बेरहामपुर लोकसभा सीटः कांग्रेस, बीजद और बीजेपी के नए उम्मीदवारों में है मुकाबला

ओडिशा में बीजेपी लोकसभा और विधानसभा चुनावों में जीत हासिल करने के लिए जोर लगा रही है. बीजेपी का...

from आज तक https://ift.tt/2WAP9OU

नबरंगपुर लोकसभा सीटः बीजद, बीजेपी, कांग्रेस और बसपा के बीच होगा मुकाबला

अनुसूचित जनजाति के लिए सुरक्षित नबरंगपुर लोकसभा सीट कांग्रेस की परंपरागत सीट रही रही है. नबरंगपुर संसदीय क्षेत्र में...

from आज तक https://ift.tt/2HPqsei

कालाहांडी लोकसभा सीटः कांग्रेस के भक्त चरण दास को बीजेपी से मिलेगी चुनौती!

इस बार बीजेपी ओडिशा में संभावनाएं तलाश रही है. इसलिए प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी की राज्य में अब तक कई रैलियां...

from आज तक https://ift.tt/2I1l1b9

अरुणाचल पूर्व लोकसभा सीट: BJP का पुराने तो कांग्रेस का नए चेहरे पर दांव

पहले चरण के चुनावों में 20 राज्यों की कुल 91 सीटों को शामिल किया गया है. जिसमें से अरुणाचल प्रदेश...

from आज तक https://ift.tt/2FIbinx

अरुणाचल पश्‍च‍िम लोकसभा सीट: रिजिजू BJP से लगातार तीसरी बार मैदान में

पहले चरण के चुनावों में 20 राज्यों की कुल 91 सीटों को शामिल किया गया है. जिसमें से अरुणाचल प्रदेश...

from आज तक https://ift.tt/2FFUqh5

हरिद्वार लोकसभा सीट: BJP के निशंक की कांग्रेस के अंबरीश कुमार से टक्कर

पहले चरण के चुनावों में 20 राज्यों की कुल 91 सीटों को शामिल किया गया है. जिसमें से उत्‍तराखंड की...

from आज तक https://ift.tt/2WCqjhz

मीना कुमारी ने धर्मेंद्र को सिखाई थी एक्टिंग, संवारा था उनका करियर

बॉलीवुड की ट्रेजिडी क्वीन के नाम से मशहूर मीना कुमारी ने 7 साल की छोटी उम्र से ही फिल्मों काम...

from आज तक https://ift.tt/2YE8OPy

IPL में रोहित के नाम दर्ज है ये शर्मनाक रिकॉर्ड, गंभीर की बराबरी

सबसे ज्यादा शून्य पर आउट होने के बाद भी रोहित (4587 रन) सबसे ज्यादा रन बनाने वाले खिलाड़ियों की लिस्ट...

from आज तक https://ift.tt/2JQ0NDS

IPL-12 में दिखा सुपर ओवर का रोमांच, दिल्ली ने कोलकाता को हराया

दिल्ली कैपिटल्स और कोलकाता नाइट राइडर्स का स्कोर टाई होने के बाद फैसला सुपर ओवर के जरिए हुआ. जिसमें दिल्ली...

from आज तक https://ift.tt/2FNzFBq

Kagiso Rabada's yorker to Andre Russell will be Ball of the IPL: Sourav Ganguly

With just 11 to get for a Super Over win, Kolkata Knight Riders sent in the rampaging Andre Russell but Kagiso Rabada, though under pressure, produced a fast inswinging yorker that castled the Jamaican.

from Hindustan Times - cricket https://ift.tt/2YBer0S

Glenn Maxwell can become Virat Kohli, says Australia coach Justin Langer

Glenn Maxwell has been exceptional in the recent two months and the coach Langer believes that the player’s emphasis on practice is helping in reaping the results for the batsman.

from Hindustan Times - cricket https://ift.tt/2Ur15p2

IPL 2019: I backed myself to bowl yorkers in super over – Kagiso Rabada

With just 18 runs required from 18 balls and later six from the final over, Kagiso Rabada thought the game was done and dusted and he was sitting in his shorts, chatting with teammate Shikhar Dhawan.

from Hindustan Times - cricket https://ift.tt/2YzY6cW

IPL 2019: Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma fined for slow over-rate

Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma was on Saturday fined Rs 12 lakh after his team maintained a slow over-rate during their IPL match against Kings XI Punjab in Mohali.

from Hindustan Times - cricket https://ift.tt/2FM3J0o

Cheeky Lionel Messi magic keeps Barcelona 10 points clear in Spain

Barcelona gave their city rivals a tough game at the Camp Nou, but Lionel Messi’s chipped free-kick over the wall from 19 yards and a late second kept the reigning champions 10 points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid, who thrashed Alaves 4-0.

from Hindustan Times - cricket https://ift.tt/2HOkv0V

IPL 2019, DC vs KKR statistical highlights: Prithvi Shaw, Andre Russell set rec...

