Each citizen is sovereign in federal democratic republic: Prez Paudel
President Ram Chandra Paudel has stated that the federal democratic republic is the system Nepali citizens gained through great sacrifices, ensuring that they would no longer remain ruled but become sovereign citizens. This system, he emphasized, provides citizens the right to hold those in power accountable.
In his address at the inauguration ceremony of a newly constructed administrative building in Nechasalyan Rural Municipality, Solukhumbu, the President remarked, "Each citizen is sovereign in the federal democratic republic."
He stressed that it is the collective responsibility of the government and political parties to make citizens feel that this system guarantees their future and destiny.
"No absolutism or anarchy is acceptable for citizens. History bears witness to the fact that Nepali citizens have abhorred autocracy and anarchy, whether during the 104-year-old Rana regime, the 30-year-long Panchayat system, or under the monarchy. The federal democratic republic was not an easy gain, but the result of significant struggles, dedication, and sacrifices by the citizens," he said.
Recalling his experiences trekking through the eastern hills during his tenure as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President became emotional as he remembered his visit to a cave at Timburbote, weighed down by rain. Timburbote is the site where, in 2041 BS, the Panchayat government killed more than a dozen democratic fighters.
The President also underscored the importance of preventing the plight of the country's youth and highlighted the need for citizen-centered policies, programs, and budgets to ensure access to quality education, better healthcare, industrial development, job opportunities in villages, and income-generating activities.
Stating that the three-tier government is functioning to implement federalism, he argued this system has decentralized power from Singha Durbar to the villages. He urged local governments to be more proactive.
President Paudel further emphasized that the expansion of agriculture, water resources, tourism, infrastructure, and industry is the foundation of the country's development. He expressed hope that the small and large hydropower projects under construction in the Solu and Dudhkoshi rivers in the region will contribute to the nation’s economic development.
The Head of State also acknowledged the significant contribution of the Sagarmatha region to tourism development through expeditions and adventurous activities. He added that he is delighted to see that Mount Everest is now more accessible by road connectivity from the federal capital and the Madhesh. The President also recalled his role in initiating the construction of the Upper Sagarmatha Route.
The President highlighted the increased road connectivity from Dunai in Dolpa to eastern Nepal, which has liberated people from the need to trek for days while carrying daily essentials like salt. "Such transformations, made possible by democracy, should not be forgotten," he concluded.
South Korean court overturns impeachment of Prime Minister Han, reinstating him as acting president
South Korea’s Constitutional Court on Monday overturned the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, reinstating the nation’s No. 2 official as acting leader, while not yet ruling on the separate impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Many observers said Monday’s ruling doesn’t signal much on the upcoming verdict on Yoon, as Han wasn’t a key figure in Yoon’s martial law imposition. But it could still embolden Yoon’s staunch supporters and ramp up their political offensive on the opposition, Associated Press reported.
Han became acting president after Yoon, a conservative, was impeached by the liberal opposition-controlled National Assembly over his Dec. 3 imposition of martial law that triggered a massive political crisis. But Han was impeached by the assembly as well in late December following political strife with opposition lawmakers.
Turkish President Erdogan's main rival jailed
The main rival to Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been formally arrested and charged with corruption, BBC reported.
Ekrem Imamoglu, the mayor of Istanbul, wasdue to be selected as the Republican People's Party's (CHP) 2028 presidential nominee in a vote on Sunday.
He has denied the allegations and said they are politically motivated. "I will never bow," he wrote on X before he was remanded in custody.
His detention sparked some of Turkey's largest protests in more than a decade. Erdogan has condemned the demonstrations and accused the CHP of trying to "disturb the peace and polarise our people".
Weather today to remain partly cloudy today
The weather today will remain partly cloudy to clear across the country today. This is due to the partial influence of westerly winds and local winds, says the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.
This afternoon, the weather will be partly cloudy in the hilly areas of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces and partly cloudy to clear in the rest of the country. There is a possibility of light rain with thunder and lightning in one or two places in the hilly areas and light snowfall in one or two places in the high hilly and mountainous areas of Koshi Province.
Tonight, the weather will be partly cloudy to clear across the country.
In the next 24 hours, there is a possibility of light rain with thunder and lightning in one or two places in the hilly areas as well as light snowfall in one or two places in the high hilly and mountainous areas of Koshi Province.
World TB Day being observed today
The World Tuberculosis Day is being observed today by organising a variety of programmes including Nepal. Every year, 24 March is observed as World TB Day to amplify the urgency of ending tuberculosis (TB), the world’s deadliest infectious disease. TB continues to devastate millions globally, inflicting severe health, social and economic consequences.
