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A one-day photo exhibition entitled “Exploring Economic Opportunities: Nepal’s Development in the Context of China’s Economy” was successfully held in Nepal on Sunday.

The event organized by Friends of Silk Road Club – Nepal showcased major highlights of China’s Annual Sessions National People’s Congress and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference 2024.

This year's Two Sessions had a particular significance as 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Inaugurating the event, former Deputy Prime Minister and CPN-ML General Secratary CP Mainali stressed on the importance of the Two Sessions, and how China’s rise poses opportunity for Nepal, especially for economic development and prosperity.

Recalling the Chinese Communist Party’s history and revolution and how generations of visionary Chinese leaders have led their people to create unprecedented development miracles, Mainali mentioned that China’s rise could be inspirational for other countries including Nepal. He also praised China’s continuous commitment to promote common development of all nations.

He also took the occasion to suggest the Nepali parties and leaders to practice multi-party cooperation rather than multi-party competition.

On the occasion, Leela Mani Paudyal, former Nepali Ambassador to China, explained about major accomplishments of China's top legislature and top political advisory body. Stressing on how the northern neighbor has been promoting high-quality development, Paudyal suggested that Nepal can take benefits in multiple areas.

Sharing his experiences of witnessing the mega Two Sessions up close in the past, the former ambassador pointed out that there are immense possibilities for Nepal in the fields like renewable energy, science and technology, agriculture and tourism, among others.

He further expressed confidence that the Belt and Road Initiative will be instrumental in promoting Nepal’s economic progress.

Over 30 photos were displayed in one-day photo exhibition, held inside the Patan Durbar Square, and witnessed by people from different walks of life and general public.

The Holi festival has formally started in the Mithila region from today.

Holi begins officially in the region with Lord Ram and Mata Janaki symbolically playing Holi in Kanchanavan of Bhangaha Municipality-9.

Holi officially starts in the Mithila region after sadhus, saints and Mahatmas paint the idols of Lord Ram and Mother Sita red, as part of the 15-day Madhyamik Parikrama at Kanchanavan of Mahottari.

All the pilgrims of the Madhyamil Praikrama including monks, saints and mahatmas, who arrived at Bhangaha Municipality-9 Kanchanavan on the seventh day painted the idols of Lord Ram and Mother Sita this morning with red color.

With the start of Holi festival, now Holi songs will be sung, satirical poems recited and plays will be shown, especially during the evenings in villages across the region.

The Lumbini Development Trust has instructed all concerned not to carry out commercial activities in the monasteries and vihars inside the Lumbini area.

Reminding that the vihar area under the jurisdiction of Lumbini Development Trust is a place to fully promote and protect the teachings of Lord Buddha, the LDT has sent a letter to all monasteries and vihars requesting them to establish the vihar area as a Buddhist religious, spiritual and peaceful area.

Likewise, the Trust has also directed the Vihars in Lumbini to submit details of foreign nationals residing as required by Vihar Region Regulation, 2058. It has also warned of action if commercial activities are found being carried out in the Vihar premises.

As per the Lumbini master plan, land has been provided to various countries and Buddhist sects for the construction of vihars.

It may be noted that the Lumbini Hotel Association had submitted a memorandum to the LDT objecting to the fact that instead of promoting Buddhist ideology and spirituality, vihars and monasteries were being used as hotels for guests.

Wrong Place Wrong Time

Gillian McAllister

Mystery | Thriller

She doesn’t know who the victim is, or why Todd has committed such a devastating act of violence. All she knows is that her life, and Todd’s, have been shattered. After her son is taken into custody, Jen falls asleep in despair. But when she wakes up, it’s yesterday. The murder has not happened yet—and there may be a chance to stop it. Each morning, when Jen wakes, she is further back in the past, first weeks, then years, before the murder. And Jen realizes that somewhere in the past lies the trigger for Todd’s terrible crime and it’s her mission to find it, and prevent it from taking place. 

