Nepal and Netherlands to vie in final of Triangular T20I Series

The league stage final match between Namibia and the Netherlands under the Triangular T-20I Series has been canceled due to rain.

With this, both teams share one point each. This means that Nepal and the Netherlands are pitted against each other in the final of the Series.

The Netherlands have reached the final, remaining at the top of the scoreboard with 5 points. Similarly, Nepal which is in second place in the score tally has four points while Namibia has three points.

In the match held at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur today, the Netherlands won the toss and invited Namibia to bat first. Namibia amassed 98 runs in 15 overs, losing four wickets. The match had to be stopped at this point after it started raining.

Before the game was stopped, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton made 34 runs and Zane Green 11 runs for Namibia.

Nepal faced a 20-run defeat at the hands of Namibia in its first game and a two-run defeat to the Netherlands in the second match under the league stage.

Similarly, Nepal secured their place in the final, defeating Namibia by three runs and the Netherlands by six wickets in its third game.

The final match will take place on March 5.

UML picks Neupane as its Chief Whip in National Assembly

The CPN-UML has nominated Bhagawati Neupane as the Chief Whip of the UML Parliamentary Party in the National Assembly, the upper chamber of the Federal Parliament.

UML Federal Parliamentary Party leader KP Sharma Oli today nominated Neupane the Chief Whip in the upper house.

Neupane said that Chair Oli nominated her the UML Chief Whip in the National Assembly as per the UML Parliamentary Party Statute-2077 BS effective from March 4.

Neupane has been appointed in place of the current Chief Whip Bhairab Sundar Shrestha whose term is expiring from tomorrow.

UML central member Neupane represents Tanahun in the National Assembly.

 

Nepse plunges by 11. 78 points on Sunday

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) plunged by 11. 78 points to close at 1,960.30 points on Sunday.

Similarly, the sensitive index dropped by 1. 92 points to close at 349. 73 points.

A total of 5,574,207-unit shares of 309 companies were traded for Rs 2. 08 billion.

Meanwhile, Global IME Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. (GILB) was the top gainer today with its price surging by 9. 70 percent.

Likewise, Chirkhwa Hydropower Limited (CKHL) was the top loser with its price dropped by 7. 49 percent.

At the end of the day, the total market capitalization stood at Rs 3. 08 trillion. 

PM Dahal consults with NC President Deuba, UML Chair Oli on TJ bill

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal held discussions separately with CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba today in connection with finalizing the transitional justice-related bill.

In the meeting held at the Prime Minister's official residence at Baluwatar, the PM discussed the bill related to Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappeared Persons with the main opposition party, UML, Chair and the ruling partner Nepali Congress President, said Manohari Timilsina, the PM's press expert.

The bill designed to amend the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappeared Persons Act, 2071 is currently under consideration at the Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee of the House of Representatives.

The Committee is meeting today to discuss the bill.

Divya Dhakal: Traveling and making content is two sides of a coin

Divya Dhakal, 27, is a travel content creator from Pokhara, Nepal. She’s known for trekking to lesser-known trails and mountains. She has been creating travel videos since 2015. She has been to the Everest and Annapurna regions, Bardia, Mugu, Jumla, Dhorpatan, Chisapani, Bajang, Sukla Phata National Park, Ilam, and Kanyam among many other places. Passion for traveling led her to create content based on it and she now has over  27.4K followers on Instagram. She also works at a travel company called Altitude Himalaya. In a conversation with Babita Shrestha from ApEx, Divya spoke about her trips and the challenges of making travel content.

How do you plan and make travel vlogs?

When it comes to planning travel vlogs, first I think about whether it’s possible and affordable. In the beginning, I also had to convince my parents. But now, I go wherever I want. I’m always on the lookout for new places where I can soak up the culture, nature, and lifestyle. For me, traveling isn’t just about pretty scenery. It’s about immersing myself in different cultures and ways of life. I like to chat with the locals and get all the information I need. If there are any cool festivals happening in certain areas, I make sure to plan my trip around them.