According to the World Health Organisation, this year’s theme is “Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver”. It offers an opportunity to reflect on ongoing efforts and encourage stronger commitment at local, national and international levels to end TB, including by combating the growing threat of drug-resistant TB.
Stronger commitment is crucial, especially as declining international funding for TB in the current geopolitical climate threatens the achievement of global targets to end TB by 2030.
TB is a contagious airborne disease caused mainly by Mycobacterium tuberculosis which most often affects the lungs. TB is spread through the air when people with lung TB cough, sneeze or spit. A person needs to inhale only a few germs to become infected, the WHO says.
Meanwhile, the National TB Control Center is organizing various public awareness programs on the occasion.
Tuberculosis remains a public health problem in Nepal, with an estimated 68,000 new TB cases and an incidence rate of 229 per 100,000 population in 2023. The mortality rate is 54 per 100,000 population, according to WHO data.
During the year, the National Tuberculosis Program registered 40,776 TB patients for treatment. Of these, 39 percent were women and 61 percent were men. Furthermore, 756 people were diagnosed with drug-resistant TB, says Director of the Center, Dr Shriram Tiwari.
TB has caused a high financial burden on the families of patients. According to the National Tuberculosis Patient Data Survey-2024, 51 percent of TB patients and their families in Nepal have suffered a high financial burden due to this disease.
The Center has clarified that further progress has not been achieved due to the lack of collaboration between all sectors to end the disease. To end the disease, it is necessary to have a significant contribution from the health sector, as well as other sectors such as education, labour and employment, social security, etc. In addition, the involvement of the private sector and the community is equally important, says Dr Tiwari in a statement released on the occasion.
Tuberculosis treatment services are available free of charge in 6,241 health institutions with diagnostic services in 800 health institutions across Nepal. Rapid testing services for the disease have reached 117 health institutions in 67 districts.
The statement by Dr Tiwari states that the center is moving towards the goal of ending the tuberculosis epidemic by 2030 and achieving a tuberculosis-free Nepal by 2050.
Embassy of Pakistan celebrates National Day
Pakistan Embassy in Kathmandu has celebrated Pakistan’s 85th National Day. On the occasion, Pakistani Ambassador to Nepal Abrar H Hashmi hoisted Pakistan’s flag.
Messages from the President, Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister were read out on the occasion, Embassy said in a press statement.
In his message, Asif Ali Zardari, President of Pakistan while congratulating the national said that we honor the sacrifices of our founding fathers and the workers of the Pakistan Movement. By embracing the principles of Unity, Faith, and Discipline, we can strengthen national security, boost the economy, advance agriculture, ensure energy security, and create opportunities for youth. Pakistan seeks peaceful coexistence, regional stability, and strong global relationships, while defending its sovereignty, he said.
Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, in his message, expressed March 23rd marks a defining moment in South Asia’s history, when, eighty-five years ago, the visionary leadership of Muslims in the subcontinent, under Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, united to create an independent homeland where Muslims could live with dignity and freedom.
Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in his message extended warm greetings to fellow Pakistanis living abroad and commend their patriotism, dedication, and hard work.
Ambassador Abrar H Hashmi in his remarks, congratulated the community and staff. On the occasion he said we salute our forefathers for their vision and heroic and peaceful struggle to achieve independence. The key to Pakistan’s progress and prosperity lies in our unity, hard work, and determination. He also invited the community to stay engaged locally and contribute in whatsoever way to make Pakistan-Nepal friendship aloft.
Two children killed in Banke water tanker hit
Two children died when a water tanker hit them at Betahani of Duduwa Rural Municipality-2 in Banke district on Sunday.
The deceased have been identified as nine-year-old Shiva Kumar Godiya and eight-year-old Bishal Godiya of Duduwa Rural Municipality, said Information Officer at Banke Police and Police Inspector Yam Bahadur Malla.
After the incident, the irate locals had torched the water tanker leaving it completely damaged.
Chief District Officer Dharma Raj Joshi shared that police personnel opened fire in the air to bring the situation under control.
He further said details of the incident are awaited and the situation is still out of control.
America’s European allies are trying to pry their unspent money back from USAID
Three European allies provided millions of dollars that the United States was supposed to spend for low-income countries. Then the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s government-cutters arrived, Associated Press reported.
Government officials from Sweden, Norway and the Netherlands told The Associated Press that a combined $15 million they contributed for joint development work overseas has been parked at the U.S. Agency for International Development for months.
After the Republican administration and Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency cut USAID’s funding and the bulk of its programs, the Europeans asked whether their money would be funneled to projects as expected or refunded.
They have gotten no response.
“It’s a concern for us, especially as we want our partner organizations to be compensated for the work they have put into the programs,” said Julia Lindholm, a spokeswoman for the Swedish government’s international development agency, according to the Associated Press.
