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The selling and consumption of tobacco products have been banned in Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) from today.

KMC, Health Department Chief Ram Prasad Poudel, said a complete ban has been imposed on the sale of tobacco products in all the 32 wards of the metropolis.

According to him, the selling, storage and consumption of tobacco products packed in plastics have been completely prohibited within KMC from today.

The banned tobacco products include raw tobacco, chewing tobacco, bidi, tambakhu, sulpha, gutkha, panparag, packaged in plastic pouches.

The KMC had on November 28 issued a public notice about this ban.

The KMC Police will seize such products if found selling them. "We are on a campaign of making Kathmandu a healthy city. We have decided to ban the storage, selling and consumption of tobacco products harmful to people's health and the environment, coinciding with the 29th KMC Day," said the KMC Health Department Chief Poudel.

He said this provision is included in Clause 42 of the Public Health Act the KMC issued in 2080 BS. The provision in the Act is being strictly implemented in a bid to reduce the adverse effects the use of tobacco products is having on individual health.

Tobacco control is the first condition for improving the public health and environment in the city. 

It has been learnt that the KMC is preparing to implement a program to control hukka in the second phase.

The political parties have been urged to be more sensitive regarding the issues of the sexual and gender minority community.

Speakers at a program organized by the Blue Diamond Society here on Tuesday complained that the LGBTIQ people have been deprived of their fundamental rights due to the delay in making the laws.

Lawmaker and Rastriya Swatantra Party leader Sobita Gautam called on all the political parties to be sensitive for providing the civil rights stipulated in the constitution. She said there should not be politicization in the Parliament, the law-making body, on the issue of endorsing the bill related to gender inclusion.

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) member Lily Thapa stressed on ending all forms of discrimination for ensuring social justice, equality and human rights in society.

Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens, Ramhari Gaire informed the program that the Ministry has recognized its responsibility for making laws and was working to that end by formulating the annual action plan.

Society president Pinky Gurung complained that the state was not serious regarding implementation of laws drafted for the identity and rights of the LGBTIQ community.

Police on Tuesday afternoon opened fire to take an alleged drug peddler under control at Thadodhunga in Jhamsikhel of Lalitpur.

SP Rabindra Regmi who is also the spokesperson of the Valley Crime Investigation Office said that Abhinas Rai (45) was shot and taken under control after he tried to attack the police personnel at around 1 pm today.

Rai, who sustained injuries on his right leg, is undergoing treatment at the Trauma Center, he said.

Police said that they have recovered a pistol, two rounds of its bullets and drugs from his possession.

Further investigation into the incident is underway, said police.

In the heart of the Himalayas, where the mountains touch the sky, 99’s Section Nepal of the Ninety-Nines organization stands testament to the resilience of women in aviation. The recent ‘Wings of Friendship’ event from 5-8 Dec 2023, was more than a celebration of flight; it was a profound commitment to empowerment beyond the cockpit. Emerging as a vibrant chapter, 99’s Section Nepal catalyzes change, tirelessly advancing women’s presence in aviation and championing initiatives in education, safety, cultural exploration, and gender diversity across Nepali communities.

Actively engaging in impactful initiatives, 99’s Section Nepal provides scholarships in Karnali province, conducts teacher training programs in the western region, enhances safety through Euroguard installation at Surkhet Airport, organizes diverse fundraising events, facilitates interaction programs with Air Traffic Control and pilots, and offers Meteorological and performance classes. Each initiative reflects the chapter's holistic commitment to empowering women in aviation and fostering a supportive and knowledgeable community. 

In the event’s final days, participants immersed in a blend of aviation excitement and cultural discovery, with a Dec 5 hike and a bus trip to Panauti showcasing 99’s Section Nepal’s holistic empowerment approach. Cultural immersion continued in Bhaktapur on Dec 7, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of empowerment. The pivotal December 8th meeting, graced by Deputy Mayor Sunita Dongol, shared poignant stories of challenges faced by women pilots, nodding to resilience and determination.

Beyond accolades, 99’s Section Nepal believes everyone, regardless of gender or appearance, has the right to serve and soar. The sentiment shared during the general meeting echoes: It doesn’t matter if it’s the cockpit or the kitchen; judgment based on gender or appearance has no place. Every individual has the right to fly, serve, and be recognized for their abilities, not stereotypes.

In the spirit of celebration, 99’s Section Nepal empowers women at every stage, creating an atmosphere where every achievement is recognized, and every individual is uplifted. As we share these moments of camaraderie, celebration, and empowerment, 99’s Section Nepal invites readers to join the journey. Breaking barriers within our communities, the organization fosters a world where every woman can navigate her own destiny. The recent events from 5-8 Dec 2023, epitomize this commitment, showcasing that empowerment knows no boundaries, and the skies are just the beginning.

“Sky is not the limit; it’s just the view from your cockpit. So, spread your wings and soar beyond, for in the vast expanse of the sky, every dream finds its flight.”