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So far 11,336 temporary houses have been constructed for the earthquake survivors in five districts. More than 67, 000 beneficiaries have been registered in Jajarkot, Rukum West and Salyan districts of Karnali province and Bajura and Bajhang of the Sudurpaschim Province until now.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) said 10,118 more temporary houses are being built. NDRRMA Chief Executive Officer Anil Pokharel said the beneficiaries have been taking the grant amount meant for building temporary shelters entering into agreement and constructing the temporary houses.

According to him, 5,202 temporary shelters have been built in Jajarkot and 5,798 in Rukum West. Similarly, 193 temporary houses have been built in Salyan, 13 in Bajhang and 130 in Bajura districts.

Over Rs 2.26 billion has been allocated to the affected districts and more budget will be needed as the number of beneficiaries rises. Of this amount, Rs 1.53 billion has reached the local levels from the districts. Pokharel added that Rs 587 million 800 thousand has been transferred to the bank account of the beneficiaries verified by the local level.

There are 35,140 beneficiaries in Jajarkot followed by 23, 608 in Rukum West; 4,576 in Bajhang; 2,729 in Bajura and 1,730 in Salyan, according to the Authority.

NDRRMA, Policy and Planning Division Chief Bharat Mani Pandey said grant agreement still remains to be signed with nearly 50 thousand additional beneficiaries and the signing of agreement is ongoing. It is estimated that the number of beneficiaries will reach 80 thousand and the Authority is making its preparations accordingly, Pandey added.

He said the NDRRMA is preparing to manage Rs 4.75 billion that would be required for building temporary shelters for the estimated 80 thousand beneficiaries.

The November 3 earthquake with its epicenter at Ramidanda of Jajarkot affected Rukum West, Salyan, Bajhang and Bajura as well. Now the constructions of temporary shelters for the affected are going on.

Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has described Marxism as a philosophy to make a substantive analysis of a concrete situation.

In his address to a program organized at the party central office in Parisdanda on the occasion of the 131st birth anniversary of the Chinese leader Mao Zedong (Mao Day) today, Dahal said, "The cultivation of Marxist thoughts remains a primary challenge for the Communist movement at present."

He insisted on the need of developing ideology being based on the evolving global context. "Today's national and international scenario differs from that of Mao's lifetime. Significant global changes have occurred post-Mao, with imperialism persisting through new strategies and actions. We, as Maoists, need to adapt ourselves to the given context, but unfortunately it has not happened."

On the occasion, he said remembering Mao means analyzing and understanding ideology and revolution in a fundamental way.

He said social justice, good governance and prosperity are bases for charting out a course for socialism and the incumbent government is actively working towards that end.  "The government accords top priority to social justice, good governance and prosperity to create a foundation for socialism. We will move ahead accordingly."

The Maoist Chair took time to say that the party will come up with a new campaign once its ongoing campaign entitled "Maoists with people: special transformation campaign" concluded. The four-month campaign is set to conclude on January 1.

Mao Tse-tung (Zedong), a great Chinese politician, Marxist theorist and a revolutionary figure was born December 26, 1893, Shaoshan, Xiangtan, China.

Maoist Centre's vice chair Pampha Bhusal, General Secretary Dev Prasad Gurung, Deputy General Secretary Barshaman Pun were among those attending the event.

Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has said that the country's economy is improving and the economic indicators are now positive.

Talking to media persons at Bharatpur Airport today, Minister Mahat said, "The negative publicity that there is no future in Nepal and no one should invest in Nepal has ended. Now, the environment of investment has been built in the country."

Although attempts were made to spoil the investment climate, the economy has come to a comfortable state, he stressed. 

The finance minister viewed, "Self-confidence of investors has boosted. The future is beautiful if we move ahead with the message – let us invest by identifying areas of investment." Urging one and all to invest without any doubt, he clarified that the government has the policy of investing in profitable industries.

Minister Mahat further said the share market is rebounding gradually and a remarkable number of tourists have visited Nepal. "There is improvement in the real estate business. There are enough prospects of profit if investment is focused on infrastructure."

