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Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has called upon relevant authorities to seek the middle-way for finding a solution to the ongoing disputes concerning trunk and dedicated electricity line tariffs.

In a discussion held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers today, the Prime Minister underlined the need of creating a situation where the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) can recover its dues, and industries can resume operations promptly.

He suggested considering the directives of the Commission for the Abuse of Authority and various committees under the federal parliament while exploring ways for sorting out the matter. He stressed on the need of seeking opinions from the Office of the Attorney General in reaching a conclusive decision, urging relevant bodies to explore alternative ways for resolving the matter.

During the meeting, Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Shakti Bahadur Basent, assured that the government is actively working to resolve the issue based on available facts and existing laws. He said that entrepreneurs have been given installment options to pay their dues, expressing hope that the matter will be resolved through consensus and legal consultations with the Office of the Attorney General.

Similarly, Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Ramesh Rijal, who was also present in the meeting, appealed to the government to facilitate finding solutions to the genuine concerns of industrialists. The Ministry is coordinating efforts to establish common ground for the restoration of industrial operations, according to him.

Government Chief Secretary Dr Baikuntha Aryal was of the view of seeking solutions in accordance with decisions made by the Electricity Regulatory Commission and existing laws and working procedures.

Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Managing Director Kulman Ghising briefed the meeting about NEA's priorities, duties, and future plans.  He assured that the disputes regarding trunk and dedicated power lines would be addressed positively." The NEA anticipates reaching a concrete decision in consultation with the Electricity Tariff Fixation Commission."

National Planning Commission Vice Chair Dr Min Bahadur Shrestha and Energy Secretary Gopal Prasad Sigdel, among others were present in the meeting.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 36.57 points to close at 2,059.49 points on Monday.

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 4.27 points to close at 377. 28 points.

A total of 13,709,276-unit shares of 309 companies were traded for Rs 4. 67 billion.

Meanwhile, Singati Hydro Energy Limited, Modi Energy Limited, Trishuli Jal Vidhyut Company Limited and Muktinath Krishi Company Limited were the top gainers today, with their price surging by 10. 00 percent.

Likewise, Narayani Development Bank Limited was the top loser as its price fell by 5.46 percent.

At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 3. 23 trillion.

Most of us know him as Bir Kaji aka B.K from the 2014 film Kabaddi starring Dayahang Rai, Nischal Basnet, and Rishma Gurung in leading roles. In 2015, he acted in Kabaddi Kabaddi, the sequel of Kabaddi, for which he was nominated for best actor in a comic role. His most recent film ‘Jaari’ became one of the highest-grossing Nepali films. Bijay Baral, who made his movie debut in 2013 with Chhadke, is known for his impeccable comic timing and his ability to emote through his expressions. In a conversation with Cilla Khatry of ApEx, Baral spoke about his love for acting, the things he has learned in his journey as an artist, and how being a sidekick works to his advantage. 

What do you think is the importance of stories in our society? 

Stories are important to change how people think and perceive things. Everyone has a story and every story will resonate with someone, somewhere. Every society has different forms of storytelling, be it theater, movies, literature, etc. In Nepal, I believe the most important form of storytelling is conversations that happen in public spaces, especially in rural areas. 

Sometimes, I go to Patan Durbar Squares and see elderly men and women engrossed in heated debates or whispered chats. Sharing your experience and emotions is the most impactful form of storytelling. Another great form of storytelling that makes people think and introspect is forum theater as it engages spectators to take the story forward and even change its course. 

How has Nepali cinema and theater evolved over the years? 

As someone who has spent 15 years in theater and 10 years in cinema, I believe Nepali theater and cinema both have a lot of potential. We are investing in good scripts and telling relevant stories. Nepal is rich in culture and language and that brings diversity to our narratives. Filmmakers like Nabin Subba, Deepak Rauniyar, Abinash Bikram Shah, and Min Bham are paving the way for global recognition. There is a lot of effort being put into making good cinema. 

Theater too has evolved given the limited infrastructure and resources. Many theater groups are doing amazing work. Mandala Theater recently sent 16 students, on a fully-funded program, to conduct theater classes, workshops, and stage shows all over Nepal. When Shabana Azmi was in Nepal, she was surprised to see how wonderfully theaters were operating in Nepal. We are doing the best we can with what we have. 

