Submit your Article

President Ram Chandra Paudel has called the winter session of the Parliament.

He summoned the meeting of both Houses of the Parliament at 1 pm on January 31 (Friday) as per the recommendation of the Cabinet meeting held on Monday, the President’s Office spokesperson Shailaja Regmi Bhattarai informed.

“As per Article 93 (1) of the Constitution of Nepal, President Paudel has called the session of both Houses of the federal Parliament at the International Conference Center in New Baneshwor at 1:00 pm on January 31,” according to the Office of the President.

President Ram Chandra Paudel has extended felicitation to Donald J Trump upon his assumption of the office as the 47th US President.

Taking to social media (X) today, President Paudel said, "My warm felicitations to His Excellency Mr Donald J Trump for assuming the office as the 47th President of the United States of America and my best wishes for the successful tenure."

He expressed hope that the cordial relations, subsisting between Nepal and the United States, would be further deepened and expanded in the days to come.

KATHMANDU: President Ramchandra Paudel has urged all to move ahead being united by resolving the existing problems of the country.

At a tea reception organized at Sheetal Niwas today on the occasion of Maghi festival, President Paudel said good governance, development and peace are aspiration of Nepali people.

The main objective of our constitution and federal democratic republic governance system is also to establish good governance, development and peace in the country, he argued.

The President expressed the belief that several festivals celebrated by various communities would contribute to unite and strengthen national unity by enhancing mutual love, brotherhood and harmony among all the Nepalis.

Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire, National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal, former Presidents Dr Ram Baran Yadav and Bidya Devi Bhandari, former Prime Ministers, Deputy Prime Ministers, ministers and parliamentarians were present on the occasion.

President Ram Chandra Paudel has expressed the confidence that the Maghe Sankranti festival would inspire one and all to develop a civilized, cultured and an equitable society by preserving nature and culture.

In a message today on the occasion of Maghe Sankranti, the President has extended best wishes to all Nepali sisters and brothers at home and abroad for their happiness, peace and prosperity.

Different communities celebrate this festival in their own ways.

The Tharu community observes it as New Year while the residents in Tarai district mark the day as the festival of baths known as Nahan.

The President has also recalled the tradition of holy bath and offering puja in different religious sites including Barahchhetra, Devghat, Ridi and others.

President Paudel has said that such festivals will have crucial roles in spreading the fame of Nepal after building a common identity of Nepalis by connecting our special and unique festivals, cultural and ethnic diversities.

The President has expressed confidence that such festivals would contribute to maintain brotherhood, mutual reconciliation and tolerance to further strengthen our national unity.

The report of the Office of the Attorney General for the fiscal year 2080/81 BS has been submitted to President Ram Chandra Paudel today.

Attorney General Ramesh Badal submitted the report to the President at a program held today at the Office of the President, Sheetal Niwas.

On that occasion, President Paudel said that the investigation, prosecution, pleading, advocacy and defense of government cases should be more scientific, effective and factual, and if the success rate of the case can be increased, the rule of law, and especially, the criminal justice administration will be effective.

"Rather than increasing the success rate of the case, I think it is more important whether the victim gets justice or not. Therefore, the responsibility of the Attorney General is not only to punish the offender but also to ensure that the victim gets justice with compensation," President Paudel said on the occasion.

The President also expressed his belief that the Attorney General's Office will pay special attention to whether the Constitution of Nepal has been effectively implemented to protect the rights of victims in the context of the fundamental rights of the Constitution of Nepal.

On that occasion, Attorney General Badal presented the summary of the report.

President Ram Chandra Paudel has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives and properties in the earthquake that struck Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China this morning.

Extending heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family members through the social platform X today, President Paudel prayed for the early recovery of those injured in the disaster.

He stated that Nepal stands firmly by the Government and the people of the People's Republic of China at this moment of profound grief.

President Ram Chandra Paudel has expressed grief over the demise of Jimmy Carter, the former President of the United States of America.

President Paudel today, via social platform X, expressed sorrow over Carter's death and mentioned that Carter's contribution to peace, human rights and charity has become an inspiration to the world. President Paudel also expressed his condolences to the bereaved family and the American people.

Carter, the 39th President of the United States, died at the age of 100 on Sunday at his home in Hospice Care in the small town of Plains, Georgia.

His wife Rosalyn passed away in November 2023 at the age of 96. Carter, who conducted diplomatic missions in his 80s, built houses for the poor in the 90s.

Former President Carter visited Nepal in 2008 to supervise the Constituent Assembly elections held for the first time in Nepal. 

President Ram Chandra Paudel has wished peace, prosperity and happiness to all Nepali sisters and brothers living in the country and abroad on the occasion of Tamu Lhosar, the festival mainly celebrated by the Gurung community, today.

