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Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Monday made a virtual inspection of Narayanghat-Butwal road section and Muglin-Pokhara road section from the 'Action Room' located at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singhadurbar.

The two road projects are under-construction but the progress in the construction of both the projects is slow.

During the virtual inspection from the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers this afternoon, the PM took stock of the recent progress made in the road construction and said that progress is not satisfactory as expected. "This is not fulfilling. Our quality role should be upped to this area," the PM added.

On the occasion, PM Dahal made a commitment to address the issues arising from short supply of pebbles, sand and stone, and electricity needed for the project’s advancement.   

Likewise, the PM asked the field officials and agencies to submit their reports on a regular and timely basis stating that the challenges could be troubleshooted if the reports were received in time so that the people's woes could be resolved. 

Now, the progress of the projects should be measured on the basis of milestone indicators, he added.

The PM also directed the officials and agencies to complete the projects on time and warned that there will be no excuse in the delay of the projects under different pretexts.

"These two projects are highly important and the construction should be completed in time. I will also come to the field to inspect the projects. Now I will give more time for the development works," according to the PM.

"Tasks of the national pride projects should be carried out in two shifts. Let's do serious homework for this. This is the last opportunity to work," the PM appealed to utilize the opportunity for development.

The 49th Convocation Ceremony of Tribhuvan University was held today at Dashrath Stadium on Monday.

A total of 12,415 graduates from various disciplines took part in the event held in the presence of President Ram Chandra Paudel and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

Though a total of 74,749 graduates (Bachelor's, Master's, MPhil and PhD degrees) were in the TU's grace list for the participations in the Convocation, a total of 12,415:  8,098 towards the Bachelor's degree, 4,104 towards the Master's degree, 44  towards MPhil and 112 under the PhD  applied for it.

Speaking on the occasion, TU Acting Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Shivalal Bhusal said that TU graduates under various levels from different faculties, who were passed out from mid-June 2022 to mid-May, 2023 were eligible for taking part in the 49th Convocation.

The previous Convocation witnessed the participation of 10,300 students.

Citing challenges to encourage TU graduates to seek careers within the country, he pledged to promote entrepreneurship from the academic intervention.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said that the roles of local levels should be responsible, transparent and civic-friendly.

While addressing a program organized on the occasion of the 105th Establishment Day of the Lalitpur Metropolis today, the Prime Minister said the Constitution has mandated the local governments to undertake development endeavors with assignments of major responsibilities in the service delivery.  According to him, the local levels serving the closest government to the citizens should ensure that their roles are transparent and civic-friendly.       

He said his assessment is that the Lalitpur Metropolis people's representatives have fulfilled their responsibilities in this term.

Acknowledging the concerns and efforts of the Lalitpur metropolis for the protection of culture and heritages within the locality, he proposed the local government to connect its unique culture to income generation initiatives.

The Prime Minister said, "The metropolis is playing a leading role in the local tourism promotion efforts. I am happy to see that development endeavors in the locality are going on without any disputes. Federalism does not mean only federal units, province and local levels are also its vital components."  He promised to contribute to strengthening the presence of province and local governments

Also speaking on the occasion, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Prakash Jwala, said the Constitution has provisions for collaboration and co-existence for the implementation of federalism and it should be followed accordingly. The Minister pledged to make the Kathmandu Valley dust-free and further systematize the transport sector.

Federal lawmaker from the Lalitpur constituency 2, Prem Bahadur Maharjan, said that many things are left to be carried out to develop Lalitpur into a cultural city.

Bagmati Province Minister for Industry, Commerce, Land and Administration, Ram Krishna Chitrakar appreciated the works carried out by the metropolis for resolving the problems of the people. He added that the works like improving the environment and cultural conservation were also praise-worthy. 

Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), Balendra Shah, said that Kathmandu and Lalitpur are two cities that are inter-related, stressing on carrying out development of both cities simultaneously. 

Stating that some topics related to the rights of the local level contradicted the federal laws, he urged the Prime minister to resolve the issue facilitating this.

Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan said the metropolis has been joining hands with the federal government in the context of development-construction works and service delivery. He said that Lalitpur metropolis has carried out a lot of good works.

Mayor Maharjan urged the Prime Minister to construct the three flyovers at Gwarko, Satdobato and Ekantakuna simultaneously, saying the traffic management in the whole of Kathmandu Valley has become unsystematic as the flyover at Gwarko is not properly managed.

Constituent Assembly member and former deputy-mayor Chandra Maharjan said the people are appreciating the works like installation of smart street lights and culture and heritage conservation carried out by the metropolis.

Deputy Mayor Manjali Shakya Bajracharya urged the Prime Minister to assist and facilitate the metropolis in managing drinking water to the metropolis' dwellers and the waste management.

Lalitpur metropolis' population is 294 thousand and 98 as per the population census of 2021.

The metropolis, which has been providing services guided by the slogan of 'Basis for prosperity and good governance of Lalitpur: Smart service infrastructure with heritage and culture', has from today launched the 'health insurance scheme' for its residents.