I don’t like to use travel packages. I do my research before heading out to make sure I’m getting the best experience possible. Nowadays, with all the digital content available, finding information is easy. I search for keywords and hashtags related to my destination and gather information from hotels and other sources. I don’t rely only on one source. I like to double-check everything to ensure safety.

Could you run us through your vlogging process?

I mainly use my phone for making videos as it’s convenient while on the move. Sometimes, I take along a camera but it’s not my go-to. Lately, I’ve been experimenting with drone photography, which is pretty exciting. As for editing, I use free apps. My vlogs aren’t super professional at the moment but I’m aiming to amp things up and grow my page. I think informative videos that I’ve been posting are helping me gain followers. For now, I’m posting reels with music and I’m thinking of switching to voice overs. From what I’ve learned, creating personalized and relatable content that shows off your personality can help you build a community online. 

What does it take to be a good travel vlogger?

You don’t need any special skills but you need to be creative. Research about the place. Figure out the budget. Be careful and organized, especially when it comes to flights and transportation. It’s essential to stay aware of your surroundings and the people you meet while traveling. You must just be yourself and keep it real. Start small and learn as you go. Try to learn new techniques. If you’re planning to do travel vlogs, it’s smart to make videos about budget trips to show that traveling doesn’t have to be expensive. You can talk about unique cultural stories too. Also, sharing information about how easy or tough the trip was and talking about mistakes and experiences can help boost your profile. I also believe creating informative and cinematic content goes a long way in expanding your follower base.

What are some of your travel essentials?

When I’m trekking, I make sure to pack some essentials to keep me covered. They are my survival gear. I always have a medical kit with basic first aid supplies and medicines for common issues like diarrhea, cold, and fever. Sunscreen is a must, along with some personal care items. I pack clothing for all types of weather, along with camping gear like a tent and sleeping bag. I always carry a compass and some tools for navigation. To stay connected and safe, I take along a radio phone.

How do you deal with challenging situations during your trips?

During a trek to Mera Peak in the Solukhumbu region, which is one of the highest trekking peaks, I faced a tough situation. I got my period in the middle of the trek and felt mentally drained. At almost 5000 meters, I also got a fever but I didn’t want to give up easily. But my health worsened and I had to turn back before reaching the summit. From this experience, I learned that not every travel plan goes as expected. I try to deal with situations by controlling my emotions. It can make a big difference in handling unexpected issues.

How do you make sure you’re respectful when you’re in a new place?

When I visit a new place, I do my research to understand the local customs and beliefs. If I’m unsure about something, I ask the locals for advice. Once I had my period on the way to Rara. I was staying at a local’s house. Since Nepalis have certain beliefs about periods, I let them know and followed their guidance on what to do. I think it’s important for travelers to be mindful of the local customs and show respect. Also, dressing appropriately is important in order not to make anyone uncomfortable. I put a lot of value on having good ethics while traveling.

I also try to make sure my travels are as eco-friendly as possible. I’ve been making some conscious choices like avoiding wet wipes and using metal bottles instead of single-use plastic ones. When I’m camping, I always clean up the site before leaving and take all the trash with me. I’ve also minimized the use of packaged food. 

PM Dahal stresses on giving priority to use of technology for providing public services

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said good governance can be made meaningful only by delivering services through the 'paperless and faceless' system in the coming age.

Addressing the scientists' conference entitled 'AI for Prosperous Nepal, Employment for the Future', today he stressed on the need of giving priority to the use of technology for providing public services.

"The government will take the necessary initiatives that it needs to take from its side for the development of computer technology, robotic technology, data science, machine learning, internet of things and computational infrastructures," the PM said, adding that the government would move ahead coordinating the policy related to AI with the National Science and Technology and Innovation Policy, 2076 BS and the Digital Nepal Framework, 2019.

