Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya to seek eighth term
Cameroon’s 92-year-old President Paul Biya has announced he will run for re-election in October, aiming to extend his 43-year rule, according to BBC.
In a post on X, Biya said his decision followed calls from across the country and the diaspora. His long leadership has faced criticism over corruption, insecurity, and concerns about his health.
His bid comes amid political cracks, with former allies turning rivals, and multiple opposition figures already in the race. Biya removed term limits in 2008 and has never lost an election, BBC reported.
Minister Bhandari proposes minimum monthly salary of 1,000 dirhams for Nepali workers in UAE
Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Nepal Abdulla Saeed Mubarak Jarwan Al Shamsi paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Labor, Employment and Social Security Sharad Singh Bhandari on Monday.
During the meeting, the two discussed matters concerning the welfare of Nepali migrant workers in the UAE.
Minister Bhandari stressed the need to revise the minimum wage for Nepali workers, proposing a minimum monthly salary of at least 1,000 dirhams. He also called for mandatory provisions of accommodation and food allowances equivalent to 400 dirhams.
In response, Ambassador Al Shamsi welcomed the proposal positively and assured the Minister of his full support in its implementation.
The Ambassador also expressed his interest in the Nepal Government's pilot project introduced for sending females abroad as domestic help.
Minister Bhandari informed him that all internal preparations for the project have been completed, and the deployment process will commence following the final decision from the House of Representatives (HoR) Committee on Industry, Commerce, and the Labour and Consumer Welfare.
Furthermore, Minister Bhandari shared that the Government of Nepal is advancing the digitization of all labor-related services and facilities, hoping for continued cooperation and support from the UAE Government towards that end.
Questions have been raised about implementation of seven-pt agreement: Mahar
Nepali Congress central member and Education Department head Nain Singh Mahar said that economic indicators have turned positive during the first year of the NC and CPN-UML coalition government.
He, however, said that questions have been raised about the implementation of the seven-point agreement, including good governance and constitutional amendments.
He said so while speaking at an interaction titled “People and Government “organized by the School of Democracy in Kathmandu on Monday.
“Many new policies and regulations have been formulated; lawmaking processes have gained momentum. It has been said that this has made it easier for the businesspersons to do trade,” he mentioned, adding, “Important issues like long-stalled peace process work and amendment of the Citizenship Act have also been finalized.”
According to him, an online system has been developed to make it easier for the service seekers to receive services from government offices. It is itself a great achievement for the country that a politically stable government has been formed, he added.
Leader Mahar said that all these works have shown a ray of hope to the people.
He, however, noted that questions have been raised pertaining to the purpose of government operations, direction of implementation, and overall management.
“The seven-point agreement, including constitutional amendments, reached during the formation of the government a year ago has not been implemented yet,” Mahar said. “The government has not been able to do much in controlling corruption and providing good governance, which the people have been hoping for.”
Mahar is preparing to formally file his candidacy for the post of General Secretary in the 15th General Convention of the Nepali Congress.
Economic indicators turn positive: PM Oli
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stated that the country's economic indicators have turned positive during the first year of the current government's tenure.
He claimed this via social site today, adding that national development projects have also started gaining momentum during this period.
"We are about to complete one year in government. During this time, economic indicators have turned positive, and national development projects have taken pace," he wrote.
He further added that with the amendment of laws, the culture of working online has been growing. "There are still lots of works to be carried out and the government focus remains firmly on that," he added.