As an artist, how do you prepare for a role? Who is your role model? 

When I started, I didn’t understand acting. I thought I was acting in every role. I thought I was a good actor. But as time went by, you could say it gave me the maturity to understand what acting requires. Now, I focus on the character and try to understand it as much as I can through research and study. I want to comprehend the character’s psychology, emotions, traits, and behavior patterns before I start a role. 

As far as role models are concerned, I mostly take inspiration from Bollywood actors who do the kind of roles I do or with whom I seem to have physical similarities. The works of actors like Nana Patekar and Irfan Khan have taught me a lot. But I generally don’t like the idea of having a role model and aspiring to be like someone because that way you lose your unique identity. You become a replica of someone else.

What has been the biggest challenge for you as an actor and how have you overcome it?

I’m not well-versed in different cultures and that limits the kind of characters and roles I can take up. Sometimes, my personality also poses a challenge. For instance, in Dimag Kharab I took on an aggressive role. Not only was it different from the kind of fun-loving characters I usually portray, but it was also the opposite of how I am in real life. So, I had to work hard to be believable. The only way to overcome challenges in acting, I believe, is by not taking yourself too seriously as an actor. I try to be a director’s actor when I’m shooting for a film because cinema is a director’s vision. 

What are some of the lessons you have learned in your journey? What do you consider to be your valuable skills? 

The most valuable lesson I have learned is not to be overconfident and overambitious. While confidence and ambitions are nice, too much of either, I believe, will lead to your downfall. It will make you narcissistic and you will lose the ability to think critically. I have learned that as an actor you must be ready to work hard but you mustn’t have a lot of expectations on how the audience will perceive you or your work. All you can do is be honest and true to yourself and your craft. 

I’m someone who likes to talk. I enjoy talking to people. This makes me approachable and, if I might say so myself, likable to a certain extent. Professionally, I think it works in my favor and I consider it an asset. On a personal level, I’m not sure my wife appreciates it very much. She fears I will say random things and offend people (laughs).

Talent or training, which of these two factors is more important to be an actor?

Training prepares you. It gives you the confidence to get on stage or in front of the camera. Back in my village, before I got into acting, I would do caricature. I had a flair for it. But my talent would not have gotten me this far if I hadn’t undergone several acting workshops and courses after I came to Kathmandu. Training gives you the techniques required to become a good actor. Acting is reacting and, for that, you need to observe what’s going on, be emotionally ready to respond, and do that in character. Training teaches you all that and more. Training will also help you transition from one character to another with ease. 

How do you react to criticism? 

I’m human so when someone criticizes my work, especially when I’ve worked hard for a role, I get hurt and a little offended. A little part of me gets angry even though I don’t show it. But I realize feedback is necessary if I want to grow as an actor. I’m generally not the main character in a play or a movie. So, I’m usually not targeted by trolls or receive hateful comments. But there have been times when people haven’t appreciated my work and have told me never to do certain roles again. I’ve taken it in my stride. Comments, both good and bad, can be motivational. I try to channel them into good energy that I will then pour into my next project. 

Do you enjoy reading? 

I prefer reading short stories to long novels. They cater to my imagination. I find I can conjure up images clearly in my head when I’m reading a short story rather than when I’m reading longer fiction. Honestly, I read more scripts than books, and script reading takes time and dedication. But I love Upendra Subba’s poetry and constantly find myself picking up his works. But I must admit that I’m a bit lazy and that I could and should read more.

What projects are you working on next? 

I can’t say for sure which movies I will be a part of but I’m reading a lot of scripts and trying to decide which projects to take on. I have been fortunate enough to have a lot of movie offers come my way. It gives me the boost I need to keep working. One thing I’m trying to do more of this year is theater. We will soon be going to the National School of Drama in New Delhi, India, with a play that’s being directed by Bijay Karki. I’ll also be involved in quite a few plays being produced by Mandala Theater because I want to hone my acting skills and theater is the best way to do that.

Coronavirus infection is found among the Nepalis returning home from different cities of India.

Coronavirus test has been made mandatory at Nepal-India bordering areas after a new variant of coronavirus (JN.1) was detected in India.

Chief of the Health Desk set up at Gauriphanta checkpoint, Ganesh Saud, said that coronavirus infection was found in 10 people returned from India so far.

