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Fire incidents have escalated with the start of the dry season.

Four hundred and eighty-eight fire incidents were reported in 14 districts of Koshi Province in the last three months, according to the Koshi Province Police Office.

Superintendent of the Office Deepak Pokharel said 12 people were killed and 24 others injured in the fire incidents in a period of three months from December 17, 2023 to March 21, 2024.

According to him, the fire incidents have mostly occurred due to electric short circuit and when fire lit in the kitchen and cow sheds go out of control.

Stating that wildfires have also broken out in local forests, SP Pokharel warned of the bush fires sometimes spreading to human settlements if not doused in time.

The 3rd Edition of the “Prospects for North Bengal – Investments in Sustainability” an initiative of the Bangal Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BNCC&I) held in Siliguri, India on Thursday with the objective to understand, discuss and initiate dialogues for business opportunities and investments in the sectors which are thriving in North Bengal and also the one which have more potential for accelerating the growth of North Bengal.

Delivering a keynote remark in the inaugural session of the event, Vice President of Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NICCI) Sunil KC underscored the untapped opportunities for economic cooperation between Nepal and India, particularly in the context of North Bengal. He emphasized the need for a holistic approach to development, prioritizing sustainability and inclusivity while leveraging the region's natural resources and strategic location, reads a statement issued by NICCI.

KC proposed key recommendations for economic growth, including further investments in infrastructure development, which he deemed essential for unlocking North Bengal's full economic potential. He emphasized the necessity of increased investment in improving road, rail, and air connectivity along the Siliguri corridor, a crucial transit route linking Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal (BBIN). Upgrading existing infrastructure and establishing logistics hubs were identified as priorities to facilitate the seamless movement of goods and people across borders.

Secondly, he advocated for facilitating cross-border trade and investments, which emerged as a central theme of discussions. KC stressed the importance of simplifying customs procedures and reducing trade barriers to promote greater economic integration within the BBIN region. He also proposed the creation of special economic zones (SEZs) and industrial parks along the Siliguri corridor to attract foreign investments and spur economic growth.

Furthermore, KC emphasized recognizing the imperative of sustainable development. Participants underscored the need to integrate environmental considerations into business operations and investment decisions, including promoting the adoption of green technologies, supporting renewable energy initiatives, and implementing environmentally friendly practices across industries. By prioritizing sustainability, North Bengal can position itself as a responsible and attractive destination for investors committed to long-term environmental stewardship, the statement reads.

Gautam Deb, Mayor of Siliguri Municipal Corporation, Andalib Elias, Deputy High Commissioner, People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Kolkata, Eshor Raj Poudel, Consul General of Nepal in Kolkata, Bhaskar Roy, and Vice President Techno India Group also spoke at the event, representing their respective organizations.

The event successfully brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore avenues for investment and development in North Bengal, with a particular focus on leveraging the region's strengths and potential for sustainable growth.

Throughout the event, stakeholders engaged in fruitful discussions and networking sessions aimed at identifying collaborative opportunities and forging partnerships for mutual benefit. The importance of innovation, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing emerged as key drivers of economic growth and sustainability in North Bengal, according to the statement.

Angana Guha Roy Chowdhury, Assistant Director-General of the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, expressed gratitude to all participants for their valuable insights and contributions. She reaffirmed BCCI's commitment to supporting initiatives promoting sustainable development and inclusive growth in North Bengal, underscoring the organization's role as a catalyst for positive change in the region.

A total of 5. 64 million children have been vaccinated against measles and rubella in the immunization campaign launched by the government.

The government had launched the immunization campaign from February 25-March 20 in view of the risk of measles and rubella infection.

Chief of Child Health and Immunization Section, Dr Abhiyan Gautam, said a total of 5.64 million children were vaccinated against the government's target of vaccinating 5.742 million children. 

"The children were vaccinated as per our target. The preliminary-phase report received from the districts mentioned that 96 percent children were found vaccinated under the campaign," he shared.

The government had launched the immunization campaign against measles and rubella infection in 75 districts except in Rukum West and Jajarkot this year. It had launched the vaccination campaign in Rukum West and Jajarkot earlier.

The children from nine months old to 15 years of 21 districts sharing borders with India and three districts of the Kathmandu Valley as well as children from nine months to five years of 51 districts were vaccinated under the campaign.

A total of 49,937 health workers and 59,906 volunteers were mobilized to make the immunization campaign a success.

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal has recorded the statement of Nepali Congress lawmaker Binod Chaudhary in connection with the misappropriation of land belonging to the Bansbari Leather and Shoe Factory.

The CIB recorded the statement of Chaudhary today after informing Speaker Devraj Ghimire, through the Parliament Secretariat, that it has initiated investigations against lawmaker Chaudhary on suspicion of his involvement in the misappropriation of the government land.

CIB Chief Shyam Lal Gyawali said Chaudhary's statement is being recorded at the District Government Attorney's Office.

Additional Inspector General of Police Gyawali said Chaudhary's statement is being recorded directly without arresting him as there is no circumstance of his absconding and destroying evidence.