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The price of gold has increased by Rs 1, 000 per tola in the domestic market on Tuesday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 160, 600 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 159, 600 per tola on Thursday.

Similarly, the price of silver has increased by Rs 5 and is being traded at Rs 1, 880 per tola today.

India has called a tender for the construction of a dry port at Dodhara Chandani Municipality-1 in Kanchanpur district.

The Indian side announced a tender after the agreement between the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation and Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Board (NITDB) to cut down trees at the dry port construction site.

India invited a tender at Rs 2.54 billion for the construction of the dry port.

Executive Director of the NITDB, Ashish Gajurel, said activities for the construction of dry port would be started soon.

"The Indian side has already announced a tender. Activities to count the trees last time in order to remove them are also underway from our side. The final report will be received by Sunday and then we will invite bids in this regard", he mentioned.

Activities for the construction of Integrated Check Post from India would begin once the activities of site clearance are completed.

The governments of Nepal and India had on June 1, 2023 signed an agreement for the construction of the dry port with the help of financial and technical support of the Indian government.

Various infrastructures including two go down buildings, customs checking building, quarantine building, immigration building, security building would be constructed on 42.36 hectares of land to be used for integrated check post, shared NITDB.

Women members in the Madhesh Province Assembly (PA) have complained of subjugation to gender-based discrimination.

Airing their views during a concluding session of the three-day worship on gender sensitive parliamentary reporting today, they said they face discrimination both inside and outside the Parliament.

Madhesh PA Deputy Speaker Babita Rout Ishar said, "It is obviously not easy for women to secure a due space and opportunities in politics. I myself reached this position after a long struggle," she said, adding that despite an increase in women's presence in politics, their quality representation is still awaited. She expected media support to address this gap.

PA member Kiran Shah stressed the need of raising a collective voice against the assault on their colleague Shahida Khatun.

PA member and NC whip Jibachha Yadav sought meaningful participation of women members in budget formulation and allocation procedures.

She also urged all the stakeholders concerned to respond to the voices of women politicians seriously.

"We are almost unheard by the government," she said.

Another PA member Anita Kumari Shah accused the government of disregarding the voices of women lawmakers.

Khatun said the government has not yet responded to the assault on her, despite being formally informed about it.

Arnaud Cauchois, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director for Nepal, paid a courtesy call on Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak on Thursday.

During the meeting, held at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Singha Durbar, Minister Lekhak acknowledged ADB's contributions to Nepal's infrastructure development.

In the occasion, Home Minister Lekhak requested ADB's continued support for several key projects in Nepal, including the upgrading of the Gaddachauki-Kohalpur section along the East-West Highway, the construction of the Mahakali Corridor, the upgrading of the Godavari-Dadeldhura road, and the development of additional infrastructure around the proposed Dodhara Chandani Dry Port project.

Moreover, the minister and the ADB’s country director exchanged views on the acceleration of smart city development projects supported by the ADB in Sudurpaschim Province, with ADB’s potential support for the building of religious tourism infrastructure in the province.

The minister also underlined the need for implementing a survey report developed by ADB last year, outlining strategies for promoting the tourism industry in the province.

In response, Cauchois said he would consult with higher-level officials at ADB before providing his further opinion on the matter.

Twenty species of birds were found during a survey of water birds conducted in Banke a few days ago.

Such species of birds were found along the Sikta area from Kusum of Rapti river and different lakes and rivers in the district.

Ruddy Shelduck, Siberian birds and birds migrating from Russia were recorded during the census, said Ornithologist Ram Shahi.

He added that garbage piled at ponds and lakes has shrunk the habitat of the aquatic birds. "The habitats of birds are also at risk due to noise pollution at picnic sites located near ponds and lakes," Shahi added.

Aquatic birds including Gadwall, Lesser Whistling Duck were also found in the course of the survey. A total of 276 birds were recorded in the survey conducted by Banke National Park and Buffer Zone community.

Information Officer at the Banke National Park, Mandeep Pangeni, shared that a team comprising Ornithologist Joshi had conducted the two-day survey and different species of birds were found at surrounding areas of Rapti river, local forest, Kanti and Sutaiya ponds and their habitats were found safe.

He expressed the belief that surveys conducted every year would help for the management of habitats of the birds.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) plunged by 11. 10 points to close at 2,654. 35 points on Thursday.

Similarly, the sensitive index dropped by 1. 99 points to close at 446. 81 points.

A total of 15,104,033-unit shares of 318 companies were traded for Rs 7. 85 billion.

Meanwhile, Samudayik Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (SLBSL), Corporate Development Bank Limited (CORBL) and Sikles Hydropower Limited (SIKLES) were the top gainer today with their price surging by 10. 00 percent.

Likewise, Super Madi Hydropower Limited (SMHL) and Mandakini Hydropower Limited (MHL) were the top losers as their price fell by 10. 00 percent.

At the end of the day, the total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 40 trillion.

"In Search of Shambhala" an art exhibition by celebrated Russian artist Natalia Zaitseva-Borisova is underway at Russian House in Kathmandu.

The event was inaugurated by Alina Novikova, spouse of the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Nepal, who lit the traditional panas to commence the exhibition.

Natalia Zaitseva-Borisova is an internationally acclaimed artist renowned for her works in the orientalist style, drawing inspiration from legendary Russian painters Vasily Vereshchagin and Nicholas Roerich.

With over 35 personal exhibitions worldwide, her work is praised for its ability to capture the essence of cultural heritage and natural beauty.

The exhibition features 24 captivating paintings created over several years, reflecting Natalia's extensive travels and her profound connection with Nepal and India since 2006.

Through her art, she brings to life the majestic landscapes of the Himalayas, intricate architecture, and the vibrant culture of the region.
This exhibition is dedicated to the memory of Alexander Mikhailovich Kadakin, a distinguished Russian diplomat and former Ambassador to Nepal, India, and Sweden.

A great admirer of Natalia’s work, Kadakin played a pivotal role in supporting her artistic endeavors in South Asia.

Organized in collaboration with the Russian House, the event attracted prominent dignitaries, cultural figures, and art enthusiasts.

It stands as a celebration of the enduring cultural ties between Russia and Nepal and showcases the artist’s remarkable artistic journey.

The exhibition "In Search of Shambhala" will remain open for public viewing at the Russian House, Kathmandu.

The price of gold has dropped by Rs 400 per tola in the domestic market on Friday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the yellow metal is being traded at Rs 159, 600. per tola today. It was traded at Rs 160, 000 per tola on Wednesday.

Similarly, the price of silver has dropped by Rs 20 and is being traded at Rs 1, 875 per tola today.