Here’s a look at the statistical highlights from the match between Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders.

from Hindustan Times - cricket https://ift.tt/2I3ufUC

IPL 2019, KXIP vs MI: Chris Gayle achieves historic first in IPL

Chris Gayle became the first cricketer to hit 300 sixes in IPL history as the KXIP opener slammed Mitchell McCleghan for back to back sixes in the third over of the match.

from Hindustan Times - cricket https://ift.tt/2CKZ3WJ

IPL 2019, DC vs KKR at Feroz Shah Kotla Highlights: As It Happened

IPL 2019 Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders highlights: Catch all the highlights from the match between DC and KKR here.

from Hindustan Times - cricket https://ift.tt/2uFWJvn

IPL 2019: KL Rahul, Murugan Ashwin shine as KXIP beat MI by 8 wickets in Mohali

This was KXIP’s second win in their first three matches of the season.

from Hindustan Times - cricket https://ift.tt/2Vav6qg

IPL 2019, DC vs KKR - Turning Point: Kagiso Rabada shows his brilliance in super...

Rabada executed yorkers perfectly in the tense situation to guide DC to their second victory of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019. He conceded just seven runs in the over as the hosts clinched the encounter.

from Hindustan Times - cricket https://ift.tt/2FGHesd

IPL 2019: Expected Delhi Capitals to win with one over to spare - Shreyas Iyer

Delhi Capitals skipper Shreyas Iyersaid that his side did not expect their IPL match against Kolkata Knight Riders to go to the Super Over via which they eventually won.

from Hindustan Times - cricket https://ift.tt/2CMSnar

Man City back on top, Huddersfield equal record for earliest relegation

Manchester United celebrated Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first match as permanent manager with a 2-1 win over Watford to climb into fourth place.

from Hindustan Times - cricket https://ift.tt/2U73pSJ

Ashleigh Barty defeats Karolina Pliskova to capture WTA Miami Open title

Ashleigh Barty quit tennis five years ago after finding the mental grind of the tour too much to bear, turning to professional cricket in a bid to find sporting happiness.

from Hindustan Times - cricket https://ift.tt/2FDwtHb

IPL 2019: Kagiso Rabada guides Delhi Capitals to victory over Kolkata Knight Riders...

IPL 2019: Kagiso Rabada excelled with the ball after Prithvi Shaw’s brilliant innings as Delhi Capitals beat Kolkata Knight Riders in the Super Over in their IPL 2019 encounter.

from Hindustan Times - cricket https://ift.tt/2FBT7j9

IPL 2019, KXIP vs MI in Mohali, Highlights: As It Happened

IPL 2019 Kings XI Punjab vs Mumbai Indians highlights: Catch all the action from the match between KXIP and MI here.

from Hindustan Times - cricket https://ift.tt/2K0jxRo

Arab summit expected to reject US decision over Golan Heights

from World | The Indian Express https://ift.tt/2UlCrWE

North Korea says embassy raid in Spain was a ‘grave terrorist attack’

from World | The Indian Express https://ift.tt/2I3f0uv

The rapture and the real world: Mike Pompeo blends beliefs and policy

from World | The Indian Express https://ift.tt/2YDlDd2

Philippine police kill 14 men rights groups say were farmers

from World | The Indian Express https://ift.tt/2HXysJn

Trump order to open Arctic Ocean to drilling was unlawful, judge rules

from World | The Indian Express https://ift.tt/2CLsMP3

Cities go dark for Earth Hour, bring light to climate change

from World | The Indian Express https://ift.tt/2I1CekL

Jeff Bezos’ security consultant accuses Saudis of hacking the Amazon CEO’s phone

from World | The Indian Express https://ift.tt/2THVuWU

Italy’s deal with China signals a shift as US influence recedes

from World | The Indian Express https://ift.tt/2HQ85pt

Before Christchurch attack, New Zealand failed to record hate crimes for years

from World | The Indian Express https://ift.tt/2I0eJbX

Slovakia elects its first female President

from World | The Indian Express https://ift.tt/2V3eBMh

WATCH: Security scare erupts in Moroccan capital as man charges towards Pope’s motorcade

from World | The Indian Express https://ift.tt/2WBmicX

Two Indian-origin hard-Brexiteer MPs blocking May’s EU divorce bill

from World | The Indian Express https://ift.tt/2U4roC0

Importance of well-trained boots on ground cannot be overemphasised: India at UN meeting

from World | The Indian Express https://ift.tt/2CMy3pB

Here’s why Donald Trump’s former family driver has been in ICE custody for 8 months

from World | The Indian Express https://ift.tt/2HPJIrL

US lawmaker urges trade agency to delay GSP decision till Indian elections

from World | The Indian Express https://ift.tt/2UhdR9w

Precise Rabada yorks Delhi to Super Over win in IPL

Delhi Capitals Kagiso Rabada bowls a delivery during the VIVO IPL T20 cricket match between Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders in New Delhi, India, Saturday, March 30, 2019. Photo: AP

MUMBAI: South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada was in his shorts and relaxing in the dressing room before being forced to make a quick transition and conjure up his lethal yorkers for the Delhi Capitals in their pulsating Super Over win on Saturday.

