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Police have arrested a CPN (Maoist Center) leader Kali Bahadur Kham.

Kham, who is said to be the mastermind of the murder of Ram Hari Shrestha, a businessman close of the CPN-UML, was apprehended from Thamel, Kathmandu, a police source said.

Kham is accused of abducting and murdering Shrestha.

Also the central member of the Maoist Center, he was at large to evade the arrest.

The House of Representatives (HoR) has endorsed the Charter of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

A meeting of the lower house of the Federal Parliament today passed with majority support for the proposal seeking endorsement of the BIMSTEC Charter, presented by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha. 

Replying to queries that came up during the discussions on the provisions of the BIMSTEC Charter in the HoR meeting, DPM and Foreign Affairs Minister Shrestha said the government agreed to the ideas put forth by lawmakers regarding the necessity of BIMSTEC and endorsement of its Charter.

Stating that Nepal has been participating and playing a positive role in the multilateral and regional organizations, he reminded of Nepal's involvement in multilateral world bodies like the United Nations Organization as well.

"We have been making efforts towards rendering the regional organizations also effective through our participation. We show our participation and play our role in the forums where we see our nation's interests align," Minister Shrestha reiterated.

Sharing about the reality of not being able to make the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) active, he expressed the commitment to adopting further initiatives to render it more effective.

"BIMSTEC is not the replacement of SAARC and it should not be. Nepal does not agree to the notion of moving ahead BIMSTEC at the cost of SAARC. We are for making the SAARC vibrant and will play an active role for that in the capacity of the SAARC Chair," DPM and Foreign Affairs Minister said.

Informing the House that all the member nations, including Nepal, had signed the BIMSTEC Charter during the Fifth Summit of BIMSTEC held in 2022 in Sri Lanka, he mentioned about the Charter's clear provisions that it will come into force only after its endorsement by parliament. "Information has been received that apart from Nepal six member countries have got the BIMSTEC Charter endorsed from their respective parliaments. There is the provision that the Charter will go into implementation 30 days after its endorsement by Nepal," he said.

Taking part in the discussions on the provisions of the BIMSTEC Charter, lawmaker Dr Swornim Wagle of the Rastriya Swatantra Party hailed the endorsement of the Charter by Nepal's Parliament. He stated that the Preamble, objectives and principles of BIMSTEC were positive, saying there were no provisions in the Charter which undermined Nepal's sovereignty.

"BIMSTEC is awakening only recently with the goal of forging regional collaboration on issues of economic prosperity. If we could take it forward by promoting and prospering it, it is bound to be to the benefit of Nepal," he said.

CPN-UML lawmaker Raghuji Panta said Nepal could reap benefits from BIMSTEC on the technical, educational and research issues.

Stressing on the need of moving ahead keeping the national interest at supreme, he mentioned that the government should pay attention to the benefits Nepal can take from regional organizations.  

Nepali Congress lawmaker Sita Mizar expressed the view that the government should take further efforts to take benefits from BIMSTEC. 

Lawmakers—Bidya Bhattarai, Dipa Sharma, Ishwori Gharti, Sunita Baral, Eknath Dhakal, Manish Jha, Ganesh Parajuli, Sobita Gautam, Pradeep Yadav, Devendra Poudel, Madhav Sapkota, Narayani Sharma, Purna Bahadur Gharti Magar, Abdul Khan, Prem Suwal, Sonu Murmu, Binita Kumari Singh and Damodar Poudel 'Bairagi' had participated in the discussion on the proposal. 

The Article 279 (1) of the Constitution of Nepal has the provision that the ratification of a treaty and agreement to which Nepal is to become a party shall be as provided for in the federal law.

Clause 4 of the Nepal Treaty Act 2027 has the provision that the Government and Council of Ministers has to table the charter at the Federal Parliament for approval. As per the provision, the government tabled the BIMSTEC charter in the parliament for approval.

BIMSTEC was formed in 1997 with an objective making regional coordination on the issues like economic prosperity, social progress, scientific achievement, peace, stability and connectivity. Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand are members of BIMSTEC. Nepal became a member of BIMSTEC in 2004.

The next meeting of the Parliament will be held at 11 am tomorrow.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal held separate meetings with Nagarik Unmukti Party patron Resham Chaudhary and Chairperson Ranjita Shrestha on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Dahal held talks with them at a time when there was a dispute between Chaudhary and Shrestha over whether to join the government or not.

According to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, the Prime Minister held a meeting with Shrestha at Baluwatar and with Chaudhary at the Prime Minister’s Office in Singha Durbar.

Prime Minister Dahal held discussions on the issues of the Sudurpaschim and Lumbini government.

A source said that the Prime Minister sought help from both of them for the formation of province government.

Though the Nagarik Unmukti Party has been supporting Prime Minister Dahal in the center, it has been throwing weight behind the Nepali Congress in the Sudurpaschim and Lumbini Province.

There are five ministers of Nagarik Unmukti Party in Sudurpaschim and the party is also participating in the Lumbini.