"I believe the festival like Lhosar fosters mutual harmony, tolerance and fraternity among all Nepalis who have been enjoying multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-cultural society. The festival further strengthens national unity," President Paudel said in the message of best wishes given today.

Tamu Lhosar festival is observed with fanfare as the New Year among the Gurung community of the upper hilly and mountainous regions of Nepal. It is gradually being celebrated by other people of late. The districts with Gurung settlements have special fervor for this festival.

The President hailed the role of the Gurung community in Nepal's socioeconomic progress in addition to preservation and promotion of culture.

He further wished for unity among all Nepalis leading to further progress and prosperity of the country on this occasion.

President Ram Chandra Paudel has issued an ordinance related to cooperatives.

On the recommendation of the government, President Paudel issued the 'Ordinance to Amend Some Nepal Acts Related to Cooperatives, 2081'.

"President Paudel has issued an ordinance on the recommendation of the Government of Nepal and the Council of Ministers in accordance with Article 114 of the Constitution of Nepal," said a statement issued by the President's Office.

The government brought the ordinance as the Parliament was currently not in session to solve the problems seen in the cooperative sector.

President Ram Chandra Paudel has successfully undergone prostate surgery.

According to the press statement issued by Prof Dr Ghanashyam Gurung, Officiating Executive Director of the TU Teaching Hospital at Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, the surgery was performed on the President using advanced technology.

The President was admitted to the hospital this morning for prostrate treatment. His health condition is said to be normal at present.

President Ram Chandra Paudel has been admitted to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) for prostate treatment.

Acting Executive Director of the hospital, Prof Dr Ghanashyam Gurung informed that the President was admitted for treatment this morning.

Speaker Devraj Ghimire called on President Ram Chandra Paudel at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, Sheetal Niwas today.

In the meeting, Speaker Ghimire briefed the President about his visit to Cambodia, the Secretariat of the President said.

Speaker Ghimire is going to Cambodia today in connection with attending the 11th Plenary Session of the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace (IPTP) to be held in Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh from November 23 to 26.

President Ram Chandra Paudel conferred the rank of Honorary General of the Nepal Army on visiting Indian Army Chief Gen. Upendra Dwivedi with during a special ceremony at the Rastrapati Bhawan on Thursday.

Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Defense Minister Man Bir Rai among others were present on the occasion.

The Indian Army Chief arrived in Kathmandu at the cordial invitation of Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) Ashok Raj Sigdel on Wednesday.

There is a tradition of Nepal and India conferring the rank of Honorary General on each other's Army Chief since 1950.

Earlier this afternoon, CoAS Sigdel and Indian Army Chief Gen. Upendra Dwivedi, who is on a five-day visit to Nepal, held bilateral talks at the Army Headquarters, Bhadrakali.

This is General Dwivedi's first official visit to Nepal after his appointment as the Chief of the Indian Army on June 30.

He is scheduled to call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Defence Minister Manbir Rai tomorrow.

President Ram Chandra Paudel returned home this morning from Baku, Azerbaijan by attending the 29th edition of the Conference of Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Speaker of House of Representatives (HoR) Devraj Ghimire, National Assembly Chairman Narayan Prasad Dahal, and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak welcomed the President at the VVIP Lounge of Tribhuvan International Airport.

A contingent of the Nepali Army accorded a guard of honor to the President on the occasion.

Ministers, lawmakers, high-level government officials and the chiefs of security bodies had also reached the airport to welcome the President.

President Paudel had left for Baku on November 10 to attend the COP29 at the invitation of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

Along with the President, First Lady Sabita Paudel, President Paudel's Water and Environment Expert Parameshwor Pokharel, Secretary at the Office of the President Narayan Prasad Sharma, Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister Krishna Hari Pushkar, President's Personal Secretary Abagya Paudel, Joint-Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Amrit Bahadur Rai, Executive Chairman of Rastriya Samachar Samiti Dharmendra Jha and President's Communication Expert Kiran Kumar Pokharel also returned home.

President Ram Chandra Paudel has urged all the developed countries to fulfill their commitment made to addressing the climate change impact.

President Paudel made this call during the bilateral meeting with President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev today.

"Nepal has its full commitment to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Since Nepal has set the target of achieving the 'zero carbon emission' milestone by 2045, five years ahead of the globally-set target, we urge all the developed countries to fulfill their commitments that they have expressed in connection to addressing the climate change consequences," Kiran Pokharel, the President's Press Advisor, quoted President Paudel as saying in the bilateral meeting.

President Paudel said that although Nepal's carbon emission is negligible, it has been bearing a big impact of climate change.