The Delhi side, coached by Australia’s World Cup-winning captain Ricky Ponting, needed 18 off three overs against the Kolkata Knight Riders to win their Indian Premier League Twenty match but spectacularly fluffed the chase.

Opening batsman Prithvi Shaw, 19, had made the chase of 186 appear easy but his dismissal on 99 in the penultimate over derailed Delhi who ended up tied with Kolkata’s score needing the Super Over to decide the winner.

Kolkata fast bowler M Prasidh Krishna conceded 10 in the Super Over, leaving the marauding Andre Russell, who scored 62 off 28 balls in the team’s innings of 185-8, with a relatively simple task.

But Rabada had other plans as he produced immaculate precision with his yorkers to give away just seven and give Delhi their second win in three matches.

“I was sort of sitting around in my shorts… I was sitting upstairs with Shikhar Dhawan and we were having a chat,” Rabada told reporters.

“We thought this game is ours but they say cricket’s a funny game. I said to Shikhar ‘let’s go downstairs, let’s go support the boys.’

“Then obviously the match was tied. I was just hanging around there waiting to see who was going to bowl. … Then they said ‘it’s you!’ So I was like ‘okay, cool! Better think of something quickly.'”

The 23-year-old quick, who will be South Africa’s leading fast bowler in the May 30-July 14 World Cup in England and Wales, was uncluttered in his head despite being clipped for a four on the first delivery by Russell.

He conceded only three more runs in the rest of the over while also disturbing the stumps of the powerful West Indies all-rounder with his third delivery.

“I thought my yorker was coming out decently this game, so that’s what got me to back it even more,” Rabada added.

“I think it’s important to really be clear and you need to be sure of what you’re doing, whatever ball you bowl.

“That was my plan and that’s all I tried to do. On a different day, it could be totally something else, on a different day, you could be positive with two things that you try and do.

“But today was just the one and that was yorkers. I’m really glad that it came off.”

The post Precise Rabada yorks Delhi to Super Over win in IPL appeared first on The Himalayan Times.

from The Himalayan Times https://ift.tt/2I1LwgD

Cities go dark for Earth Hour, bring light to climate change

NEW YORK: Cities around the world marked Earth Hour on Saturday by turning off lights at 8:30 pm local time in a call for global action on climate change.

Earth Hour, spearheaded by the World Wildlife Fund, calls for greater awareness and more sparing use of resources, especially fossil fuels that produce carbon gases and lead to global warming.

Beginning in Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour has spread to more than 180 countries, with tens of millions of people joining in the Empire State Building participated as clocks hit 8:30 pm on the US East Coast with a dimming of the skyscrapers’ lights.

In Hong Kong, major buildings along Victoria Harbour turned off their non-essential lights and the city’s popular tourist attraction known as the Symphony of Lights was cancelled.

Over 3,000 corporations in Hong Kong signed up for Earth Hour 2019, according to the WWF Hong Kong website. Iconic skyscrapers including the Bank of China Tower and the HSBC Building in Central, the city’s major business district, switched off their lights in response to the global movement.

The City of Lights also turned off the Eiffel Tower’s nightly twinkle to mark Earth Hour. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo dimmed the lights Saturday on the city’s most famous monument for an hour.

In Italy, public buildings and historical monuments in 400 cities participated in Earth Hour. Lights were also switched off at St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.

Some of the most emblematic architectural treasures in Spain participated, including the Alhambra palace in Granada and Barcelona’s La Sagrada Familia basilica.

In Taipei, Taiwan’s capital, the island’s tallest building, Taipei 101, joined surrounding buildings in shutting off the lights as part of the Earth Hour event.

In coal-reliant Poland, top tourist sites also turned off their lights when local clocks hit 8:30 pm. In the country’s capital city, Warsaw, the spired landmark Palace of Culture and Science turned off its night illumination, along with some churches and Old Town walls.

Lights were also switched off in several landmarks in the Greek capital. The Acropolis, Athens City Hall and Lycabettus Hill, towering above the Athens centre, went dark and the Parliament building joined in. However, the Athens mayor’s calls for the people to join in by turning off the lights in their houses went mostly unheeded.

The post Cities go dark for Earth Hour, bring light to climate change appeared first on The Himalayan Times.

from The Himalayan Times https://ift.tt/2HQINHx

ADB VP attends summit, reaffirms development support

Kathmandu, March 30

Asian Development Bank (ADB) Vice President Shixin Chen on a visit to Nepal on March 26–30 reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting economic prosperity and assisting country in fulfilling its growth aspirations.

“In our 50-year partnership, we have mobilised about $6 billion to help build infrastructure and services and improve the lives of the people of Nepal,” Chen said at the Nepal Investment Summit. “ADB’s operations in Nepal have continued to grow over the years and we will continue to support Nepal as it aims for accelerated economic growth.”

During his visit, Chen met with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and reiterated ADB’s support for the government’s development agenda while expressing confidence in the country’s economic prospects. He also met with Minister of Finance and ADB Governor Yubaraj Khatiwada, and Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Barsha Man Pun.