Chaudhary said that Prime Minister Dahal proposed a Chief Minister in the Sudurpaschim.

In reply, Chaudhary said that he would move ahead as per the decision of the party meeting to be held on April 5 and 6.

Lawmakers have demanded the prompt resumption of Nepal-China transit points closed with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Airing views in the 'zero hour' of the House of Representatives (HoR) meeting today, NC lawmaker Dilendra Prasad Badu expressed satisfaction over the reports that during Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha's recent visit to China, the two sides exchanged views on reopening the transit points along the Nepal-China border including Tinker in Darchula.

He said during the Prime Minister's China visit in the past, it was reported that the transit points would be resumed but this has not happened so far. "The Foreign Minister should clarify it," he asserted.

Thakur Prasad Gaire of CPN-UML urged the government to conserve Palpa's historic Rani Mahal (Palace) while Tara Lama Tamang demanded grants to sugarcane farmers.

Pradip Paudel of Nepali Congress drew the government's attention towards the issue of the server down in Tribhuvan International Airport. It was Badri Pandey from the same party who expressed his concerns over problems being faced by Bajura people in the aftermath of a landslide and a delay in constructing a bridge in Martadi. 

Devendra Poudel of CPN (Maoist Center) urged the government to establish the administration office at Galkot of Baglung to provide government services near to the locality of people who face challenges to visit the district headquarters to acquire administrative services.

Dhawal Shumsher JB Rana, Basudev Ghimire, Bindhyabasini Kansakar, Tejulal Chaudhary, Damodar Poudel Bairagi, Durga Rai, Pradip Yadav, Prabhu Hajara, Binita Kathayat, Dhruba Bahadur Pradhan, Nagina Yadav, Nirmala Koirala, Narayan Prasad Acharya, Nisha Dangi, Purna Bahadur Gharti Magar, Pratima Gautam, Pratiksha Mukhiya, Dikpal Kumari Shahi, Deepak Giri, Deepa Sharma and Dr Toshima Karki raised contemporary issues.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) plunged by 1. 85 points to close at 2,010. 21 points on Tuesday.

The sensitive index, however, surged by 0. 53 points to close at 356. 20 points.

A total of 6,131,621-unit shares of 312 companies were traded for Rs 2. 29 billion.

Meanwhile, Gurans Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (GLBSL) was the top gainer today with its price surging by 10. 00 percent. Likewise, Jyoti Bikash Bank Bond 2087 (JBBD87) was the top loser with its price dropped by 7. 50 percent.

At the end of the day, the total market capitalization stood at Rs 3. 18 trillion.  

Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, has said the government is committed to promoting professional journalism and ensuring the constitutional right to a free press.

She stressed the need for media content that institutionalize political accomplishments while discouraging unwanted and anarchic tendencies in society.

Addressing the 74th anniversary celebrations of Radio Nepal today, the Government Spokesperson said this.

She shared on the occasion that the content of Radio Nepal should embody the core principles of the federal democratic republic, which were achieved through the sacrifices of Nepali citizens.  Radio Nepal should further ensure its accessibility to the nooks and corners of the nation as a credible, reliable, impartial, independent, and effective means of communication.

Minister Sharma said she is happy to know that the service of Radio Nepal is available to 93 percent of the population of the nation, urging it to make further efforts to reach 100 percent coverage. She also advised Radio Nepal to prioritize extending broadcast hours for provincial transmission services as per the spirit of the Constitution.

Highlighting Radio Nepal's diversity in broadcasting news bulletins in 22 languages and programs in 21 languages, Minister Sharma said this diversity reflects the country's multi-linguistic, multi-religious, and multi-cultural characteristics, marking a significant step towards implementing federalism. She shared the government's policy of establishing the Public Broadcasting Service by integrating Radio Nepal and Nepal Television and urged Radio Nepal to prepare for this transition.

Minister Sharma acknowledged Radio Nepal's role as a witness to various political, social, economic, and cultural transformations since its establishment following the 2007 BS People's Revolution. She stressed the need for Radio Nepal to produce and disseminate diverse content considering the nation's geographical and cultural diversities.

The Communications Minister said it is necessary for Radio Nepal, which still proves its presence as a vital source of information amidst the advanced development of information technology, to produce and disseminate more diverse content bearing in mind the geographical and cultural diversities of the nation. 

Describing Radio as a friend of citizens primarily in rural settings, the Minister said it has ensured access to citizens who are out of television and internet access, to information and entertainment.

Its services are available on the online portal as well, she said.  

She advised Radio Nepal to focus on additional research and explorations of content related to art, literature, music, language, culture, knowledge, science, and information technology should be the goal of Radio Nepal.

She took time to claim that the People's War and the people's movement resulted in a significant political transformation in the country. "Democracy, federalism, republic, secularism and inclusion, and proportional representation are historic achievements of the citizens and the nation. Now it is necessary to safeguard these achievements and bring change in people's lives based on the foundation of political transformations."