"We have been conducting antigen tests among India-returnees and 10 cases of coronavirus have been recorded so far," he mentioned.

Saud shared that those found infected with coronavirus have been suggested to stay in home isolation.

Hundreds of Nepalis are returning home every day via Gauriphanta checkpoint from different places of India.

Samples were collected and sent to Kathmandu to confirm the variant of corona two weeks ago, but its report has not been received yet, added the Health Desk Chief. 

However, coronavirus has not been confirmed on Nepalis returning home using Gaddachauki checkpoint of Kanchanpur so far, according to the District Health Office, Kanchanpur.

The price of gold has dropped by Rs 700 per tola in the domestic market on Monday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the yellow metal is being traded at Rs 118, 800 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 119, 500 per tola.

Meanwhile, tejabi gold is being traded at Rs 118, 250 per tola. It was traded at Rs 118, 950 per tola.

Similarly, the price of silver has dropped by Rs 5 and is being traded at Rs 1,415 per tola today.

Nepali Congress leader Krishna Prasad Sitaula filed his nomination for the National Assembly election from Koshi Province.

He filed his nomination for the member of the National Assembly by reaching the Biratnagar-based Office of the Election Office on Monday morning.

Sitaula’s nomination was proposed by Pradeep Sunuwar and seconded by Himal Karki.

The Congress on Sunday nominated Sitaula as the candidate of the party in the National Assembly election unanimously.

A meeting of the Parliamentary Board held at the Party Central Office finalized the candidates of the election.

Sitaula, who had already served as the General Secretary of the Nepali Congress, had lost in the last House of Representatives election from Jhapa-3.

Rastriya Prajatantra Party Chairman Rajendra Lingden with the support of the CPN-UML defeated Sitaula, a candidate of the ruling coalition.

The filing of nominations for the National Assembly election scheduled for January 25 is taking place today.

The nomination papers of the candidates are to be registered at the Office of Returning Officer established in the capitals of all seven provinces from 10 am to 3 pm today.

Spokesperson of the Election Commission Shaligram Sharma Poudel informed that all necessary preparation and responsibilities to be placed prior to the registration of nomination has been over.

The province assembly members, chairpersons and vice chairpersons of rural municipalities and mayors and deputy mayors of municipalities are the voters in the NA member election.

As per the legal provision, 549 province assembly members and 2047 local level leaders (mayor/chair and deputy mayor/vice-chairperson) have been enlisted in the voters' roll.

The vote weight of provincial assembly members has been fixed at 53 and that of chiefs and deputy chiefs of municipalities/rural municipalities at 19. The total vote weight of provincial assembly members is 29,097 and that of chiefs and deputy chiefs is 28,462.

According to the Election Commission, the final list of voters has already been published on Sunday.

The nomination list will be published on January 9 while the final list of candidates will be published on January 12 after completing the process of protest and complaint against candidates and probe.

The candidates will be provided with election symbols on January 13. One polling station and two polling centers have been set up in each province for the election.

Voting will take place from 9 am to 3 pm on January 25. The term of one-third of the 59-member National Assembly is completed every two years. Women, Dalits, persons with disabilities or minorities and members from other communities will be elected from different provinces and regions in this election.

Nepali Congress (NC) has finalized its candidates for the election to the National Assembly (NA) members.

The NC Central Performance Committee meeting that concluded last night decided to nominate candidates for the NA election.

The meeting chaired by NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba decided to present Krishna Prasad Sitaula (other) in the Koshi province, Ananda Prasad Dhungana (other) in the Madhes province, Jeetjung Basnet (other), Bishnu Devi Pudasaini (women) in the Bagmati province, Kiran Babu Shrestha (other), Padma Bahadur Pariyar (disabled and minorities) in the Gandaki province.

Likewise, the party decided to field Bishnu Kumari Sapkota (women) in the Lumbini province, Baldev Bohora (other) and Narayan Dutta Bhatta (disabled and minorities) in the Sudurpaschim province, Informed NC office chief secretary Krishna Prasad Poudel.

As per the consensus in the ruling coalition, NC is fielding candidates for 10 posts in the election to the NA members taking place January 25 for total 19 posts.

NC has appealed to all voters to emerge the candidates of the ruling coalition victorious in the election.