He called for investment in the tourism sector, which has immense potential. FM Mahat opined the recent decision of the Nepal Rastra Bank has addressed the problems of entrepreneurs. 

Insurance companies have collectively invested over Rs 600bn across various sectors until the fiscal year 2022/2023.

Data compiled by the Nepal Insurance Authority (NIA) shows that life and non-life insurance companies have invested Rs 627bn by mid-July 2023. Investments of insurance companies increased by 18.95 percent in 2022/23. Such investments were Rs 527bn at the end of 2021/22.

Officials of NIA say insurance companies are investing by adhering to the investment guidelines brought by the insurance regulatory body. A major chunk of such investments seems to be in the form of fixed deposits.

Lately, they have started to invest in commercial banks and airline companies, among others. Asian Life Insurance recently acquired a 40 percent stake in the domestic carrier, Yeti Airlines, by paying Rs 1.75bn.

The NIA has been encouraging insurance companies to invest in sectors that deliver higher returns so that insured individuals get better returns.

Non-insurance companies have made total investments of Rs 568bn, a growth of 20 percent from Rs 473bn in 2021/22.

According to the NIA, about 77 percent of investments of life insurance companies, or Rs 437bn, is in the form of fixed deposits with Class ‘A’, Class ‘B’, and Class ‘C’ financial institutions as well as infrastructure banks licensed by the Nepal Rastra Bank. Likewise, about 7 percent of their investments, or Rs 41.34bn, is in preference shares, bonds, debentures, and treasury bills, among others.

Similarly, non-life insurance companies have invested Rs 58.85bn in different sectors by mid-July 2023. This is a growth of 9 percent compared to 2021/22 when they had invested Rs 53.91bn.

About 80 percent of investments of non-life insurance companies, or Rs 47.44bn, is in the form of fixed deposits with Class ‘A’, Class ‘B’, and Class ‘C’ financial institutions and infrastructure banks licensed by the central bank. They have invested about Rs 2.87bn, which is nearly 5 percent of their total investments, in ordinary shares listed on the Nepal Stock Exchange.

Two persons died after being hit by a car at Prasyang of Pokhara Metropolitan City-5 in Kaski on Monday.

The car heading towards Zero KM from Baglung Bus Park knocked down Dholandra Chhantyal of Nadipur, Pokhara-3 and another person, whose identity is yet to be established, last night, according to the District Police Office, Kaski.

They were rushed to the Western Regional Hospital for treatment but doctors pronounced them dead on arrival.

Police said that they are searching for the car driver who was on the run after the incident.

Samita Devi Shakya is a braille translator with a 16-year tenure at Laboratory Higher Secondary School in Kirtipur. Passionate about education and committed to making an impact, Shakya has been doing her best to provide support and guidance for visually impaired students. As a braille educator, she has played a pivotal role in fostering an inclusive learning environment, ensuring that every student, regardless of their visual abilities, has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

With a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for her work, she stands as a testament to the transformative power of education in breaking down barriers and creating equal opportunities for all. In a conversation with Evana Manandhar of ApEx, she shared her insights and experiences while talking about the profound impact of Braille education on the lives of visually impaired students.

How do you make learning braille engaging for children?

Creating an engaging braille learning experience for children involves tactile activities like crafting braille letters and interactive games such as Braille Bingo and Scrabble. Storytelling with braille storybooks enhances language skills, while technology like braille learning apps and 3D-printed tactile graphics adds a modern dimension. Art projects and collaborative activities foster creativity and social learning, making braille a memorable part of the curriculum. Integrating music and rhythm adds an auditory aspect, and celebrating achievements reinforces a positive attitude toward braille learning.

 What specific challenges do you encounter when teaching braille to young learners?

Teaching braille to young learners poses challenges due to their developmental stage and the tactile nature of braille. Key hurdles include the gradual development of tactile sensitivity, limited fine motor skills for precise finger movements, and potential cognitive overload. Challenges like letter reversals, short attention spans, and limited exposure to braille in daily life further complicate the teaching process. The scarcity of suitable resources and potential social stigma add to the complexity. Overcoming these challenges requires adapting to visual learners, providing teacher training, and ensuring a positive and inclusive braille learning experience for young children.

