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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.

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.

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.

The 40th MCA-Nepal Board meeting held on 6 March 2024, decided to advance the 18 km Nepal portion of the Butwal-Gorakhpur power transmission line on a priority basis by separating it from the larger 315 km transmission line. 

The Board determined that expediting the cross-border section will help to meet the obligations of the cross-border power trade agreement between Nepal and India. “MCA-Nepal Board made this determination collectively owing to the critical importance of this segment to the Government of Nepal and the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). 

The separation of the 18 km segment from the larger transmission line network will enable a quicker procurement process and its implementation in order to ensure that the line is completed on time by May 2026 to connect with the lines under construction on the Indian side of the border.” shared Nabin Raj Singh, Joint Secretary and Spokesperson at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation post the Board meeting. The cross-border transmission line is a critical component of the Electricity Transmission Project and will facilitate cross-border electricity trade to meet Nepal’s needs. In Oct 2019, both the Governments of Nepal and India agreed to the financing and ownership framework that will govern the implementation of the New Butwal – Gorakhpur cross-border transmission line.

For the remaining 297 km transmission line, MCA-Nepal continues to work to procure the services of design-build contractors to complete the construction of the transmission lines within the agreed timeline. MCA-Nepal remains committed to ensuring the transmission lines are built on time, within budget, and in accordance with GoN and MCC’s environmental and social standards, says a statement issued by MCA-Nepal. 

Vani Rana, 43, has been working in the education sector for over 15 years. Since 2022, she has been the principal of Uniglobe School. Rana earned her MEd in Educational Leadership from Bank Street College of Education in New York. She first worked as a teacher, then as an elementary school coordinator. She was a vice principal for almost ten years.

She’s certified in teaching, reading, and writing from Teachers College, Columbia University. She recently completed an Instructional Coaching certification from Harvard Graduate School of Education. In a conversation with ApEx, Rana spoke about how she intends to shape the future of education and create an inclusive learning environment.

 What specific initiatives do you plan to implement to support academic excellence and enhance student success?

At Uniglobe School, we prioritize the ‘how’ of learning in all our teaching-learning activities across four key areas: learner, knowledge, assessment, and community. We view each student as a person with unique experiences and prior knowledge, rather than a blank slate. Our teachers are committed to uncovering and addressing any misconceptions or beliefs students may hold, ensuring that their knowledge is integrated into the learning process.

Additionally, we place learning goals at the forefront of every lesson plan, with a focus on the knowledge of students and how they can apply it beyond the classroom. We often use ‘formative assessments’ to help students think and understand better. We give them feedback, both formal and informal, that focuses on real understanding, not just memorizing.

We also have a community-centered approach where everyone learns from one another and improves together. At our school, students are encouraged to join in and help out. We keep things friendly between teachers and students. And it’s okay for students to make mistakes because that’s how they will learn and grow.

 How do you encourage collaboration among faculty, staff, and students to make learning interesting for everyone?

I think it’s really important for people to work together and at Uniglobe School, we’re actively trying to make that happen. We see the school as a community, so we include activities like peer learning, pair and group discussions, and role play in our lessons. Students team up to solve problems, discuss ideas, and consider different viewpoints.

We also want our teachers to share their best ways of teaching with one another and give helpful feedback. The goal is to make our school a place where everyone collaborates and learns from one another. I believe teachers play a huge role in the student’s learning process. We make sure teachers have a good work-life balance as we believe happy teachers bring out the best in their students.

 What frameworks do you integrate to keep up with the trends and best practices in education?

At our school, we embrace the concept of lifelong learning, from the principal to the students. We stay informed about the latest trends and best practices in education. We’ve dedicated time and opportunities for research and self-reflection for all staff members. We also invite experts to share their experiences and regularly distribute research-based materials. Through thoughtful reflection, we explore how we can incorporate evolving practices into our teaching approaches.

 How do you foster a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the school?

Our school is a microcosm of the community with people from various backgrounds and identities. To make sure everyone feels included and has an equitable learning environment, we use a multifaceted approach, developing curricula that incorporate multiple perspectives and learning needs. Our teachers promote restorative practices such as open dialogue, community service, circle conferences, and a special ‘wellness Class’ to promote empathy and cultural understanding. We are also committed to engaging families and communities in our school decision-making through honest communication. Our school policies include anti-discrimination measures, inclusive hiring practices, and accommodations for the diverse needs of students.

How have you used your leadership role to actively support women’s empowerment and gender equality in the school?

I’m dedicated to fostering inclusivity for girls and female staff every day, addressing issues such as menstruation taboos and harassment to create a safer and more supportive learning and workplace environment for all.

According to UNESCO, women principals in schools have a big impact on student success. They organize meetings with parents, offer extra help to students, and keep a close watch on teacher attendance. Schools led by women also have fewer teacher absences, making for a better learning environment. And I believe my role in the school is very similar. Women have traditionally been seen as teachers, but now they’re leading schools too. I’m proud to be breaking stereotypes.

 What initiatives have you planned for creating a more inclusive environment for women in the school?