Chen, in his remarks at the summit, also noted that the government’s campaign of ‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali’ rightly captures people’s aspirations for accelerating economic development in country and summit comes against the backdrop of political stability and improvements in the economy. He underscored the government’s recent efforts to introduce economic reforms and to extend economic cooperation in the region. “Nepal is at the cusp of transformation and can now capitalise on improvements in economy and address remaining challenges in attracting investment,” he said.

He noted that ADB’s country partnership strategy for Nepal covering the five-year period, 2020–2024, is being prepared and will reflect the government’s development priorities for sustainable and inclusive growth.

During his five-day visit, Chen visited ADB-supported project sites, including the South Asia Tourism Infrastructure Development Project in Lumbini and Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa, and Sanjivani School in Dhulikhel under the Earthquake Emergency Assistance Project. The latter project is helping to rebuild schools, government buildings, and roads damaged by the devastating earthquake of 2015.

ADB’s active portfolio consists of 36 projects worth $2.8 billion and 18 technical assistance projects worth $26.4 million. ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. In 2018, it made commitments of new loans and grants worth $21.6 billion.

The post ADB VP attends summit, reaffirms development support appeared first on The Himalayan Times.

from The Himalayan Times https://ift.tt/2FCu6nZ

Angelina Jolie: Fighting for women and justice are crucial

UNITED NATIONS: Actress and activist Angelina Jolie says promoting equality for women, combatting injustice, and helping refugees are the most important parts of her life after her six children.

“But in many ways, they go hand in hand,” she said in an interview late Friday with The Associated Press. “It’s what I hope my children know is important.”

Off camera, the 43-year-old Oscar-winner is focused on trying to help millions of people caught up in the world’s crises and conflicts, a passion that began in 2001 when she started working for the United Nations refugee agency and traveling to camps for displaced people often in poor developing countries.

“There are simply so many people around the world suffering, and with so little and in so much pain, and to not be spending our time conscious of them and finding solutions for them — it’s an empty life,” she said.

In the search for solutions, Jolie in 2012 launched the Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative with former British foreign secretary William Hague. It is now supported by 156 countries.

Jolie said the initiative’s work helped produce the first international protocol on how to document and investigate sexual violence, and national action plans to combat the scourge adopted by some of the worst-affected countries, including South Sudan, Congo and Colombia.

“We tried to move the needle and we have … because we are working with many governments, non-governmental organizations, civil society around the world and we are listening,” she said.

Jolie said sexual violence is important for her because it is seen as “a weapon of war.”

“It was not seen as a sexual act,” she said. “It costs less than a bullet. It is something that is done systematically, not only to destroy the individual but their family, their community.”

What’s worse, Jolie said, is that perpetrators are almost never brought to justice.

Now, Jolie said, she is pressing for the United Nations to create a permanent, independent investigative body with a mandate to collect and assess evidence in cases involving alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity and other grave human rights violations.

During a whirlwind day Friday in which she gave a keynote address to a ministerial meeting on UN peacekeeping, this was one major issue she raised at high-level meetings, including with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the General Assembly president, Germany’s foreign minister, Canada’s defense minister and campaigners against sexual violence.

“We’re getting support,” Jolie said.

As part of another campaign to promote the importance of women’s participation to peace, Jolie is teaching a master’s degree course at the Center for Women, Peace and Security at the London School of Economics where she is a visiting professor.

She said she has “extraordinary young students who see the issue as it should be seen … and are committed to making change.”

Jolie said she is also working with ministers of defense and NATO on changing military doctrine and training practices to make the prevention of sexual violence a priority, and to increase the number of women in peacekeeping operations.

Looking at the world today, Jolie said, “there is such an imbalance, when certain conflicts are addressed, and certain peoples are cared for and other peoples are dismissed, their rights denied, the fight for justice and accountability for the crimes against them not even in discussion.”

Despite the world being richer and more technologically advanced than ever before, she reiterated that “we seem incapable of upholding minimum standards of humanity in many parts of world.”

As examples she pointed to missile strikes on schools and hospitals, families bombed in their homes, chemical weapons dropped on neighborhoods and mass rapes of women, children and men. She noted the sharp rise in displaced people from less than 20 million when she started working for the refugee agency UNHCR to 65 million today and rising.

When Jolie was asked if this was reversible, she recalled spending time with primatologist Jane Goodall, a UN Messenger of Peace, who told her “you can never lose hope … because it is an active thing that you must have in order to continue a fight.”

“So I think we have to simply focus on what can be done and believe that things can be improved,” she said. “I have a lot of faith in the younger generation, I do. I see these children around the world standing up and speaking about climate change. I hear my own kids questioning.”

Jolie said this generation is more connected “than we ever were,” and despite possible complications “the more we know each other, the more connected the world is, and the more aware we are of what is happening and what is needed, I believe people will step up. I believe people are fundamentally good.”

As part of her focus on young people, Jolie is partnering with the BBC World Service to produce a global English-language current affairs television program for children to help them access impartial information and understand the world around them.