Can you share some creative activities or games you use to reinforce braille skills?

Teaching braille to young learners poses unique challenges, given their developing tactile sensitivity and fine motor skills. To overcome these hurdles, engaging in activities is crucial. One effective approach is the Sensory Letter Hunt, where braille letters are crafted from various textured materials and hidden for children to find by touch, making the learning process interactive and enjoyable. Braille alphabet puzzles provide a hands-on method, allowing children to match tactile puzzle pieces to form braille letters, enhancing both braille skills and fine motor abilities.

Integrating music with braille, such as associating each braille letter with a musical note, adds a creative dimension to learning. Children can create tunes using braille letters, linking auditory learning with braille practice and making the educational experience more enjoyable. These activities not only reinforce braille skills but also address challenges specific to young learners, creating a positive and inclusive braille learning environment.

How do you involve parents in the learning process and encourage practice at home?

During admissions, I stress the pivotal role of braille literacy for visually impaired children, portraying it not just as an additional skill but as a fundamental tool for education and independence. I emphasize braille’s unique benefits, promoting literacy, enhancing cognitive development, and fostering independence. Engaging parents in hands-on activities, such as labeling household items with braille, illustrates its practical applications.

Encouraging a supportive community, I propose a forum for parents learning braille, fostering camaraderie and mutual support. Even a basic understanding can greatly assist their child. Supporting a child’s braille learning involves integrating a patient, multi-sensory approach into daily activities. Celebrating small achievements builds confidence. Lastly, showcasing successful teachers with visual impairments exemplifies an inclusive mindset, fostering an educational space where all students can thrive.

What advice would you give to educators or parents who are supporting a child in learning braille for the first time?

For educators or parents guiding a child in learning braille, prioritize patience, consistency, and creativity. Start early and maintain regular exposure to braille, using a multi-sensory approach for engagement. Celebrate small successes to build positive associations, and involve the child in goal-setting. Integrate braille into daily activities for practical relevance and establish a supportive environment with open communication. Seek guidance from certified braille instructors for effective support. Remember, learning braille is a gradual process, and fostering a positive and encouraging atmosphere is crucial for the child’s successful braille literacy journey.

Udhauli, the second most important festival of the Kirant community, is being celebrated across the country with joy and fervor today.

Udhauli festival is celebrated every year on the full moon day of the month of Mangsir in the Lunar calendar.

During the festival, the Kiranti folks gather together to celebrate the festival in an organiZed manner and exchange good wishes.

According to the religious book Mundhum of the Kirants, time is divided into two parts, Udhauli and Ubhauli.

The Kirant community believe that these two periods are divided on the basis of farming.

The Ubhauli festival is celebrated on full moon day during the month of Baisakh.

Ubhauli is a festival celebrated during plantation while Udhauli festival is celebrated at the time of harvesting of the crops. RSS

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Indira Rana Magar, has called upon journalists to write in support of good governance.

Addressing a program to honor the founders of Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Jhapa chapter and to hand over amount for the Journalist Support Fund, organized on the occasion of the 35th Founding Day of FNJ Jhapa here today, she said the journalists should push their pens against corruption and in favor of good governance.

The Deputy Speaker said that the low prevalence of corruption in the developed countries was because of the watchdog role played by the media there. "I urge journalists to move ahead with courage and confidence to foster good governance in every sector. The journalists played a significant role in establishing democracy in the country and they should play a similar role now in promoting good governance," she added.

Stating that good governance cannot be established only by making laws, she said the implementation aspect should be strong for producing results.

Founding Secretary Tara Baral and members Govinda Chand Chhetri and Mohan Dhungana were honored on the occasion. Deputy Speaker Rana Magar felicitated them by presenting them with a Letter of Honour. At the programme, various donors contributed Rs 1 million to the Journalist Support Fund.

Baral and Binod Basnet who contributed to the Fund put their views at the program presided over by FNJ Jhapa President Ekraj Giri.