State institutions should be further strengthened for effective service delivery: PM Shah
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has said that service delivery of the government should be made more effective by strengthening institutions like National Planning Commission and Policy Research Institute rather than scrapping them.
During a discussion with office-bearers and employees of the NPC held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on Tuesday, Prime Minister Shah mentioned that it would be easier to the government in service delivery only if formulation of plans and policy research are carried out in an organized manner. "Hence, improvement of such bodies will greatly support in the government's functioning," he argued.
In the context of the Policy Research Institute, the Prime Minister underlined that we need experts who can do extensive study and present long-term vision. The government will fully own the academic works of the experts.
He directed the both agencies to work for results without any hesitation, adding, "A concrete plan and implementation is necessary while performing any task. The role of subject-matter experts in development is incomparable."
Prime Minister Shah also warned that budget and legal complexities should not be used as an excuse for non-performance. "Results are possible only from effective study and research. The country cannot be prosperous until some revision are made in old policies and acts," he opined.
Similarly, Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle underscored that the present time should be taken as golden opportunity for reforms. He also instructed to transform the expertise of experts into government policies, programs and budget.
Minister Wagle laid emphasis on proposals with clear goals, adequate budget, defined responsibilities and measurable output through concerned ministries.
The government has a strategy of launching innovative program as pilot project and expand them at the national level if successful.
Likewise, office bearers of the Commission briefed the Prime Minister about the status of work progress, challenges and budget.
Sharing that study and research conducted so far by the Institute are very important for government functioning system, they demanded additional resources including human resource.
U.S. Official Paul Kapur Concludes Nepal Visit
Paul Kapur, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, has completed his two-day official visit to Nepal.
During his stay in Kathmandu, he held meetings with selected political leaders and government ministers to discuss bilateral priorities and cooperation.
Kapur first met Rabi Lamichhane, Chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). According to a brief statement from the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs at the U.S. State Department, the meeting aimed to understand the party’s priorities in government.
The two sides also discussed potential areas for strengthening U.S.–Nepal cooperation. However, Kapur did not meet Prime Minister Balendra Shah during his visit. In the past, senior U.S. officials typically met with both the President and the Prime Minister during their visits.
Details of the discussions have largely not been made public. Kapur’s meeting with Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal focused on enhancing bilateral trade and investment, as well as addressing issues such as illegal immigration and human trafficking. The talks come amid increased deportations of Nepali nationals residing illegally in the United States.
In a separate engagement, Nepal’s Finance Minister Swarnim Waglejoined discussions on improving the country’s business climate and attracting U.S. companies to invest in Nepal. Kapur emphasized that closer economic ties could strengthen Nepal’s transportation, energy, and digital infrastructure, ultimately driving mutual economic growth.
Kapur also interacted with industry leaders, highlighting opportunities to expand U.S. business involvement in Nepal’s ICT sector. Discussions included advancing digital infrastructure, promoting AI adoption, strengthening cybersecurity, and leveraging U.S. technological expertise.
He visited Patan Durbar Square and Boudhnath Stupa, representing the Newari and Tibetan cultures, two of Nepal’s stunning cultural sites. America’s contribution to preserving such sites promotes economic growth and safeguards shared values for future generations, said Kapur. He also met Tibetan community in Kathmandu and asked the government ministers to address their concerns.
Trump announces Iran ceasefire extension but says blockade remains
United States President Donald Trump has announced an extension to the ceasefire with Iran, saying that the US military will hold off its planned attack to allow more time for Tehran to put forward a proposal to end the war, Aljazeera reported.
The move on Tuesday comes at the request of Pakistani mediators, according to Trump. The truce was set to expire on Wednesday.
“I have therefore directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other,” the US president said in a social media post.
Nepse plunges by 18. 10 points on Tuesday
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) plunged by 18. 10 points to close at 2, 807. 12 points on Tuesday.
Similarly, the sensitive index dropped by 3. 15 points to close at 470. 56 points.
A total of 13,019,055-unit shares of 347 companies were traded for Rs 1. 59 billion.
Meanwhile, Palpa Cement Industries Limited (PCIL) and Suryakunda Hydro Electric Limited (SKHEL) were the top gainers today with their price surging by 15. 00 percent.
Likewise, Dolti Power Company Limited (DOLTI) was the top loser as their price fell by 8. 71 percent.
At the end of the day, the total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 78 trillion.
