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Two persons died in a jeep accident in Doti on Wednesday.

The deceased have been identified as Ritika Parki (3) and Dhauli Devi Dhami (40) of Lekam Rural Municipality, Darchula.

The four-wheeler (Pradesh 01-001- Ja-1489) was heading towards Dhangadhi from Lekam of Darchula when the incident occurred at Khadina in Jorayal Rural Municipality-1, Doti at around 4:30 am today, police said.

There were nine persons including the driver in the jeep.

SP Hemlal Bhattarai of the District Police Office, Doti said that seven persons were injured in the accident.

Further investigation into the incident is underway, said police.

President Ram Chandra Paudel has appealed to the global community to secure the future of the upcoming generation by mitigating negative impacts of climate change.

At a program organized at the President's Office on the occasion of the World Environment Day today, President Paudel said rapid changes in glaciers and glacial lakes due to growing impacts of global warming has added challenges to the lives and livelihoods with flash floods and landslides in the downstream areas.

"Nepal and other countries of the world are struggling with the crisis caused by climate change, pollution and loss of biodiversity. These crises cannot be solved by someone's efforts, everyone should be united", the President said.

He noted that our common challenges and opportunities have been incorporated in the theme of the World Environment Day ' Our Land, Our Future: Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resistance'.

Recalling the views expressed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to reduce Nepal's mountain crisis, high risk of climate change and climate-related problems in Nepal and other mountainous countries, President Paudel expressed concern over the negligible contribution to greenhouse gas emissions in Nepal.

He stressed the need for the world community to come together to solve the problems arising out of climate change and reduce its impact.

Stating that Nepal has been carrying out various works at the national level to mitigate the impacts of climate change and this issue has also been addressed in the policies and programs of the government, President Paudel expressed the belief that the President Climate Change Management Programme would help increase adaptive capacity by reducing the negative impacts of climate change.

President Paudel had opened the plantation by planting a sapling of 'palas' on the President building premises.

Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Chief Justice Bishwombhar Prasad Shrestha, Speaker Devraj Ghimire and National Assembly Chair Narayan Dahal also planted saplings.

Chief Secretary Baikuntha Aryal, Chief of Army Staff Prabhuram Sharma, chiefs of security agencies, ambassadors of different countries and heads of donor agencies were present on the occasion.

While access to savings accounts has become widespread among the general public in Nepal’s banks and financial institutions, access to credit remains significantly lower. 

A latest study of the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) shows banks and financial institutions (BFIs) have 51.17m deposit accounts, while the number of credit accounts is significantly lower at around 1.84m. This shows that 71.83 percent of the population remains outside the banking system for credit transactions. A survey on the financial literacy situation conducted by the central bank reveals that while 46.34 percent of adults use loans, only 17.6 percent utilize bank loans. The survey reveals significant variations in the usage of different financial services among the adult population. The highest utilization is in savings, investment, or retirement instruments, with 86.64 percent of adults using these services.

Payment instruments follow closely, used by 73.78 percent of the population. However, other financial services have lower adoption rates. Credit instruments are used by 46.34 percent of adults, while insurance services have the lowest penetration at just 30.02 percent.  Similar survey conducted in 2021 showed that 67.3 percent of the population had an account with a bank or financial institution. The central bank last week unveiled its Financial Inclusion Policy, 2024 to promote financial inclusion through expanded financial services, enhanced literacy and consumer protection. The policy prioritizes extending financial access, boosting entrepreneurship, promoting financial literacy, protecting consumer interests and data collection. 

Among others, the policy aims at presenting a draft National Financial Inclusion Strategy to the government this year, incorporating its objectives into monetary policies and budgets and issuing directives to support institutions in its implementation. The policy builds on past plans, programs and practices, focusing on inclusive financial access, digital innovation, gender and eco-friendly banking, sustainable financial system development, infrastructure development, regulatory roles, partnerships and accountability. Likewise, it aims to promote micro, small, and medium enterprises/businesses by developing entrepreneurship, developing business capacity, developing infrastructure and technology, creating an investment-friendly environment and providing appropriate types of loans and low interest rates. Similarly, making services from various agencies technology-friendly to increase the access of target customers to the banking system and encouraging micro, small and medium-level industries, trade  and businesses by simplifying processes is the other objective of the policy.

Furthermore, the policy aims to make services from various agencies more digitally accessible thereby widening the banking system's reach to targeted demographics. 

Commercial banks are present in all 753 local units across the country, except in Saipal of Bajhang, with the total branch network reaching 11,589. Likewise, there are 18.94m digital wallet users, while mobile banking clients number 21.36m, 1.85m use internet banking and ConnectIPS has 1.1m users. Additionally, there are 4,855 ATMs across the country.

Bhanubhakta Joshi, Minister of Federal Affairs and General Administration, has stated that the country is dealing with a serious waste management issue and that management should begin at home.

He said, “The source of waste is the home, and if we manage it properly at home, there will be no issues with waste management.”

Minister Joshi, while addressing the National Conference and Exhibition on Waste Management and Circular Economy on Monday, which is scheduled for two-day days on June 3-4 conference organized on the occasion of World Environment Day.

