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Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak gas said that the acquisition of citizenship in accordance with the Constitution and laws would be eased.

The Home Minister said this while receiving the report submitted by the Citizenship Problem Resolution Study Committee at the Ministry in Singha Durbar on Friday. "Those people eligible for the citizenship as per the Constitution and the related laws should get the citizenship.

However, there should not be a situation in which ineligible people get the citizenship. We are explicit on these two things," he asserted.

Stating that the citizenship is a highly sensitive issue, Home Minister Lekhak said this topic should be considered seriously and in a responsible manner. "Citizenship should not be denied in the name of procedural hassles and the verdicts related to citizenship given by the Honourable Supreme Court from time to time should be respected.

Directives have been frequently issued in this connection. The government is moving ahead to resolve the problems seen in the acquisition of citizenship taking all these things into consideration," he added.

The Committee prepared its report with recommendations after studying the court verdicts, the existing legal provisions and the complications seen on the topic of citizenship distribution at various District Administration Offices.

Minister Lekhak said that the Ministry will minutely study the report and implement it. The report includes recommendations on various topics, including the topic of making issuance of citizenship to children born of mother holding the Nepali citizenship.

The Ministry of Home Affairs had formed the five-member Committee on August 16. Joint Secretary at the Ministry Dr Tok Raj Pandey was its convenor.

Speaker Devraj Ghimire has said the role of media is significant to strengthen democracy.

Taking part in the "lawmakers-media dialogue" concluded in Nagarkot of Bhaktapur today, he said the practice of journalism within the democratic frame will contribute to promote democracy.

"An effective parliament is required to strengthen democracy and media and journalists are warranted to play a role of watchdog to ensure the presence of such parliament," the Speaker said.

He reminded the media of its first responsibility to disseminate credible and fact-based news. According to him, parliament needs constructive support from media to improve its performance.

Stating that at present the House is dedicating time to discuss about various bills, he said this information should be reached among the public.

Also speaking on the occasion, Deputy Speaker Indira Rana Magar requested journalists to be responsible while acting as parliamentary reporters.

Federal Parliament Secretariat Secretary-General Padma Prasad Pandey said interaction was fruitful for him to realise about issues that the Secretariat should address.

Journalists attending the event were of the view that political parties, legislators and the government should be responsible towards parliament.

Parliament Secretariat Secretary Dr Rojnath Pandey, senior journalists Hari Bahadur Thapa and Jagat Nepal presented papers on parliamentary reporting and practices. Journalists from the parliamentary reporting beat attended the two-day event. 

The Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project which witnessed a halt in production following the damage caused by the rains-induced flood and landslides in late September has partially resumed the production.

The 456-megawatt project remaining as the largest hydropower project among those in operation in the country has resumed production since Tuesday evening, according to the Project.

The partial (120-megawatts) power generation was restarted at 7:40 pm on Tuesday after 88 days of the closure. The disasters caused by incessant rains on September 27-28 damaged the project infrastructure significantly.

The power has been connected to the national grid. It is said the entire infrastructures damaged by the disasters have insurance coverage.

The Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Limited, the project promoter, has claimed the loss worth Rs 1.78 billion from the disasters.

The Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (AIDIA) and the Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS)  on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance regional collaboration.

The MoU represents a shared commitment to strengthening connections between Central and South Asia through academic and diplomatic cooperation. This partnership aims to drive initiatives in academic research, joint publications, policy dialogues, and capacity-building programs. Both IAIS and AIDIA seek to establish meaningful platforms for dialogue, promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development across the region.

Sunil KC, Founder of AIDIA, and Shakhboz Akhmedov, Deputy Director of IAIS, signed the MoU.

During the meeting, AIDIA Founder KC engaged in in-depth discussions with Akhmedov and his team. They explored ways to strengthen ties between Nepal and Uzbekistan, emphasising the historical and strategic connections between Uzbekistan and South Asia. Their conversation underscored the critical importance of regional connectivity and cultural exchanges, highlighting Uzbekistan’s growing role as a central hub for regional diplomacy and its unique position as a bridge between Central and South Asia. Additionally, they discussed potential joint events and initiatives to address broader regional challenges, including trade and connectivity.

KC also met with Akram Umarov, First Vice-Rector of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED). Their meeting focused on identifying opportunities for collaboration between UWED and AIDIA, reinforcing the shared vision of fostering strong international partnerships to tackle regional issues effectively.

Furthermore, KC met with Sardor Mirzayusupovich Rustambaev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to India, and explored areas of collaboration between Nepal and Uzbekistan to strengthen ties between the countries.

This MoU between IAIS and AIDIA is a testament to their dedication to building deeper relationships and fostering collaboration in the academic and diplomatic spheres. By aligning their efforts, these institutions aim to contribute meaningfully to the region’s growth and harmony.

AIDIA has been operating as an independent and non-partisan think-tank since 2014, studying the ever-evolving geopolitical and geoeconomic dynamics of the Himalayan region. Based in Kathmandu, it produces focused research and promotes dialogues on matters of geopolitics, foreign policy, aspects of global and domestic security, economics, trade, and energy.

Established on July 23, 2022, IAIS is an independent research institute within the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan. The institute focuses on interdisciplinary research addressing key challenges in international studies. Through publications, lectures, and conferences, IAIS engages policymakers, scholars, and the public, fostering awareness and dialogue on critical global issues.

