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Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged the businesspersons and industrialists to boost exports to the neighbouring countries, India and China by augmenting domestic production.

Inaugurating the 8th International Chamber Expo organized by the Nepal Chamber of Commerce at Bhrikutimandap today, PM Oli said identification of the most marketable goods and their international trade contributes to national economy.

The infrastructure development which is gaining a pace will be further intensified to ensure Nepal's graduation to the status of country with mid-level income by 2026, he informed.

The Head of the government shared that efforts were on to develop the Tribhuvan International Airport as a boutique airport while Nepal's access to sea would be ensured gradually to ease trade expansion. "Only things bought for consumption does not suffice to elevate business," he said, underlining the need for boosting production with the use of science and technology.

Present government is devoted to economic development, Oli reminded. PM Oli underlined the need for unity and activism of all sides to develop Nepal.

PM Oli expressed happiness over Chamber's expo that aimed at launching improvement.

On the occasion, Minister for Communications and Information, Prithvi Subba Gurung, viewed government was planning legal arrangement with policy clarity on artificial intelligence.

The ordinance the government brought was for the commercial and professional development of information technology.

Chairman of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, Kamalesh Kumar Agrawal, expressed happiness that the recent ordinances the government brought had spread positive hope in the industrial sector.

There are 125 stalls showcasing the products from Nepal, India, Pakistan and other in the fair. The expo lasts through February 3. 

The Transport Management Office, Hetauda, has collected more than Rs 290 million in revenue in six months of the current fiscal year, 2081/82.

Office Chief Prabin Shrestha said they collected such amount of revenue from the registration of new vehicles, renewal and distribution of driving license in half way into the current fiscal year.

A total of Rs 173.8 million in revenue was collected from distribution of driving license, while Rs 45.36 million from vehicle tax, and Rs 45.6 million from income of transport sector.

Similarly, 1,280 motorcycles, 513 small vehicles, 337 three-wheeler tempo and e-rickshaws, 321 medium and large vehicles and five tractors were registered in the transport office during the period, he added.

Likewise, 3,611 licenses including 2,163 new ones were distributed while 2,984 licenses were renewed.

The office had collected Rs 560.7 million in revenue under different headings in the fiscal year, 2080/81. 

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has extended best wishes on the occasion of Sonam Lhosar, the New Year of Tamang community, today.

Taking to social site, Facebook, PM Oli extended best wishes to all people celebrating the Sonam Lhosar.

He wrote, "Today is the New Year or Sonam Lhosar of Tamang community. I remember multi-coloured flags on the roofs of houses and monasteries."

The cultural performance with selo and damphu bear much significance during this festival, he said, extending best wishes to jhamman (all) nanaanga (sisters) and jyojyoale (brothers) on this occasion.

The Global Center for Climate & Security Governance (GCSG) recently organized two impactful events aimed at enhancing the understanding of climate change and governance.

The discussion program, titled "Climate Governance: Sensitizing and Enhancing Understanding on Climate Change," convened provincial parliamentarians, academia, civil society, and security agency representatives.

Both events took place in Dhanusa, Madesh Province, and in Itahari, Kosi Province, under the moderation of Abhaya Raj Joshi, Executive Director of GCSG.

The discussions provided a nuanced understanding of the critical issues surrounding climate governance, fostering dialogue and collaboration among key regional stakeholders.

Keynote presentations were delivered by Dev Narayan Mandal, an expert in environmental and sustainability issues, at the Madesh Province event and by Dr. Deepak Prakash Bhatt, who focused on parliamentary oversight and international practices in policy-making processes in both provincial events.

Additionally, Deepak Bikram Thapa Chetri shared his expertise on disaster and climate security in Kosi Province, Nepal.

Both events successfully brought together diverse participants to explore the intricacies and challenges of climate governance, paving the way for improved understanding and collaborative efforts in addressing climate change.

Media Action Nepal has opposed the Social Media Bill.

Issuing a statement today, Laxman Datt Pant, a global media rights advocate and the Executive Director of Media Action Nepal urged, "Parliament should not pass this bill, and instead, uphold the freedom of speech enshrined as a fundamental right in the Constitution of Nepal and in the international treaties ratified by Nepal."