He expressed his belief that the two-day conference will provide the government with advice and pressure on what kind of waste management policies and rules are appropriate.

Similarly, Aanand Mishra, the founder and President of CREASION Nepal, stated, “The issue of waste management is of primary concern to the entire humanity, and we should avoid futile discussions and move toward concrete implementation of waste management plans and policies.”

“A consolidated approach is required for environmental protection and waste management. It will be simple to work against garbage management if all the stakeholders, from government sector to private sector and media, collaborate together to address it,” he added.

Parallel to the program, CREASION Nepal organized significant panel discussion sessions, which focused on “Investment from Bilateral and Multilateral agencies in waste management” and “Critical role of media in Addressing Waste Management Issues in Nepal.”

In the first session, representatives from the World Bank, including Abebaw Alemayehu, Senior Urban Specialist, Anu Joshi Shrestha, Enterprise and Value Chain Development Specialist, ICIMOD, Dharma Swarnakar, Economic Advisor, UNDP Nepal, Bhushan Tuladhar, Chief of Party, USAID Clean Air, Fhi 360, and Maya Tamang from (Samyukta Safai Jagaran) SASAJA, highlighted the investment in the waste management sector.

Similarly, during the second session, Gunaraj Luitel, Editor-in-Chief of Nagarik Daily, Bimal Gautam, Editor-in-Chief of Lokantar.com, and Sonia Awale, Executive Editor of Nepali Times, Roshani Adhikari, president of the Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists (NEFEJ), shed light on how the media is raising the issue of waste management.

In a stride towards sustainable development, the Youth-Led Voluntary National Review Program successfully concluded in all seven provinces of Nepal. Organized by Youth Initiative and the National Youth Council, in collaboration with Youth Advocacy Nepal, Nepal Development Initiative, Sustainable Development Forum, and various youth organizations, the program brought together diverse stakeholders to evaluate and discuss Nepal’s progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The SDGs, adopted by 193 countries on 15 Sep 2015, outline 17 global goals to be achieved by 2030, focusing on critical areas such as poverty eradication, hunger elimination, climate action, peace, justice, and partnership for goal implementation. These goals are supported by 169 targets and 232 indicators globally, with Nepal having identified 479 specific indicators for its national context.

This year, Nepal prepares to submit a comprehensive report to the United Nations Assembly, spotlighting its progress and challenges in meeting SDGs, particularly focusing on Goals 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 13 (Climate Action), 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

The program, held on May 4, utilized both physical and digital (virtual) platforms to facilitate widespread participation. It saw active involvement from youth organizations, provincial and local government representatives, youth councils, politicians, international donor agencies, the Federation of Non-Governmental Organizations, and the National Planning Commission.

Through this initiative, the youth underscored the importance of sustainable development as an integrated approach to address social, economic, and environmental challenges. Discussions highlighted key challenges such as limited resource access, lack of decision-making power, and the need for inclusive governance. Nonetheless, the youth participants recognized the SDGs as a potent catalyst for positive change, envisioning a just and equitable society.

We are familiar with the account Nepal Food on Instagram. Everyone who loves to eat out probably knows about it. Blogger Siddhartha Ghimire runs the famous page that’s filled with restaurant reviews, simple recipes, and the occasional roundup of small, local eateries where you can get mouthwatering snacks.

But there are many Nepali digital creators on Instagram that many of us know nothing about. Believe us when we say this, your online experience will be so much better and entertaining when you start following these pages. From makeup and fashion tips to little cultural escapades, these young Nepalis on Instagram are doing everything like a pro. To get you started, we recommend these three lifestyle accounts.

Aaku (aakkkkuuuuuu)

For aesthetic a day in my life blogs and shopping trips and hauls

According to her bio, she’s ‘just a girl who loves to romanticize life while she shops and strolls’. Her reels attest to that statement. Her enjoyment as she shops and strolls is evident. She has 22k followers and over 250 posts. The account was created in 2016 as a personal page but slowly it evolved into something more when she started creating vlogs and reels about her shopping trips. Her videos are cute, fun, entertaining, and informative. She will run you through places where you can buy some amazing stuff at cheap prices (mostly in New Road, Kathmandu). The voiceovers add to the content as she has this extremely friendly way of speaking. It’s almost like she’s talking to you. She makes you want to shop but also not give in to impulse buys but instead savor the process of finding something you really love.

Lajja Uprety (laj_chaina)

For funny, relatable, satirical content that shed light on the problems in our society 

Fair warning, don’t watch her videos if you just have a few minutes to spare because chances are you will want to binge watch the content on Uprety’s Instagram page and spend at least half an hour scrolling through it. She has just 123 posts till date but Nepalis will relate to her content. She’s speaking your mind when she’s responding to an aunt who calls her skinny, or trying to dodge a ‘small’ favor. Her posts on ‘NRN aunty on her Nepal visits’ are hilarious and will have you nodding your head in agreement. The deadpan expression with which she carries out her skits will have you in splits. Here’s a woman who’s calling out things she finds annoying without a care in the world but with a dash of humor that blunts the offensive edge. Laj_chaina is an entertaining page that shows you the ridiculous side of some universal problems making you realize that perhaps some things aren’t worth the importance you often give them.

