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Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has stressed on the need of developing and implementing a timely curriculum based on innovation.

Addressing the 14th Senate Meeting of the Mid-West University, the PM called on the University to pay attention to restructuring the curriculum and the development of the physical and human resources.

"The guiding principles, policies and programs adopted by the University for attaining educational excellence, economic growth, curriculum restructuring, international relations and exchanges, and infrastructure development are also praiseworthy," he said, adding that adoption of the policy of conducting all the academic activities as per the predetermined calendar is an aspect of reform.

The PM added that the government will extend support to the University in implementing its policy of reforming the existing examination system, and conducting the examinations and publishing the results as per the academic calendar.

On the occasion, he suggested the University accorded additional priority to all the academic programs and curricula as per the changing world scenario, the national, regional and local development policies and approaches, and the demand of the labor market. 

The Head of Government expressed the commitment for cooperation on behalf of the government in formulation of the national policy and laws required for marketing, and sale and distribution of goods, services and information produced by the University's various laboratories.

Stating on the need of formulating socialism-oriented educational policy, strategy and program based on the principles of good governance and social justice as embodied by the republican state system stipulated in the Constitution, Prime Minister Dahal expressed the confidence that the University will play a positive role, encouraging the Nepali students to pursue higher studies within the country and supporting the country in attaining prosperity.

He further stressed on running academic and vocational programs based on land, water, forest, herbs and human resources, taking into consideration the geographical, social and economic condition of the entire Nepal, particularly of Karnali province, in the agriculture and forestry sciences. The PM believed that various programs and projects would be implemented synthesizing the modern and indigenous agricultural system and the knowledge skills.

He said the Mid-West University, which is established in Karnali Province that is rich in terms of cultural diversity and natural resources but lags behind in terms of physical infrastructure development, industrialization and human development index, has made important contribution to the academic progress, physical development and the promotion of work system along with information technology in a short period of its establishment.

A complaint of marital rape has been filed against Nepal Idol season 2 winner Rabi Oad.

Police have started an investigation after Oad's wife filed a complaint saying that she had been raped by her husband, Inspector Pushpa Raj Panta of the District Police Office, Kanchanpur informed.

An arrest warrant has been issued against Oad.

Manoj Acharya is the founder principal of Kathmandu Global School. He was awarded Best Principal (2017) by National Power News. “Kathmandu Global School is a friendly, vibrant, community-minded school, whose decisions always prioritize students,” he says. “We are excited about all the things we will do and learn this year.” Here are the excerpts from an interview with Acharya.

Why should parents choose Kathmandu Global School for their child’s education?

At Kathmandu Global School, we offer a comprehensive educational experience that goes beyond academics. Our curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness, preparing students for success in an increasingly interconnected world. With a dedicated faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a focus on holistic development, parents can trust that their child will receive a well-rounded education that equips them with the skills and knowledge to thrive in a competitive world.

What initiatives has Kathmandu Global School undertaken to enhance the educational standards in the community?

Kathmandu Global School is committed to contributing positively to the educational landscape of our community. We regularly organize teacher training programs, workshops, and seminars to enhance the professional development of educators not only within our school but also in collaboration with other educational institutions in the region. We actively engage in community outreach programs, such as free tutoring sessions, educational fairs, and awareness campaigns, to promote the importance of education and support students from all backgrounds.

How can private and community schools work together to address the challenges in the education sector?

Private and community schools can play complementary roles in addressing the challenges in the education sector by fostering collaboration and sharing resources. By leveraging each other’s strengths and expertise, these institutions can create innovative solutions to common challenges such as access to quality education, teacher training, and infrastructure development. Through partnerships, mentorship programs, and joint initiatives, private and community schools can work hand-in-hand to ensure that every child has access to high-quality education.

What strategies can Kathmandu Global School implement to ensure its competitiveness in the international educational landscape?

Kathmandu Global School is committed to continuous improvement and innovation. We prioritize staying abreast of global educational trends and practices, integrating international perspectives into our curriculum, and fostering partnerships with international educational organizations. We offer language immersion programs, exchange opportunities, and participation in international competitions to provide our students with global exposure and perspectives. By embracing innovation, collaboration, and a forward-thinking approach, we are confident in our ability to prepare our students to excel on the international stage.

The price of gold has dropped by Rs 1, 300 per tola in the domestic market on Friday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the yellow metal is being traded at Rs 132, 700 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 134, 000 per tola on Thursday.

Similarly, tejabi gold is being traded at Rs 132, 050 per tola. It was traded at Rs 133, 350 per tola.

Meanwhile, the silver is being traded at Rs 1, 615 per tola.

The weather across the country is likely to remain partly cloudy due to the influence of westerly wind and local wind.

According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division, it will be generally cloudy throughout the country this afternoon. Weather will be generally clear in other places.

Meteorologist Rojan Lamichhane said light rain with thunderstorms is likely to occur at some places of the hilly regions of Gandaki, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces.

Light snowfall will possibly take place at some places of the high hilly and mountainous regions of Gandaki and Karnali provinces, he shared. It will be partly cloudy across the country tonight.

Light rain followed by thunder and lightning is likely to occur at some places of the hilly regions of Gandaki and Karnali Provinces.