We have been following a gender-responsive pedagogy in lesson planning, content delivery, and classroom management. This helps to prevent gender stereotyping, improve classroom participation of girls and boys, and the development of their critical workplace skills. Our curriculum is reviewed regularly as it’s important to us that men/boys and women/girls are represented in various roles, not just conventional ones.

We are also committed to being a gender-responsive school by including practices such as providing equal pay, equal teaching conditions, equal representation in management positions, and equitable division of work for all staff irrespective of gender. We allow flexible schedules and other accommodations that address teachers’ family responsibilities. We’ve set clear rules against harassment and abuse for teachers, staff, and students, with a ‘zero-tolerance policy’.

The impact of informalization is felt most acutely by women workers within the informal sector. Often relegated to occupations associated with care work, women face heightened vulnerability, limited legal protection, and lower wages. The absence of social protections such as health insurance and maternity leave further exacerbates their plight, perpetuating a cycle of inequality and exploitation.

In the ongoing battle against the informalization of labor, ActionAid International Nepal (AAIN) took a significant step forward by launching a national campaign in 2019, led by informal women laborers. This campaign focused on five crucial demands: equal wages, safe workplaces, job security, occupational health and safety, and access to public services to alleviate care work burdens. Through relentless advocacy, progress has been achieved at local, provincial, and federal levels, including the networking and agency building of informal laborer for campaigning, establishment of labor desks, labor registration and labor monitoring initiatives empowering workers to demand fair treatment, recognition and social protection. Building on these achievements, ActionAid International Nepal aims to further amplify the voices and concerns of informal & gig workers advocating for their rights and protections on a global scale. The recently concluded 16th World Social Forum provided an opportunity from diverse country, local CSO, Trade Unions and informal workers to come together, collectively raising voices against inequality, injustice and exploitation of informal workers and gig and informalization of labor in a mission to combat it where ActionAid Strongly opposes the informalization of labor and works to fights against it. By bringing diverse experiences and voices from the global south to support a cause.

Interview with Sujeeta Mathema

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, we sit down with Sujeeta Mathema, Executive Director of ActionAid International Nepal, to discuss a pressing issue affecting women workers globally—the informalization of labor relations.

Can you elaborate on the concept of informalization of labor relations and its impact, particularly on women workers?

The informalization of labor relations refers to the trend where traditional employment structures blur, pushing a significant portion of the labor force into informal sectors characterized by precarious employment, lack of regulation, and inadequate social protections. This phenomenon, deeply rooted in the prevailing global economic system, exacerbates income inequalities and undermines the rights and protections of workers, especially women engaged in the informal sector and the emerging gig workers.

What initiatives is AAIN undertaking to address this issue?

In leadership of the Women workers agency collaborating with trade unions and other like minded organizations, we are advocating for global solidarity against the informalization of labor relations. Our collective efforts aim to amplify the voices of informal and gig workers, advocating for their rights and protections on a global scale. 

ActionAid is actively facilitating the movements of informal workers, empowering them to equip themselves for advocacy. Through various programs, ActionAid provides knowledge and skills for effective lobbying, negotiating, and organizing strategies for campaigning. This includes raising awareness about labor rights, training in negotiation techniques, and building capacity for grassroots organizing. Moreover, ActionAid is instrumental in pushing momentum for policy change and the effective implementation of existing laws. Despite the enforcement of laws like the Social Security Act 2075, many workers in the informal sector are still excluded from vital protections. They lack access to occupational health and safety measures, insurance coverage, and safe working conditions. 

What outcomes do you hope to achieve through these initiatives?

Our objective is to foster a collective movement that addresses discrimination, exploitation, violence, and inequality while advocating for social protection for all workers. We are dedicated to empowering informal workers to demand fair treatment, recognition, and social protections. Through these initiatives and global solidarity against informalization of labor, we facilitate momentum in labor issues, with a particular focus on women workers. We mobilize workers globally, build networks, and empower them to campaign, raise awareness, and hold governments accountable. Our continuous efforts involve advocating for policy changes that prioritize the rights and protections of informal workers. 

Can you explain more about the global context?

Globally, the informal economy supports around 60 percent of the world’s employed population, totaling approximately 2bn people. Women constitute a significant portion of this workforce, with a higher representation compared to men. This highlights the substantial role that women play in informal economic activities worldwide. 

In our nation, the informal economy is a dominant force, engaging over 70 percent of the economically active population. However, despite its prevalence, 16.9m working-age individuals lacked any form of social protection in the fiscal year 2020-21. This underscores the urgent need for identifying both traditional informal workers and emerging gig workers to implement effective monitoring and regulatory measures within the sector. Such actions should include robust data collection, tailored regulatory frameworks, incentives for formalization, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building to ensure better working conditions and social protections for all workers in the informal economy. We can see the increasing trends of emerging gig workers globally. 

Informalization has predominantly affected women globally, as per ILO Women in the informal economy earn significantly less than men, with the gender wage gap ranging from 30-50 percent according to the International Labour Organization (ILO).