Sushma Thapa (thapa_sush_) 

For makeup tutorials, outfit ideas, and other little tips and tricks 

Branding herself as Thapa ji, digital creator Sushma Thapa’s page on Instagram has mostly Get Ready With Me (GRWM) videos. Watching her style herself will give you some handy pointers on how to glam up a simple outfit or style a look around an item of clothing you love or just got. She also gives space to skincare, making you realize the importance of a good routine for ravishing skin. There are some collaboration videos for bags and other daily items that you might want to check out as well. She currently lives in the United Kingdom as an international student and there are glimpses of her life there too—reels on what she eats in a day and her London explorations are nicely done. All in all, the content is fun and wholesome, making you want to stop and enjoy the process of getting ready for the day.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that the government has placed the development of the energy sector in high priority.

Inaugurating the 'breakthrough' of the tunnel of Arun-3 Hydropower Project based at Amrang, Makalu Rural Municipality-5 in Sankhuwasabha today, he stated that the government, which is moving ahead prioritizing graduating to a developed country status in 2026 and attaining the sustainable development goals by 2030, has accorded high priority to the infrastructure development.

"I have been directly and indirectly acquiring information about this Project. It is currently under construction after the signing of the power development agreement on November 25, 2014. I am pleased to know that it has made 74.09 percent progress towards production and 37.95 percent progress towards the transmission line," he said.

Prime Minister Dahal expressed the confidence that with the completion this project will make a significant contribution in the power trade sector of Nepal.

"I direct the authorities concerned to complete the remaining works of the project in the stipulated time, extending the required cooperation and facilitation in acquiring the land necessary for  it," PM Dahal said.

Stating that the government has placed the development of the energy sector in high priority in the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, he said the capacity of the national power system would be increased to 4500 megawatts, including the 900 megawatts of electricity to be generated from this project.

"I make special request to the political parties, the civil society and the locals active at the local level for making the necessary facilitation for the timely completion of the project in view of the government bearing an economic loss of Rs 22.7 million per day if the commercial production is not started on the stipulated date or if power production is delayed for some reason," he added.

Stating that he is aware of the demands of the locals affected by the project, the Prime Minister said the government is serious about addressing their concerns.

He said that it would be better to seek a solution through cooperation and facilitation to any challenges in the development endeavors. It will be for the collective interest of all of us, he added.

On the occasion, Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, expressed his hope that the project will contribute significantly to the promotion of Nepal's energy sector.

He also reminded of the government's target of generating 28,500 megawatts of electricity in the next 12 years. 

On the occasion, Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava said the project is important in the course of the implementation of the agreement of power trade of 10,000 mw between Nepal and India in the next 10 years.

Arun has high potential for power generation and such potentialities should be explored through a collaborative effort between the two countries, he asserted. He said that the government of India is ready to cooperate with Nepal to explore the possibilities for launching other projects based in the Arun River.

Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam's Chief Managing Director Sushil Kumar Sharma said Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has been facilitating the implementation of the project since the beginning.

So far, the project reports 75 percent progress, he said, urging the Prime Minister to enable the atmosphere to complete it on time. He insisted on the upgrading of the Koshi Highway and the facilitation of the land acquisition procedures for the construction of a transmission mine.

He advised the government to form a high-level coordination committee and to seek solutions to the challenges regarding the project implementation in collaboration with the Investment Board of Nepal.

The project is expected to enter the production phase by March, 2025.  The production of 900 MW of electricity will be supported by tour turbines of 225 MW each.

Its power house is based in Pukuwa of Chichila rural municipality-3 and the project will have an 11.8-kilometer tunnel.

Investment Board CEO Sushil Bhatta and the local people's representatives were also present on the occasion.  The project is being developed by India's public company Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam and of the powers to be generated by it, Nepal will have access to 21.9 percent of the production (around 200 MW) free of cost, and the remaining will be exported to India. It will come to the ownership of Nepal after 25 years of the commencement of the power production.

It was jointly inaugurated by the then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 11, 2018. Its PDA was observed on November 26, 2014.

Kamal Kumar Basnet/ RSS

CPN-UML lawmaker Yogesh Kumar Bhattarai has urged Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah not to make provocative statements towards political leadership.

During the special time in today's meeting of the House of Representatives, leader Bhattarai objected to Mayor Shah mocking the jail life of leaders of political parties, who were responsible for bringing about epoch-making political change in the country.

"We are ready to support the KMC mayor. CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli-led government had supported the waste management of Kathmandu Valley," he said.

Indicating to Mayor Shah, lawmaker Bhattarai underlined, "What is your plan to make Kathmandu more beautiful. Let's work together. I urge you not to carry out disorderly activities."

He expressed the belief that a parliamentary probe committee formed to investigate the cooperative fraud would present a clear concept regarding policy-level problems of cooperatives, adding the UML was ready for investigation into all scams.

"Our party and party chairperson were accused in a premeditated manner on the Giribandhu issue," the lawmaker expressed, stating that many issues related to the people could not be raised due to House obstruction by the Nepali Congress.