Cases have been filed at the District Court Kaski against four individuals, including Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President and former Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, who have been implicated in the Pokhara-based Surya Darshan Cooperatives fraud scam.

The cases are on the charge of money laundering.

Assistant District Attorney at the District Government Attorney Office, Shanti Devi Sharma, said that along with Lamicchane, cases on money laundering have been filed today against Ram Bahadur Khanal, Chhabilal Joshi and Lila Pachhai.

According to Sharma, a case has been filed against Lamichhane, claiming that he misappropriated Rs 278. 94 million. Similarly, a rcase has been filed against Joshi, claiming that he misappropriated Rs 743. 47 million.

Assistant District Attorney Sharma said that chargesheets have been filed against other persons also, making claim of the misappropriated amount and punishment for the same.

Cases have been filed against 19 persons including Lamichhane on the charge of organized crime and against 31 individuals including Lamichhane on the charge of cooperatives fraud.

The Government Attorney Office said that cases have been registered at the District Court Kaski against 63 people so far on the charge of cooperatives fraud.

Information Officer at the District Court, Suraj Adhikari, informed that chargesheets have been filed against various persons including the RSP Presidenf Lamichhane on the charge of cooperative fraud, organized crime and money laundering, and calling for penalizing them.

Lamichhane is alleged of embezzlement of the funds of Pokhara-based Surya Darshan Savings and Cooperatives Limited and he remains in police custody since October 18.

He was apprehended from Kathmandu and was escorted to Kaski.

He is being investigated for accusations of misuse of cooperative funds in other districts as well.

 Janakpur Bolts have secured a place in the final of the ongoing Nepal Premier League (NPL) by defeating Karnali Yaks in today's second qualifier match.

Chasing a 119-run target set by Karnali in 19 overs, Janakpur achieved the goal with ease.

James Neesham was the top scorer for Janakpur, scoring 45 runs with two boundaries and five sixes off just 17 balls. Sher Malla was not out with 16, while Harsh Thakur contributed 17 runs. Mayan Yadav and Akash Tripathi scored 15 and 13, respectively.

On the bowling side, Karnali's Bipin Prasad Sharma took three wickets, while Sompal Kami, William Bosisto, and Zeeshan Maqsood each claimed one wicket.

Earlier, Karnali Yaks lost the toss and was put into to bat first.

The team posted 118 runs in 20 overs, losing nine wickets Gulshan Jha was the top scorer for Karnali with 25 runs, including one four and two sixes off 20 balls.

Opener Dev Khanal made 24 runs, hitting three boundaries and one six in 20 balls, while William Bosisto scored 14 runs off 15 balls, including one boundary. Zeeshan Maqsood and Unish Thakuri each contributed 12 runs, but no other players reached double digits.

Sompal Kami was dismissed for five runs, and Jaykishan Kolsawala made just one run.

For Janakpur, James Neesham, Mohammad Mohsin, and Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi took two wickets each, while Harsh Thakur and Sher Malla claimed one wicket each.

With this victory, Janakpur will face Sudurpaschim Royals in the final on December 21. The NPL is underway at Tribhuvan University's Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

A powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu on Tuesday, causing widespread destruction.

The quake reduced buildings to rubble, triggered landslides, and disrupted power and telecom infrastructure. Multiple aftershocks have further compounded the challenges, leaving communications disrupted and the airport closed.

“The destruction caused by this earthquake is heart-wrenching. Our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones and the many others whose lives have been upended,” said Bhagyashri Dengle, Regional Director of Plan International Asia-Pacific.

“We are committed to ensuring that those most in need, especially girls, young women, and people with disabilities, receive the necessary care and support in these critical moments.”

As of 18 December 2024, the earthquake has affected an estimated 80,000 people, claimed over 14 lives and left 200 injured. According to the National Disaster Management Office, the numbers are expected to increase.

The Vanuatu government has declared a state of emergency and activated the national emergency response. Immediate needs identified include water, medical teams, and medical supplies.

Mudasser Siddiqui, Deputy CEO of Plan International Australia, echoed the urgency of the situation. “We must act swiftly and inclusively to provide essential aid such as emergency food, water, shelter, and psychosocial support. In collaboration with our partners on the ground, Plan is exploring opportunities to secure funding through mechanisms such as the Australian Humanitarian Partnership.”

Plan International remains steadfast in its mission to promote children’s rights and equality for girls, especially during times of crisis.

By working closely with local organizations and stakeholders, Plan aims to prioritize immediate relief while laying the groundwork for long-term recovery.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has reiterated that all would be treated equally as per the law and the government is committed to take action against anyone involved in criminal activities.

Talking to journalists in Chitwan today, Minister Lekhak said all the accused in the cooperative fraud would be brought to book, adding that there would be fair investigation on all those charged in cooperative fund misappropriation and the guilty would face action.

He said that police have been instructed to take action against the person who posted in the social media site a photo of Rabi Lamichhane, the President of Rastriya Swatantra Party, who is in police custody in Kaski on a case of cooperative fraud.

The Home Minister also said a directive has been given to take action against the police persons involved in neglecting the security and sensitivity of the custody.

On a different note, he said the present government would not be changed and the ministers too.

He insisted that the present coalition will continue until 2084 BS.