For Jolie, education is key.

“I spend so much time every day trying to understand what is happening, trying to get an education, trying to learn from colleagues around the world what is happening,” she said. “It’s difficult. It’s a very complicated situation, and I’m not an expert as to why these things continue except I believe that we all know that we are failing people around the world.”

For her flight back to Los Angeles on Saturday, Jolie said her reading material includes the 20-page UN Security Council resolution adopted Friday to extend the UN’s biggest peacekeeping force in Congo, which is still plagued by fighting in the mineral-rich east and sexual violence.

 

The post Angelina Jolie: Fighting for women and justice are crucial appeared first on The Himalayan Times.

from The Himalayan Times https://ift.tt/2FLXIAM

Golden Gate, Triton advance to final

Golden Gate’s Sumit Maharjan bats against KU during their CCL match in Kathmandu on Saturday. Photo: THT

Kathmandu, March 30

Golden Gate International College and Triton College advanced to the final of the Golden Gate College Cricket League here at the TU Stadium today.

Golden Gate defeated Kathmandu University by 72 runs, while Triton beat Himalaya College by eight wickets in the semi-final matches. The final is slated for Sunday.

Invited to take the first strike, Golden Gate posted 143-9 in their allotted 20 overs before packing KU for a paltry 72 runs with two balls to spare. Golden Gate had a horrible start and were struggling at 17-3 inside six overs after they lost star batsmen trio — Sharad esawkar (five), Dipendra Singh Airee (Naught) and skipper Prithu Baskota (naught) — cheaply.

Sumit Maharjan and Anil Kumar Sah revived the innings with a 60-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Man-of-the-match Maharjan scored 37 off just 19 balls hitting three each fours and sixes, while Sah struck two fours and a six in his 39-ball 32. Sonu Tamang hit three fours and six in his 14-ball 27, while Amar Singh Routela scored 10 and Dipendra Rawat remained unbeaten on eight.

For KU, Rupesh Shrivastava and Bikash Yadav took three wickets each, while Navin Yadav, Sonu Devkota and Ishan Pandey grabbed one apiece.

In reply, only two batsmen scored in double figures for KU. Navin Yadav scored 18-ball 19, while Sonu Devkota contributed 19 off 17 balls. Both batsmen hit one each four and six.

Amar Singh Routela was the pick of the Golden Gate bowlers taking three wickets, while Nandan Yadav, Dipendra Airee and skipper Prithu Baskota claimed two each and Sharad Vesawkar grabbed one.

Earlier, Himalaya scored 23-4 in a match which was reduced to five-over-a-side because of rain and Triton raced to 26-2 with three nine balls to spare. Man-of-the-match Arun Airee scored 11-ball 14 hitting two fours to take Triton home.

The post Golden Gate, Triton advance to final appeared first on The Himalayan Times.

from The Himalayan Times https://ift.tt/2FMwKsw

Extra fee in Everest region worries entrepreneurs

Kathmandu, March 30

The Department of Tourism (DoT) has started issuing expedition permits for several peaks across the country for this spring season. Among the 414 peaks that the government has opened for climbing, Mount Everest (8848m) is the peak which most mountaineers take permits to summit. Around six teams with 52 members have received expedition permits for Mt Everest from the DoT till Friday for this spring season.

The DoT levies $11,000 per person for foreign climbers for expeditions to Mt Everest during the spring season, while Nepali climbers have to pay Rs 75,000 per person. However, starting from this season Sagarmatha National Park (SNP) has started levying extra fee on both foreigners and Nepalis without issuing any notice. The SNP levies Rs 1,500 on foreign climbers, Rs 1,500 for Nepalis and Rs 100 for Sherpas.

Meanwhile, the entrepreneurs involved in the expedition business have condemned the national park’s decision of collecting entrance fee randomly. As per the entrepreneurs, the climbers are already paying expedition royalty to the central government. They have questioned the rationality behind paying additional fees per head to enter the national park as the collected amount will again go to the central government’s account.

“This is just another way of collecting money. Our government seems more money-oriented than service-oriented and this step taken by the SNP will negatively affect the sector,” said Santabir Lama, president of Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). According to him, the association had received information regarding the additional fees at the SNP four days ago.

“After getting several complaints from stakeholders we spoke to SNP officials and were informed that the additional fee was being levied as per a decision of the government itself,” Lama said, “So they have just implemented the decision from this season.”

NMA President Lama also said that the government should think about it and take back the decision. Levying additional fees on foreigners may make sense for economic policy of the country but collecting fees under several titles from Nepalis does not make any sense at all, he said, adding, “Bothersome taxes on the adventure sector may discourage high-altitude workers.”

According to Pramod Bhattarai, chief warden of SNP, the new rule was published in Nepal Gazette that was issued on October 15, 2018. “We are just implementing the rule mentioned in the Gazette and are not collecting fees as per our will,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Damber Parajuli, president of Expedition Operators Association – Nepal, said that levying the additional tax was a wrong decision. “We have been holding talks with the government on a regular basis on the need to start a one-window system to collect fees so that climbers do not have to go through hassles but the government seems to have turned a deaf ear to our suggestion.”