Minister Sharma directed the Radio Nepal to pay attention to producing and broadcasting fair, trustworthy, factual and reliable news as well as more inclusive and people-oriented programs by using new technology in this competitive era.

Radio Nepal should make its programs, news and content more public broadcasting oriented considering the changing context, competition and national responsibility, she underlined.

Similarly, Secretary at the Ministry and Chairperson of Radio Broadcasting Service Development Committee, Ram Krishna Subedi, mentioned that the government has a goal of developing the Radio Nepal and Nepal Television as a public service broadcasting organization.

Radio Nepal should give priority to educational, development and public awareness-oriented programs to ensure right to information, and to launch a campaign in favor of good governance, he added.

Likewise, Executive Director of Radio Broadcasting Service Development Committee, Buddhi Bahadur KC, shared that Radio Nepal has been broadcasting news in 22 different languages and programs in 21 languages round the clock through medium wave and FM broadcasting, and via online and digital platforms.

Radio Nepal has become successful in expanding its reach to 93 percent of the total population by establishing FM relay centers at 32 places of the country, he explained.

On the occasion, Minister Sharma and Secretary Subedi jointly unveiled a souvenir published by Radio Nepal. Minister Sharma presented 'Radio Nepal National Award' to different personalities for their significant contribution to the promotion of radio broadcasting and music sector.

Similarly, employees completing 25 years of service at Radio Nepal were awarded with the Dirgha Sewa Medal (Long Service Medal) while this year's best employee and best relay station were also honored on the occasion. 

The World Bank (WB) has said that Nepal’s economy is expected to grow by 3.3% in FY24, driven by revived tourism and a pickup in hydropower exports.

On the demand side, private consumption will drive growth, supported by a substantial increase in remittance inflows, according to the World Bank’s twice-a-year country development update.

In its latest Nepal Development Update, the WB stated that the country's economy is on a recovery path, but private investment remains low while projecting a further rebound in growth of 4.6% in FY25.

However, the forecast is subject to multiple risks, including a growth slowdown in partner countries, notably India, Gulf countries, and Malaysia which could lead to a drop in remittances and tourism. Further business environment reforms aimed at attracting more private investment will be needed to support medium-term growth.

“Strengthening the implementation of capital expenditure, boosting business confidence, and strengthening Nepal's international competitiveness are key to stimulating economic growth and reducing poverty,” said Faris Hadad-Zervos, World Bank Country Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

The Nepal Development Update is prepared in parallel with the South Asia Development Update, a twice-a-year World Bank report that examines economic developments and prospects in the South Asia region and analyzes policy challenges countries face. The April 2024 edition titled Jobs for Resilience shows growth in South Asia is again higher than any other emerging markets and developing country region in the world, projected at 6% in 2024 and 6.1% in 2025. But this strong outlook is deceptive, says the report. For most countries, growth is still below pre-pandemic levels and is reliant on public spending. At the same time, private investment growth has slowed sharply in all South Asian countries, and the region is not creating enough jobs to keep pace with its rapidly increasing working-age population.

“South Asia is failing right now to fully capitalize on its demographic dividend. This is a missed opportunity,” said Franziska Ohnsorge, World Bank Chief Economist for South Asia. “If the region employed as large a share of the working-age population as other emerging markets and developing economies, its output could be 16% higher.”

The South Asia Development Update recommends a range of policies to spur firm growth and boost employment, including increasing trade openness, improving business climates and institutions, removing financial sector restrictions, improving education, and strengthening legal protection of women’s rights. And these measures would also help lift employment growth and boost productivity, and free up space for public investments in climate adaptation.

The main opposition party, Nepali Congress, has reiterated its demand of forming a parliamentary committee for conducting a fair investigation into cooperative fraud, saying the name of Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane is linked to it.

The NC demanded that authority be given to such a committee to carry out investigation on cooperative fraud cases and bring out the truth. 

Speaker Devraj Ghimire allotted time to NC lawmaker Ram Krishna Yadav after all the NC lawmakers stood from their respective seats as a protest in today's meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR).

Speaking in the meeting, lawmaker Yadav pointed out the need of parliamentary probe into the cooperative fraud scam, citing that a crisis of trust has surfaced after the investigation on Lamichhane stopped with reconstitution of the government.

He said Home Minister Lamichhane should resign from the post based on ethics as he had taken a loan of Rs 800 million from a cooperative at a time when he was working at Gorkha Media Pvt Ltd and has still not cleared it.

Lawmaker Yadav also demanded investigation on Minister for Labor, Employment and Social Security, DP Aryal as he is also found involved in cooperative cases, clarifying his party would not obstruct the House on other issues except the issues connected with the Home Ministry and Cooperative. 

Urging the government to seriously pay attention on the issues raised by lawmakers in the House, he urged the government to raise hope among the people by ending impunity, and maintaining rule of law and good governance.

In response, Speaker Ghimire said his and the House's attention was drawn on the issues raised by lawmaker Yadav.