Japanese Candlestick Charting Techniques

Steve Nison

Finance | Business 

A longstanding form of technical analysis, Japanese candlestick charts are a dynamic and increasingly popular technical tool for traders of all skill levels. Known for its versatility, this ancient charting can be fused with every other technical tool available, including traditional Western technical analysis. Japanese Candlestick Charting Techniques is the most comprehensive and trusted guide to this essential technique. Informed by years of research from a pioneer trader, this book covers everything you need to know, including hundreds of examples that show how candlestick techniques can be used in all of today’s markets.

How Not to Die

Michael Greger and Gene Stone

Health 

From the physician behind the wildly popular website NutritionFacts.org, How Not to Die reveals the groundbreaking scientific evidence behind the only diet that can prevent and reverse many of the causes of disease-related death. The vast majority of premature deaths can be prevented through simple changes in diet and lifestyle. In How Not to Die, Dr Michael Greger examines the 15 top causes of premature death in America—heart disease, various cancers, diabetes, Parkinson’s, high blood pressure, and more—and explains how nutritional and lifestyle interventions can sometimes trump prescription pills and other pharmaceutical and surgical approaches, freeing us to live healthier lives.

Over 300 artists from 11 countries showcased various cultural performances at a program jointly organized by Vajra Kala Kunja and the Ancient Monument Conservation Research Society in Basantpur, Jhochhen, Kathmandu on March 8. The cultural extravaganza aimed to celebrate and safeguard the rich tapestry of global art and heritage.

According to the organizers, the essence of the program lay in the preservation and promotion of original art and culture, cultivating a deeper understanding of diverse cultures worldwide. It also served as a platform for cultural exchange, fostering collaboration among nations, and contributing to the promotion of tourism.

The participating artists were from different nations, including Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Estonia, Germany, Nepal, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Poland, and South Africa. Each brought their unique cultural traditions to the forefront. Their collective presence underscored the universality of art and its power to bridge geographical and cultural divides.

Through a vibrant display of talent and tradition, the event not only celebrated cultural diversity but also fostered a spirit of unity and collaboration among nations, enriching the cultural landscape of Kathmandu and leaving a lasting impact on the attendees.

In my thirties and married, I find myself shouldering the weight of responsibilities while my husband is negligent. His lack of contribution to household chores, finances, and emotional support leaves me feeling overwhelmed and unappreciated. Despite countless discussions and attempts to address the issue, his behavior remains unchanged. The strain on our relationship is palpable, and I often feel like a single parent rather than part of a partnership. Seeking guidance from someone feels necessary to navigate and understand underlying issues, and explore options for moving forward, either together or separately, towards a healthier future.

Answered by Kapil Sharma, counseling psychologist, Nepal Institute of Mental Health

The dedication you’ve shown towards caring for your children amidst challenging circumstances is commendable. Balancing responsibilities while navigating relationship dynamics can indeed be a daunting task. Feeling overwhelmed and underappreciated in such situations is completely understandable. It takes strength to express your emotions and acknowledge issues when things feel unmanageable.

Self-care becomes crucial during times of heightened stress, especially if you’re feeling increasingly hopeless and helpless. Seeking help from a mental health professional is a wise step. Therapy offers a safe space to explore your emotions and concerns, both individually and as a couple. Couples counseling can be particularly beneficial in addressing communication issues, setting boundaries, and understanding each other’s perspectives.

It’s important to recognize that sometimes behaviors are guided by subconscious patterns, and seeking professional help can shed light on these patterns and provide opportunities for growth and healing. Deciding whether to nurture the relationship or consider other options is a deeply personal journey, and therapy can offer clarity and support along the way.

Remember to be compassionate with yourself and prioritize your well-being. Open communication with your partner, along with non-judgmental support from professionals, can pave the way for positive changes and deeper understanding within your relationship.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has pledged to lend necessary support and cooperation for the development of Pokhara, the Tourism Capital of Nepal.