“Even if the government did want to levy the tax it should have first consulted us or at least informed us six months prior to taking the decision,” said Parajuli, adding that this has discouraged both climbers and high-altitude workers. He further said this action will surely have a negative impact on Visit Nepal 2020 campaign.

Similarly, Lakpa Rita Sherpa, a renowned climber and who is currently in the Everest region updated his status on Facebook today, writing ‘Everest climbers pay $11,000 per person as climbing permit that allows them to climb the mountain and stay at the base camp. But from this season SNP has started collecting Rs 1,500 per climber and Rs 100 from Sherpas as camping charge while Rs 1,500 from guides to enter the national park. In my opinion this is not fair so I would like to request NMA, Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal, expedition operators and tourism ministry to cooperate on this issue’.

The post Extra fee in Everest region worries entrepreneurs appeared first on The Himalayan Times.

from The Himalayan Times https://ift.tt/2OD3ZBI

Secondary market up by 3.96 points

Kathmandu, March 30

The country’s sole secondary market witnessed an upward trend in the trading week between March 24 and 28 as the country’s investment environment turned positive due to the Nepal Investment Summit that was organised by the government.

Organising the second edition of the investment summit in Kathmandu, the government had said that it has created the necessary environment for
investment in Nepal.

As a result, the Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse) index was in an upward trend in the review week, rising by 0.34 per cent or 3.96 points.

“The government has created a conducive environment to attract investors in various other sectors but the secondary market still needs the government’s assurance to perform as expected,” said Rajan Lamsal, general secretary of Nepal Investors Forum.

Meanwhile, he said that banks and financial institutions are yet to provide loans to share investors.

Similar to the Nepse index, the sensitive index also went up by 0.42 per cent or 1.02 points to 243.48 points and the float index also inched up by 0.35 per cent or 0.29 point to 83.34 points.

In the review period, weekly turnover increased by 23.89 per cent as compared to the previous week to Rs 1.42 billion. In the previous week the market witnessed turnover of Rs 1.15 billion. However, the daily average turnover descended by Rs 285.7 million, which is a fall of 0.89 per cent in comparison to the previous week when it stood at Rs 288.27 million.

The secondary market had opened at 1,140.6 points on Sunday and went down by 5.81 points by the end of the trading day. However, it reversed course and went up by 3.86 points on Monday. The market continued to rise, going up by 2.06 points on Tuesday and 1.81 points on Wednesday. Similarly, on Thursday too, the secondary bourse went up by 2.01 points to close the week at 1,144.53 points.

In the review week, manufacturing, finance, hotels and microfinance subgroups landed in the red zone. The manufacturing sub-index led the pack of losers going down by 1.09 per cent or 22.29 points to 2,014.65 points. Likewise, the finance subgroup descended by 0.39 per cent or 2.44 points to rest at 615.24 points.

Similarly, hotels sub-index fell by 0.32 per cent or 5.54 points to land at 1,722.52 points and the microfinance sub-index too descended by 0.12 per cent or 1.71 points to 1,384.62 points.

Meanwhile, the life insurance subgroup led the pack of gainers, ascending by 1.26 per cent or 73.95 points to 5,920.97 points. The banking sub-index also expanded by 0.42 per cent or 4.15 points to 989.28 points and others sub-index inched up by 0.40 per cent or 2.88 points to 706.72 points.

Moreover, the hydropower subgroup rose by 0.19 per cent or 2.24 points to 1,158.86 points and non-life insurance subgroup went up by 0.14 per cent or 7.61 points to 5,385.14 points.

Similarly, the development banks subgroup also increased by 0.11 per cent or 1.71 points to 1,451.68 points.

Meanwhile, the trading sub-index did not witness any transaction in the review week to remain at 244.89 points.

In the review week, Asha Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha was the leader in terms of weekly turnover with Rs 482.2 million. It was followed by Shivam
Cements with Rs 256.7 million, Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower with Rs 233.5 million, NMB Bank with Rs 60.2 million and Nepal Life Insurance with Rs 52.5 million.

Meanwhile, Laxmi Bank topped the chart in terms of number of transactions — 1,450. It was followed by Shivam Cements with 253, Upper Tamakoshi with 159, Century Commercial Bank with 136 and MuktinathBikas Bank with 133 transactions.

---

New Listings

Company	Type	Units
Bank of Kathmandu	Bonus	9,902,054
National Micro Bittiya Sanstha	Bonus	305,270.00
Siddhartha Bank	Bonus	4,232,193

Source: Nepse

The post Secondary market up by 3.96 points appeared first on The Himalayan Times.

from The Himalayan Times https://ift.tt/2FM7pPv

Gold, silver prices fall

Kathmandu, March 30

Gold price came down by Rs 700 per tola while the price of silver too fell by Rs 10 a tola over the trading week between March 24 and 29.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association (FeNeGoSiDA), the bullion market opened on Sunday with gold price fixed at Rs 60,400 per tola. However, gold price increased by Rs 200 a tola on Monday to Rs 60,600 per tola. On Tuesday, price of the yellow metal came down by Rs 100 per tola to settle at Rs 60,500 a tola. Similarly, price of gold further dropped by Rs 100 a tola the next day to Rs 60,400 per tola. On Thursday, price of the bullion declined by Rs 100 per tola to Rs 60,300 a tola. Price of gold fell by Rs 600 a tola on Friday to close week’s trading at Rs 59,700 per tola.

