from Czech Republic after 2006 pageant winner Tatana Kucharova.
According to the official Miss World website, Pyszkova is a Czech model who is pursuing separate degrees in law and business administration.
Pyszkova, who is in her 20s, is also the founder of the Krystyna Pyszko Foundation. The model, who is fluent in English, Polish, Slovak, and German languages, is an advocate for sustainable development through education, according to The Hindu.
“Her proudest moment was opening an English school for underprivileged children in Tanzania where she also volunteered. She enjoys playing the transverse flute and the violin, and has a passion for music and art having spent nine years in an art academy,” read Pyszkova’s profile on the website.
India, which hosted the event after 28 years, was represented by 22-year-old Sini Shetty.
Mumbai-born Shetty, who was crowned Femina Miss India World in 2022, was unable to make it to the top 4 of the contest.
India has won the prestigious title six times — Reita Faria (1966), Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (1994), Diana Hayden (1997), Yukta Mookhey (1999), Priyanka Chopra Jonas (2000), and Manushi Chillar (2017).
The 71st Miss World pageant, which witnessed participation of contestants from 112 countries of the world, was held at the Jio World Convention Centre in BKC here.
Part of the 12-judge panel for the finale were film producer Sajid Nadiadwala; actors Kriti Sanon, Pooja Hegde; cricketer Harbhajan Singh; news personality Rajat Sharma, social worker Amruta Fadnavis; Vineet Jain, MD of Bennett, Coleman & Co. Limited; Julia Morley, Chairperson and CEO of the Miss World Organization; Jamil Saidi, Strategic Partner & Host - Miss World India, and three former Miss Worlds, including Chillar, The Hindu reported.
Filmmaker Karan Johar and former Miss World Megan Young hosted the event, which kickstarted on a high note with performances by singers Shaan, Neha Kakkar, and Tony Kakkar.
A video message by Chopra Jonas highlighting the importance of 'beauty with purpose', a tagline associated with the Miss World pageant, was also played at the event.
The cast of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s maiden web series “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar" — Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal, and Sanjeeda Sheikh — also walked the stage with 13 fast-track Miss World contestants on the show's newly released song "Sakal Ban".
The month-long Miss World event featured a series of rigorous competitions, including talent showcases, sports challenges, and charitable initiatives -- all aimed at highlighting the qualities that make these competitors the ambassadors of change.