International Taekwondo referee Dipendra Dhakal departed for Alicante, Spain on Wednesday to partake in the Spanish Open Taekwondo Championship. Organized by World Taekwondo, the tournament commenced on April 4 and will run until April 7. 

Dhakal, a second-class international referee specializing in the Kyorugi genre, boasts participation in over two dozen international competitions spanning Germany, Australia, Belgium, Pakistan, Mexico, France, and Uzbekistan. 

Following his completion of the third-class international Kyorugi course from the World Taekwondo Federation in 2018 and the Kukkiwon Certified Master Instructor Course in 2013, Dhakal earned the opportunity to compete in World Ranking competitions.

The Department of Tourism has begun issuing climbing permits for the spring season. As of Thursday, permits have been granted to 86 climbers from over 18 countries to climb Mt Everest—the tallest peak on earth. Preliminary figures indicate that the department will issue a record number of permits this year as well.

Concerns have been growing over the past decade that overcrowding in the Everest region is exacerbating pollution at the highest point on earth. Although the department has introduced various measures to control pollution, implementation has not been effective at the local level. As a result, pollution continues to escalate in the Everest region due to increased human activities, especially during the climbing season.

It is high time the government introduced strict measures to control pollution in the high Himalayan areas. It should consider limiting the number of expeditions to mountains, especially Mt Everest. Although there have been deliberations on this agenda, the government has not been able to reach a concrete decision. While such a measure may result in revenue loss, it is crucial for the preservation of Mt Everest. Starting this season, the local government has introduced new regulations requiring people climbing Everest to bring down their biological waste to the base camp for disposal. While this is a welcome move, it alone is not sufficient. Not only is the peak, but even the base camp is becoming polluted and crowded.

Although good laws and regulations are in place, the problem lies in enforcement. Government agencies, mainly the Department of Tourism, are failing to implement the laws, and there is a noticeable lack of coordination between the department and local government. During the climbing season, very few government staff reach the base camp for monitoring, and even if they do, they are not effectively performing their duties. In the absence of effective implementation of laws, visitors are violating the rules. The Himalayas are turning into black mountains due to global warming. The increased level of pollution is compounding the woes for the mountain community. Commercial expeditions are damaging the local environment in the name of providing all services to climbers. This must be controlled immediately.

Along with the effective implementation of laws, clean-up expeditions should be organized on a regular basis. The Nepal Army has joined hands with some private enterprises to clean up high Himalayan peaks. But this alone is not sufficient. The ongoing commercialization of Mt Everest should be halted to preserve this global landmark for future generations. The government must be ready to take decisive action, even if such moves are unpopular, to protect the world’s highest peak.

The Investment Board Nepal (IBN) has approved investment commitments of Rs 99.20 billion for four energy projects.

The 57th meeting of the Board held today under the chair of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal made the decision to this effect.

Those projects getting the investment approvals include the 166-megawatt Super Tamor Project (34.59 billion), the 42-megawatt Upper Modi-A Project (10.08 billion), the 250-megawatt Solar Plant Kohalpur and Banganga (Risen Energy Singapore-21.10 billion) and the 139.2-megawatt Lower Manang Marsyangdi Hydro Electricity Project (33.41 billion).

According to the Board, Solar Plant Project, and the Lower Manang Marsyangdi are foreign investment projects. 

Similarly, the meeting decided to approve an additional investment of Rs 6.63 billion for the HuaXin Cement Narayani Project, Board Spokesperson Pradyumna Prasad Upadhyay.

The meeting constituted a talks team under the chair of Board's Chief Executive Officer to negotiate with proposed investors for signing of the Project Development Agreement (PDA) regarding the Upper Marsyangdi and Solar Plant.

Spokesperson Upadhyay said that the PDAs regarding these projects are likely during the upcoming Nepal Investment Summit scheduled for April 28-29.

Similarly, the deadline for a license for a survey of Solar Plant (Kohalpur and Banganga) is to be extended till the end of the current fiscal year (July 15) as per the meeting decision.

Likewise, the meeting approved the share purchase agreement of the Dang Cement Plant. The Board endorses the reclaim of around Rs 620 million from the sale of the share.

The meeting decided to give permission to a Malaysian company, ReNIKOLA, to submit a bank guarantee for issuing a study permit for the establishment of a chemical fertilizer factory.

It also decided to extend the term of the committee formed to study Tamor Reservoir Hydropower Project and the committee formed to prepare a draft of Nijgadh international airport, project development and study regarding investment model till the end of current fiscal year.

Spokesperson Upadhyay said the Board was familiarized with the issue of formation of a study committee under coordination of the Chief of Revenue Management Division of the Finance Ministry to study the matter of price adjustment as per the SJVN Arun-III Power Development Company. 

The Board took the decision that the Investment Board would remain as security trustee of co-financed investment in direct agreement of the project.

Similarly, a report submitted by a committee formed to prepare an amendment draft of Public Private Partnership and Investment Act, 2075 has been presented in the Board.

The meeting also directed to initiate an agreement process with NepWaste Pvt. Ltd to forward Integrated Waste Management Project (Package-1) of Kathmandu Valley.