Meanwhile, silver price was fixed at Rs 740 per tola on Sunday. Though the price of silver remained constant till Wednesday, its price came down by five rupees per tola on Thursday to Rs 735 a tola. Price of silver plummeted further by five rupees a tola on Friday to close the week’s trading at Rs 730 per tola.

As per Reuters, the price of gold is expected to rise to $1,532 an ounce by October next year, delegates to the London Bullion Market Association’s annual gathering predicted on Tuesday. A poll of delegates at the LBMA conference in Boston also predicted higher prices in a year’s time for silver, platinum and palladium.

“Spot gold has had a difficult few months, falling from a high of $1,366.07 in January to as low as $1,159.96 in August as the dollar strengthened and the US Fed pushed ahead with interest rate rises,” stated Reuters.

The post Gold, silver prices fall appeared first on The Himalayan Times.

from The Himalayan Times https://ift.tt/2uz3MWR

‘Ruling NCP communist only in name’

Bhairahawa, March 30

Nepal Communist Party (Revolutionary-Maoist) General Secretary Mohan Baidhya today commented that ruling Nepal Communist Party was a communist party only in name.

Speaking at a press meet in Butwal, Baidhya argued that the ruling party had abandoned communist ideology, principle and policy. “The ruling party has defamed the whole communist movement and communists all over the world,” Baidhya charged. Baidhya advised NCP co-chairs KP Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal to change the name of their party. “I want them to change their party’s name as they have renounced communist ideology and doctrine”, he added.

In another context, Baidhya ruled out the possibility of his party’s unification with Netra Bikram Chand-led party. “Earlier, we tried to forge unity with Chand-led party. Unification is not possible now,” Baidhya stated.

Baidhya, however, said that the government had made a mistake by banning Netra Bikram Chand-led party. “Banning the Netra Bikram Chand-led party, jailing Resham Chaudhary and signing an agreement with CK Raut show that government is hell-bent on doing wrong things than right,” Baidhya stated.

The post ‘Ruling NCP communist only in name’ appeared first on The Himalayan Times.

from The Himalayan Times https://ift.tt/2JSfuqc

Makawanpur win Gold Cup

Regal Hetauda Resort Makawanpur-XI team members celebrate after winning the second Bhugarbha Cement Martyrs Memorial Makawanpur Gold Cup in Hetauda on Saturday. Photo: THT

Hetauda, March 30

Regal Hetauda Resort Makawanpur-XI defeated Dauphins Family Club 2-1 to win the title of the second Bhugarbha Cement Martyrs Memorial Makawanpur Gold Cup here today.

Yogesh Gurung scored a brace for the home team, while Yannick Owona netted one for the Cameroonian team. With the title, Makawanpur received Rs 800,000, while Dauphins earned Rs 400,000. Hisub Thapaliya of Makawanpur was named the man of the match and he got Rs 10,000.

Owona put the visitors ahead in the fifth minute when he slammed home past Makawanpur goalkeeper Ashok Baral from the d-box. Gurung levelled the scores three minutes later from the spot after Dauphins defender was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the danger zone. Makawanpur earned second penalty of the match in the 81st minute and Gurung did no mistake in converting from the spot.

Makawanpur goalkeeper Baral, who conceded just one goal in the tournament, was declared the best player of the tournament and he received Rs 75,000. Makawanpur also bagged four individual awards — Baral (goalkeeper), Yogesh Gurung (midfielder), Rejin Subba (forward) and Bijay Lal Shrestha (coach). OkoBota of Dauphins was named the best defender. All the best individuals received Rs 20,000 each.

Makawanpur coach Shrestha lauded his players for putting in hard works on their way to winning the title. “We succeeded in our mission only because of the players’ hard work,” he said. Dauphins had come to Nepal to participate in the Nepal Ice Farwest Khaptad Gold Cup in Dhangadhi in December last year and they prolonged their stay and won four titles — Tilittama Gold Cup, Pokhara Cup, Budha Subba Gold Cup and Maivalley Gold Cup — in their maiden tour.

A total of 10 teams took part in the tournament organised by Makawanpur District Football Association. Hetauda Sub-metropolitan City Mayor Hari Bahadur Mahat handed over the prizes to the winners.

The post Makawanpur win Gold Cup appeared first on The Himalayan Times.

from The Himalayan Times https://ift.tt/2OApBhN

Beyonce, ‘Black Panther’ wins at 50th NAACP Image Awards

HOLLYWOOD: Beyonce was named entertainer of the year at the NAACP Image Awards ceremony that highlighted works by entertainers and writers of colour.