Stating that the snow in the Himalayas is melting rapidly, the water sources for the people living in the downstream region are decreasing and there is big loss of lives and property every year due to the climate change-induced natural disasters every year, he recalled that this year also Nepal had to suffer huge loss of lives and property due to the unseasonal heavy downpour.

"The government is having to divert a large portion of its budget each year for providing relief support to the population affected by the climate change impact," President Paudel said. 

Noting that Nepal and Azerbaijan did not only share geographical similarities due to their mountainous terrain and land-locked condition, but also have similar structural challenges and effects that the mountainous countries are facing, he said, "Climate change is the common challenge of the whole world; our two countries which are mountainous are suffering from the adverse impact of climate change. I urge the Azerbaijani government for solidarity in Nepal's initiatives as it has been raising, in various international forums, including in COP, issues that the mountainous countries face due to climate change." 

President Paudel on the occasion praised Azerbaijan for the extensive development and economic transformation it has achieved since its independence in 1991.

He said that Nepal is at present moving ahead on the path of economic development following the political changes and the government's priority is sustainable economic development. "We cannot institutionalize the political achievements that we have gained without economic transformation and development," he added.

President Paudel congratulated his Azerbaijani counterpart for the full success of the COP-29 that is organized under his able leadership, expressing the belief that the Declaration to be passed by COP-29 will protect the rights and interest of Nepal-like countries that emit negligible carbon into the atmosphere but have to suffer much from the climate change effects.

He drew the attention of Azerbaijan to the good investment opportunity in Nepal in the agriculture, tourism and water resources sectors.

During the meeting, President Aliyev of Azerbaijan stated that he would work closely with Nepal on climate change issues in the context of his presidency of the COP for one year more, according to Pokharel, the President Paudel's press advisor.

President Aliyev said that his country was positive to invest in the sectors to be proposed by Nepal.

During the meeting, the Azerbaijani President said that Azerbaijan would serve as the COP Chair for the next one year, suggesting a closer cooperation with Nepal for climate action, according to the President's advisor.

 The President of Azerbaijan also said that they are positive for an investment in areas to be proposed by Nepal.

Nepal and Azerbaijan had established diplomatic ties in 1995.  Both countries cooperate in the multi-sectoral forum including the UN on sustainable development and climate change, the shared issues of both nations.

President Paudel on Tuesday addressed the "World Leaders Climate Action Summit" a high-level session held under the ongoing COP29.

 During the conference, Nepal on Wednesday hosted a separate high-level special session on "Addressing Loss and Damage in Mountains," drawing global attention to its agenda of concerns. The President hoped that such discussions would help find a better understanding of the issue and explore practical solutions.

He also addressed an event organized by Kyrgyzstan.

He also attended the group meeting held by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres with the Heads of State and Government of underdeveloped countries who gathered in Baku to take part in the COP 29 conference. The President utilized the meeting to urge the UN Secretary-General to make the developed countries serious about the impact of climate change.

The conference that commenced on November 11 will continue until November 22.  President Paudel landed in Baku last Monday, leading the high-level delegation to the conference. He is today scheduled to leave Baku for Doha of Qatar en route to home. He will reach Kathmandu on Friday morning.

President Ram Chandra Paudel has drawn the world's attention to address the problems of climate change and poverty.

Addressing the high-level session organized by Kyrgyzstan in the course of ongoing COP29 in Baku, today, President Paudel viewed that climate change sufferers should be ensured justice, an integrated approach is essential.

"The youths from mountainous countries have migrated elsewhere due to climate change impact, while the poor, women, children and elderly ones are suffering worse. The programs to alleviate poverty and climate change would be launched together to address these twin issues."

He further reminded that the climate change is largely caused by the activities of carbon emissions by the developed countries, but the poor people from mountainous countries are bearing the brunt. "I hope the COP29 will be successful to guarantee justice to the victims," President Paudel mentioned in the session.

As the climate change indicators are breaking records every year, the people in the mountain countries are bound to live in the harshest condition, he said, adding that more than 35, 000 households of mountainous Thame village of Solukhumbu district were displaced due to GLOF (glacial lake outburst floods) in Nepal last August. Similarly, the floods and landslides that occurred in the monsoon took the lives of over 500.

"The suffering and trauma the disasters caused in enduring. Proper evaluation and further preparedness are imperative to minimize the loss and damage," he said.

According to him, as both Nepal and Kyrgyzstan are mountainous countries, they both share similar plights when it comes to climate change.

The event was also addressed by the President of Kyrgyzstan, President of Mongolia and Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, among others.

Earlier, President Paudel had addressed the COP29 on Monday.