The informalization of labor exacerbates existing inequalities and barriers faced by women in the workforce, limiting their ability to participate in collective bargaining, voice their concerns, and advocate for their rights. Addressing these challenges requires targeted efforts to empower women workers, strengthen collective organizing mechanisms, and promote inclusive policies that recognize and protect the rights of all workers, regardless of their employment status. 

AAIN’s impact on women laborers: A year of empowerment

In 2023, ActionAid International Nepal (AAIN) made significant strides in amplifying and strengthening the rights of women laborers, empowering them to demand fair treatment and just wages. Through a series of targeted initiatives and collaborative efforts, AAIN worked tirelessly to address the challenges faced by women in the informal labor sector and create a more equitable work environment.

AAIN's focus on organizing women laborers into groups and linking them with rights-based alliances proved instrumental in empowering women to advocate for their rights. Through the revival of REFLECT, a platform for collective and rights-based advocacy, women laborers found a voice to challenge injustices and discrimination in their workplaces. A total of 35 women laborer groups were formed, providing awareness on labor rights, wage disparities, and workplace safety to over 1575 women.

To equip women workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to claim their rights, AAIN conducted awareness, orientation, and capacity-building sessions on labor rights and legal provisions. Over 411 women workers were trained, empowering them to advocate for fair treatment and just wages in their workplaces.

Empowering laborers: Sita Parki’s advocacy journey

Sita Parki, a resilient member of the REFLECT Circle in Ward-4 of Dipyal Silgadi, has embarked on a remarkable journey of advocacy for the rights of laborers. Reflecting on the challenges faced by her community, Sita recalls, “Our struggles were often overlooked by local authorities. We endured the uncertainty of receiving inadequate wages and the constant fear of workplace accidents.”

Determined to bring about change, Sita and her fellow laborers engaged in a series of meetings and discussions within the Labor Women’s Group. Through these sessions, they deepened their understanding of labor laws and regulations, empowering themselves with knowledge and solidarity. Last year alone, 29 laborers, and this year, eight laborers successfully reclaimed their wages from unscrupulous contractors with the assistance of the police.

Leading by example, Sita spearheaded the movement to reclaim unpaid wages in Doti. Collaborating with other labor women, they submitted applications to local authorities and engaged in discussions with contractors and trade unions. Their collective efforts bore fruit when the police intervened, resulting in the recovery of Rs 659,825 from four contractors across both districts.

But their advocacy did not stop there. Through relentless campaigning, Sita and her comrades achieved equal wages determined by the district wage fixation committee. Monthly wages in various industries have seen a significant increase, with some establishments now providing a minimum of Rs 15,000 in compliance with labor laws. Encouraged by these victories, laborers from different sectors are joining their cause in solidarity.

In the Parliament session on Thursday, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal presented a list of factors that led him to break the alliance with the Nepali Congress, giving continuity to the blame-game between the Congress and the CPN (Maoist Center). According to Dahal, though cadres of his party, the CPN (Maoist Center), fully supported NC candidates in elections, the level of support from NC toward Maoist candidates was far less. 

Our candidate from Koshi province got defeated in National Assembly elections as NC betrayed, he said. Another reason, according to PM Dahal, is the outcome of a recent Mahasamiti meeting of the NC, which censored the pre-poll alliance. He also questioned NC’s commitment to the Constitution, pointing that some NC leaders had spoken in favor of a Hindu state during the Mahasamiti meeting. 

Dahal objected to what he called a ‘negative portrayal’ of the Maoist insurgency in NC’s official documents and insufficient support from the ruling coalition partner for a smooth functioning of the government under his leadership. On its part, NC has accused Dahal of unilaterally breaking the ruling alliance without citing any substantial reason. 

Sharing decisions taken at the NC’s parliamentary party meeting on Thursday, Nepali Congress chief whip Ramesh Lekhak accused the Maoist Center of breaking the ruling coalition, though the Congress had always remained committed to it. 

Lekhak recalled that Congress had formed alliances with various parties for the protection of the constitution and consolidation of democracy, and contested elections accordingly, hinting at the possibility of such alliance in the coming days. 

The meeting held under NC president and parliamentary party leader Sher Bahadur Deuba discussed the evolving political scenario and decided to withdraw support given to Maoist Chair Dahal during the formation of the erstwhile government. 

Speaking in the Parliament, Lekhak said Dahal was betraying political parties repeatedly, in a pointer to stressed relations between the erstwhile coalition partners after the formation of a new ruling dispensation.

India has refrained from commenting on the recent political developments in Nepal, describing them as ‘internal matters’ of Nepal, and reaching out to senior members of a nascent Cabinet on a hectic day.

At  a meeting with Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun, India’s Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava said India’s position on Nepal remains unchanged. The change in the coalition is an internal matter of Nepal, so it does not affect India’s views and position on Nepal, he said.  

Ambassador Srivastava also paid a courtesy call on newly-appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha, congratulating the latter and extending best wishes to him.

During the meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, DPM Shrestha and Ambassador Srivastava discussed various topics of bilateral and mutual interest, said spokesperson for the ministry, Amrit Bahadur Rai. The topics included ways to strengthen bilateral ties and timely completion of development projects underway in Nepal with Indian assistance.