Highlighting that the proposed bill imposes severe penalties, including fines up to ten million rupees and imprisonment for up to five years, Pant said that such measures harshly contradict democratic principles and the constitutional guarantee on freedom of expression. The vagueness in the bill regarding terms like "wrong intent" and "content against national interest" grants authorities arbitrary power to suppress dissent and critical voices, he added.

Pant, who also works closely with the global media rights groups through Media Action Nepal's involvement in the Consultative Network of the Media Freedom Coalition, warned that the bill if passed by the parliament in its current form will create fear and self-censorship hampering open exchange of ideas crucial for a vibrant democracy.

'The bill's strict provisions on identity disclosure and restrictions on anonymous social media use infringe on privacy rights and discourage whistleblowers from exposing wrong doings,' Pant shared. 

The government has decided to endorse the recently issued ordinances through a fast track.

A meeting of the Council of Ministers today agreed to proceed with the endorsements of documents through a fast track by the Federal Parliament's winter session commencing on January 31, according to government Spokesperson and Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung.

Talking to media in brief following the meeting, he said, "The ordinances issued by the President have been registered in the Federal Parliament. It has been decided to formulate regulations to implement the ordinances."

Stating that it is the constitutional right of the government to introduce an ordinance on a need basis, he said the recent ordinances were meant for promoting good governance and addressing economic challenges.

The meeting decided to observe the "Martyrs Day" tomorrow by organizing various programs.

Ambassador of Nepal to Malaysia, Dr Netra Prasad Timsina, presented his Letter of Credence to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia amid a special ceremony organized at Istana Negara (State Palace) in Kuala Lumpur today.

Upon arrival at the Palace, the Ambassador was accorded a Grand Salute by the Prestige Guard. The ceremony was collectively held for six incoming ambassadors in Kuala Lumpur today.

Welcoming the ambassadors, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim congratulated them and extended best wishes for their successful tenure, the Embassy of Nepal in Kuala Lumpur said in a press release.

Ambassador Dr Timsina was granted an audience by His Majesty Sultan Abrahim where he conveyed greetings and best wishes from President Ram Chandra Paudel to His Majesty and the people of Malaysia.

The Credentials Ceremony was attended by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, Deputy Secretary General (Bilateral Affairs) Dato’ Ahmad Rozian bin Abd. Ghani, and Chief of Protocol Dato’ Yubazlan bin Yusof of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Ambassador was accompanied by the Deputy Chief of Mission/Counsellor Mudita Bajracharya.

Experts have stressed the critical need to conserve the Chure region for the prosperity of Madhesh.

During a two-day orientation on "Chure conservation and development", organized by the Specialized Research Center of the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), in Madhesh Province at Bardibas, experts noted that daily life in Madhesh is closely linked to the Chure region, and its conservation is a shared responsibility.

On the first day of the event, Dr. Sohan Prasad Shah, Vice Chair of the Madhesh Province Policy and Planning Commission, said that the livelihood of the people in Madhesh is interconnected with the Chure in many ways, including energy, drinking water, environment, and irrigation.

He stressed that the conservation of the Chure should be the priority of all. On the concluding day, Dr. Nagendra Prasad Yadav, an expert in the field, stressed the need to assess the challenges facing the Chure and the obstacles to its conservation.

He urged the three-tier government and relevant stakeholders to implement planned programs to find sustainable solutions for the issues affecting the Chure.

Experts pointed out that the Chure is a source of natural heritage and that clear policies are required for the responsible utilization of these resources for human benefit, with proper implementation.

Dr. Binod Bhatta, an expert on Chure and climate change, moderated a session titled "Chure Conservation: Whose Concern, Whose Responsibility?" and presented a working paper on the topic.

Another expert, Nagdev Yadav, gave a presentation on successful local-level practices to conserve the Chure region and mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change on the forests, watersheds, and surrounding areas.

His presentation highlighted the control of rivulets along the Chure hills, water refilling ponds, landslide control, and afforestation practices. Experts emphasized that Chure conservation efforts should be based on applied science.

Dr. Rabindra Prasad Dhakal, NAST Secretary was also present at the event.