Submit your Article

The government has projected the country's economic growth rate to be limited to 3.5 percent. 

This projection was made in the mid-year review of the current fiscal year's budget. 

The annual growth rate of the gross domestic product (GDP) for the current year was estimated to be six percent.

However, due to the decrease in rice production, area and productivity, slowdown in the construction sector, and decline in real estate and land transactions, among other reasons, a new projection has been published in the mid-year review, indicating that the economic growth rate will shrink to 3.5 percent.

Last fiscal year's total GDP growth rate is estimated to be 4.6 percent.

As per the mid-year evaluation report of the budget, the preliminary estimate shows that the GDP at basic prices increased by three percent in the first quarter of the current fiscal year. The revised estimate suggests that the GDP at basic prices increased by 2.9 percent in the same period of the previous fiscal year.

It is estimated that the total value addition of the agricultural sector in the first quarter of the current fiscal year will expand by 1.36 percent compared to the same period of the previous fiscal year.

Particularly, based on the expectation of a decrease in rice production and an increase in livestock, vegetable, and fruit production, the growth rate of the value addition to the agricultural sector is expected to be relatively low.

In the current fiscal year, the production of food crops such as maize, millet, and buckwheat is expected to increase. In the previous fiscal year, the production of food crops like paddy, wheat, and maize is estimated to have increased by 2.67 percent and the production of cash crops by 2.01 percent.

The total value addition of the industrial sector is expected to increase by 5.44 percent in the first quarter of the current fiscal year compared to the same period of the previous year. The expansion of activities in the energy and construction sectors in the current fiscal year is expected to have a positive impact on the overall industrial sector.

In the first quarter of the current fiscal year, the total value addition of the production-based industries is expected to grow by 1.52 percent. During the same period, the total value addition of the service sector is expected to increase by 3.03 percent compared to the same period of the previous fiscal year.

It is estimated that the expansion in wholesale and retail trade, financial intermediation, general administration and defence, tourism activities, and personal services will have a positive impact on the overall service sector in the current fiscal year.

According to the mid-year budget review report, the average inflation for the first six months of the current fiscal year is 1.7 percent. In the same period last year, inflation was 4.97 percent.

A jeep en route to Tulsipur from Rukum Purba met with an accident at Chorkhola in Kapurbot Rural Municipality -3, Dang, killing the driver on the spot. 

Three others travelling in the jeep (Ja 1 Jha 5661) were injured in the accident that occurred this morning. 

Police said that jeep driver, Bijay BK (34) from Sisne Rural Municipality of Rukum Purba died on the spot, while three others injured in the incident have been taken to Rapti Provincial Hospital for treatment. 

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGS) is being observed across the globe today.

The Day underscores the urgency of increasing participation of women and girls in science and technology to close the gender gap and spur inclusive development.

The United Nations had passed a resolution on December 22, 2015 to mark the IDWGS every year on February 11. 

The Day has been marked since 2016. The theme of the Day for this year is, 'Synergizing AI, Social Science, STEM and Finance: Building Inclusive Futures for Women and Girls'. 

Giving a message on this occasion, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres underlined, "We must ensure that every girl can imagine a future in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), and that every woman can thrive in her scientific career." 

According to UNESCO, women, however, comprise less than one third of the world's researchers.

The Nepal Institute of International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE) hosted the Nepal-India Think Tank Forum on Regional Resilience: Strengthening Nepal-India Security Cooperation with the senior experts from major think tanks of India and Nepal. 

Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh (Retd.), the Director General of the United Service Institution of India, oldest think tank of the Indian military shared that “Nepalis courage and valour have been at the forefront of Indian military strength and national security."

He also shared that “Agniveer scheme is open to Nepali citizens at par with Indians, and is akin to the earlier pre-1970s non-pensionable colour service. The scheme offers an opportunity to invest in human capital, with disciplined, motivated, empowered youth that strengthens and enriches society," reads a statement issued by NIICE. 

Ambassador Pankaj Saran, former National Security Advisor of India, praised Nepalis youth and urged youth from both countries to shape the future of Nepal–India relations.

Alok Bansal, Executive Vice President of India Foundation shared that India is a major victim of cross-border terrorism and it has a huge impact on Nepal as well.  

Similarly Professor Sangeeta Thapliyal of Jawaharlal Nehru University said that think tanks should strengthen India–Nepal ties and urged both governments to promote research.

Dr Gaurav Saini, co-founder of the Council for Strategic and Defence Research, noted that while India–Nepal ties are strong, human trafficking, narcotics smuggling, and counterfeit currency are the transnational threats affecting both countries. 

Maj. Gen. Binoj Basnyat, Political and Security Analyst, said that elections alone may not ensure Nepal’s stability and called for inclusive dialogue, according to the statement. 

Anurag Acharya, Director PEI discussed three major avenues including Physical connectivity, highlighted tech integration, religious and cultural tourism and sports as emerging opportunities.

Bibek Dhoj Thapa, Program Coordinator at NIICE emphasized that India–Nepal relations should focus on partnership with the rising youth population, seeing India not as a post-colonial power but as a strategic partner. 

Sumitra Karki, the Director of NIICE emphasized the need to engage academically and policy-wise in enhancing bilateral relationships.