The health insurance programme was initiated with the PM handing the 'Health Insurance Card' to two persons with disabilities.

Instituted as the Sarsaphai Adda (Sanitation Office) on Push 2, 1975 BS, this Office was turned into a metropolis on Chait 10, 2073 BS (March 23, 2017). Before this, it was a sub-metropolis.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 38.14 points to close at 2,060.49 points on Monday.

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 9.56 points to close at 390. 63 points.

A total of 21,497,619-unit shares of 305 companies were traded for Rs 6. 86 billion.

Meanwhile, Bottlers Nepal (Balaju) Limited, SuryaJyoti Life Insurance Company Limited, Swarojgar Laghu Bitta Bikas Bank Ltd., Jeevan Bikas Laghubitta Bittya Sanstha Ltd and BPW Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited were the top gainers today, with their price surging by 10. 00 percent. Similarly, Himalayan Power Partner Ltd. was the top loser as its price fell by 7.86 percent.

At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 3. 17 trillion.

Project Sarangi Foundation, in collaboration with Surya Nepal’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, announced the completion of a project dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the traditional folk instrument ‘Sarangi’. This initiative, deeply rooted in Nepali culture, aims to ensure the continued flourishing of the local traditional sarangi for generations to come. 

The project spanned seven schools in seven municipalities of Kathmandu, offering a comprehensive experience that included a free 3-month sarangi training program for aspiring musicians and engaging workshops, evoking a sense of pride and responsibility among new generations in safeguarding their rich cultural legacy. 

“We are proud to witness the culmination of this initiative, symbolizing a renewed commitment to empowering the new generation to carry Nepal's musical heritage forward,” said Kiran Nepali, director at Project Sarangi Foundation. 

In a recent study conducted by Sudal Rai, a fourth-year Geology student at Tri-Chandra Campus, the earthquake awareness and preparedness levels among residents of Basantapur area in Kathmandu District have been brought to light. The study, published in the GEOWORLD Students’ Journal Vol 11 [ISSN: 3021–937X Print], exposes significant gaps in understanding and readiness for potential seismic events even after the devastating 2015 Gorkha-Nepal earthquake.

Shockingly, 37.5 percent of respondents attributed earthquakes to divine creation, hindering efforts towards effective preparedness. The study reveals that a lack of basic earthquake knowledge is prevalent among those with lower educational qualifications, with 62.5 percent lacking knowledge of essential earthquake response action ( Drop, Hold And Cover). About 57 percent of survey respondents revealed a lack of awareness regarding safe zones, open spaces, or evacuation routes in the Basantapur area.Top of Form

Only 12.5 percent of respondents are found to be actively working on earthquake preparedness plans, indicating a critical need for targeted education and outreach programs.

In  Paper, Author Rai emphasizes the imperative for local authorities to conduct thorough seismic risk assessments, identifying vulnerable buildings and implementing targeted measures to enhance structural resilience. Additionally, Rai advocates for the initiation of public awareness campaigns, concentrating on evacuation routes and safety measures, with the primary goal of informing and educating residents on crucial steps to be taken during seismic events. Furthermore, the research strongly recommends integrating earthquake safety education into school curricula, underscoring the importance of ensuring that children are well-informed and actively contribute to community preparedness.

Every year, I celebrate my birthday by cutting cakes and hosting a party with my family. However, this year, I chose to celebrate in a different, more nobel manner. I told my parents that we gather clothing and food items to offer to the senior citizens residing in shelter homes. So, I decided to visit Nisahaya Sewa Sadan, a home of senior citizens, located in Tinkune, Kathmandu, on my birthday.

Accompanied by my grandfather, grandmother, mother, father, and aunt, we arrived at 11:35 am. At the shelter home, we distributed scarves, biscuits, and a ‘Dabur Chyawanprash’ to 40 senior citizens. There I found people who were very humble, polite and lovely. Some people were crying because they were missing their son and family.

But, I noticed that the environment there was somewhat dirty. I believe we can contribute by helping in its cleanliness. We students can organize a cleaning campaign there. When they meet us, they become very happy. I felt happy to celebrate my birthday with those senior citizens, especially considering the absence of care from their own children and daughters.

I learned the lesson that all children and daughters should care and love their elders. And, we should do such social works distributing foods to them and helping them.

Prabesh Bhattarai

Class: 6

Global Pathshala, Kausaltar 

Police have apprehended a Nepali worker, who allegedly murdered his colleague in Malaysia.

The suspect has been identified as Anil Kumar Sah of Gaushala, Mahottari, according to Nepal Police Spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General, Kuber Kadayat.

Sah was on the run after allegedly killing Dhan Bahadur Pradhan on December 11. He came to Nepal after the incident.

Police arrested Sah after receiving a complaint about the crime.

He will be prosecuted for the charge within Nepal, DSP Kadayat said.