Stating that the government has pursued various studies and research works in the emerging technology sector, he said that the budget has been allocated for setting up the Science Technology Innovation Fund, attaching importance to the science and technology sector.

On the occasion, PM Dahal directed the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology for creating the opportunities of self-reliance in the technology sector. According to him, special importance would be given to science technology research and innovation in the policy and programmes, and the budget for the upcoming financial year. "This sector has been included with due importance in the proposed 16th Periodic Plan as well, " he added.

The Prime Minister expressed the belief that the government bodies will emphasise on developing projects increasing the role of AI from the next year alone for enhancing innovation and productivity, the PM's Private Secretariat stated.

He also made it clear that 'ChatBot' services and projects related to metadata analysis based on AI would be implemented with priority for the information of services provided by the government agencies.

Prime Minister Dahal expressed the confidence that the conference with the theme of 'AI for prosperous Nepal – employment for the future', jointly organized by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and various stakeholders, will support in materializing the dream of building a prosperous Nepal.

It is time saving and multiple useful for innovation and productivity growth while carrying out the regular works done by people or the works taking long time and those works people cannot do through the use of AI, the Prime Minister asserted.

 

 

Terms of NA Chair Timilsina among 20 lawmakers expiring today

The tenures of 20 National Assembly lawmakers including Chairman Ganesh Prasad Timilsina are expiring today.

They were elected for six years through a lottery method in 2018.

Among them, 19 were elected and Bimala Rai was nominated by the President.

Nine lawmakers from the CPN-UML, four from the Nepali Congress, three from the CPN (Maoist Center) and two from the CPN (Unified Socialist), one from the Janata Samajbadi Party and an independent lawmaker are completing their term today.

Lawmakers whose terms are expiring today are as follows:

UML

1. Ganesh Prasad Timilsina

2. Indu Kadariya

3. Deepa Gurung

4. Dil Kumari Rawal Thapa

5. Kumar Dasaundi

6. Narapati Luwar

7. Bhairav Kumar Shrestha

8. Ram Chandra Rai

9. Bimala Rai Paudyal (nominated)

Nepali Congress

1. Ramesh Jung Rayamajhi

2. Jitendra Narayan Dev

3. Prakash Pantha

4. Anita Devkota

CPN (Maoist Center)

1. Bina Pokharel

2. Mahesh Kumar Mahara

3. Hari Ram Chaudhary

CPN (Unified Socialist)

1. Nanda Chapagain

2. Singa Bahadur Bishwokarma

Janata Samajbadi Party

1. Pramila Kumari

Independent lawmaker

1. Khimlal Devkota

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The names of the lawmakers who are replacing the 20 lawmakers whose terms are expiring today are:

Nepali Congress

1. Krishna Prasad Sitaula

2. Ananda Prasad Dhungana

3. Bishnu Kumari Pudasaini

4. Jit Jung Basnet

5. Padam Kumar Pariyar

6. Kiran Babu Shrestha

7. Bishnu Kumari Sapkota

8. Krishna Bahadur Rokaya

9. Baldev Bohara

10.Narayan Dutta Bhatta

CPN (Maoist Center)

1. Shree Krishna Adhikari

2. Manarupa Sharma

3. Jhakku Subedi

4. Bishnu Bahadur Bishwokarma

5. Renu Chand

CPN (Unified Socialist)

1. Ghanshyam Rijal

2. Sabitri Malla

UML

1. Rukmuni Koirala

Janata Samajbadi Party

1. Puja Chaudhary

They are scheduled to take the oath of office and secrecy tomorrow.

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Gold price increases by Rs 2, 000 per tola on Sunday

The price of gold has increased by Rs 2,000 per tola in the domestic market on Sunday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 121, 000 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 119, 000 per tola on Friday.

Meanwhile, tejabi gold is being traded at Rs 120, 400 per tola. It was traded at Rs 118, 450 per tola.

Similarly, the price of silver has increased by Rs 20 and is being traded at Rs 1,410 per tola today.