In his address to a function organized to announce Pokhara as the Tourism Capital of Nepal today, the Prime Minister said the government will accord top priority to develop Pokhara as further green, safe, systematized, beautiful and prosperous city.

He also assured of seeking support and cooperation from the international development partners for the enrichment of infrastructure development needed for the tourism capital. The Prime Minister said the Investment Summit that Nepal is hosting next month will be helpful in such efforts.

The Prime Minister on the occasion announced that the government will take initiatives to operate commercial international flights from the Pokhara International Airport.

According to the Prime Minister, the government will take further measures to effectively operate the Korala-Tribeni transit serving as the gateway to Muktinath, the famous religious shrine.

He said that the scale of cooperation and monitoring will be intensified to conclude the Mid-Hill Highway and the Muglin-Pokhara section along the Prithvi Highway. He called for cooperation among the private, government and civic level to promote internal tourism.

On the occasion, Gandaki Province Chief Minister, Surendra Raj Pandey, said the announcement of Pokhara as the Tourism Capital will help in its branding.

Pokhara metropolis mayor Dhanraj Acharya was of the opinion that the announcement would contribute to improving the living standard of the citizens of Pokhara, creating employment opportunities and eliminating poverty.

He pledged to intensify the infrastructure development in Pokhara through combined efforts among the three-tier government.

Finance Minister Barshaman Pun has said that although the country's economy is somewhat sluggish, it has not reached a situation of crisis.

Addressing the 34th anniversary program of the Citizen Investment Trust (CIT) today, he claimed that the economy is beyond crisis and much improvement has been seen in the external sector.

However, Minister Pun admitted that some structural challenges remained in the public finance sector. He said that the negative over-publicity that the country's economy is on the verge of collapse has had its impact on the market.

"We have foreign currency reserves sufficient to cover the imports of goods and services for over one year. The remittance inflow is excellent. There is adequate liquidity in the banks and financial institutions. The investment will also gradually increase now," the finance minister said.

According to him, the external sector has presently become stronger as against the criticism some time back that Nepal's economy is also heading towards collapse like that of Sri Lanka, as the external sector, especially the balance of payments, looked bleak.

The finance minister expressed worry, saying the market thinking has not improved yet despite the positive economic indicators. He said investment can go up which will help in the economic growth if there is positive thinking and self-confidence in the market.

On the occasion, he gave assurance that he would continue the positive policies and plans brought by the former finance minister and adopted by the government before this. He added that the strict policies adopted in the past due to the economic contraction would be gradually made flexible.

According to him, discussions are being held with various line ministries and various agencies about this. Stating that signs of improvement have been seen in the stock market of late, he believed that it would help stimulate the market.

The finance minister stressed on the need of all sides and agencies to be responsible and accountable for facilitating the service delivery. "The political leadership has problems. We ourselves have felt the need of political sanctification. There is a need for administrative reforms in our public bodies," he reminded.

He urged the CIT management to invest the deposits with it in the productive sectors, big infrastructure construction projects and employment generation sector, becoming more professional. Minister Pun called on CIT to contribute to the national capital formation by mobilizing its deposits in the productive sector increasing productivity and job creation.

CIT Executive Director Parbat Kumar Karki said the CIT has played an important role in determining the basis of national capital formation by mobilizing the savings. According to him, the CIT is carrying out works in a planned way in expanding its business, profit-oriented investment and risk management, among other sectors.

Executive Director Karki claimed that CIT is increasing investment in the infrastructure sector prioritized by the government, making the CIT's works more technology-friendly and facilitating the service delivery. He further shared that a study has been initiated to connect the citizens in foreign employment in the CIT's program.

According to him, the net reserves of CIT as of mid-January of the current fiscal year is Rs 240 billion and 510 million while it has invested Rs 235 billion and 50 million during this period.