After Beyonce accepted the award Saturday night, the superstar paid homage to the people who were nominated in the same category as her. She beat out LeBron James, Regina King, Chadwick Boseman and Ryan Coogler.

“Regina King, I love you so much. You taught us patience, persistence and how to be masterful in your craft,” she said. “Chadwick Boseman is teaching children to dream and to see as kings. LeBron James has taught us the strength of all forms, leading by example and providing education to our kids. Ryan Coogler tells our stories in a way that celebrates out history and proves we do have power.”

Beyonce added: “I’m honored to be included among all of you, and to be a part of a vital and thriving community. Thank you to the NAACP.”

Beyonce released a joint album last year with her husband, Jay-Z, called “Everything is Love.” The prolific singer also paid tribute to historically black colleges and universities, as well as the dance troupes and step teams at HBCUs during her groundbreaking two-hour Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival performance. She also performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” which is known as the national black anthem, at the festival and donated $100,000 to four black universities shortly after her performance.

The awards ceremony aired live on TV One at the Dolby Theatre, the same venue that hosts the Academy Awards.

Jay-Z received the President’s Award for the rapper’s public service achievements through his Shawn Carter Foundation and serving as co-founder of the REFORM Alliance. He executive-produced the documentaries “Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story” and “Time: The Kalief Browder Story,” along with an animated documentary short called “The War on Drugs is an Epic Fail.” That documentary highlighted the unfavorable treatment of black and Latino people when it comes to drug-related crimes.

The rapper quoted Abraham Lincoln after he accepted his award and dedicated his trophy to his 93-year-old grandmother Hattie White, saying: “She’s so full of life.” He also paid homage to the women in his life, including his wife, Beyonce, who smiled while her husband made his speech.

“It’s not the amount of years in your life. It’s the amount of life in your years,” he said. “That quote embodies my beautiful grandmother. She’s so full of life.”

“Black Panther” was awarded for best motion picture. The Marvel blockbuster hit beat out “BlacKkKlansman,” ″Crazy Rich Asians,” ″If Beale Street Could Talk” and “The Hate U Give.”

The superhero film was a box-office hit domestically and a cultural phenomenon. It earned $700 million domestically during it theatrical run.

“Black Panther” won in several other categories, including best actor in a motion picture (Chadwick Boseman), supporting actor in a motion picture (Michael B. Jordan) and directing in a motion picture (Ryan Coogler).

Jussie Smollett, who lost to “Grey’s Anatomy” star Jessie Williams in the outstanding supporting actor in a drama series category, did not attend the awards.

It has been a tumultuous week for the “Empire” star after a felony case against him was dropped in Chicago. The handling of the case, which accused Smollett of falsely reporting to police that he was assaulted by two men in downtown Chicago early January 29, has drawn widespread condemnation.

Actor-comedian Chris Rock took verbal jabs at Smollett before he announced that ABC series “black-ish” won for outstanding comedy series.

“They said no Jussie Smollett jokes,” Rock said. “Yeah, I know, but what a waste of light skin. Do you know what I could do with that light skin? That curly hair, my career would be out of here. I would be running Hollywood. What the hell was he thinking? You are known as ‘Jessie’ for now on. You don’t even get the ‘u’ anymore. That ‘u’ was for respect. You ain’t getting no respect from me.”

In response to Rock’s jokes, “black-ish” star Yara Shahidi made her stance in the Smollett controversy obvious.

“I stand with Jussie,” Shahidi said before she handed the microphone to Marcus Scribner and ducked into her crowd of cast mates including Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross

Anderson returned as host of the show and took home an award for best actor in a comedy series. He opened the awards speaking about “black excellence” in film, hoping his behavior doesn’t get him removed as host and made several jokes including one about Kanye West not being invited to cookouts.

Anderson brought his mother onstage with him onstage and dedicated his award to “the woman who raised me in Watts (California) and pushed me to become an actor.”

“Everything I do on screen is for you momma,” Anderson said of his mother, who clutched his award. He also shouted out US Representive Maxine Waters, who was sitting in the first few rows.

Waters received the NAACP Chairman’s Award for public service. She spoke about young voters taking a stance at the polls, her thoughts on getting rid of the Electoral College and President Donald Trump’s presidency.

“I still think he needs to be impeached,” Waters said of Trump. “This president has defined himself as a liar.”

Glover, who won four Grammys this year, won for his directing on “Atlanta.” On the music side, his alter-ego Childish Gambino’s song “This is America” won for best music video.

The post Beyonce, ‘Black Panther’ wins at 50th NAACP Image Awards appeared first on The Himalayan Times.

from The Himalayan Times https://ift.tt/2FDsgTX

Initiatives taken to set up food depot in Himali Rural Municipality

Bajura, March 30

Initiatives have been taken to establish food depot in the far-flung Himali Rural Municipality in Bajura.

District Food Management Committee, Bajura, held a meeting on Saturday and decided to request the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies and Nepal Food Corporation, Dhangadi to establish the food selling centre at Bichhayan.

Chief District Officer Chet Raj Baral, who is also the District Food Management Committee chair, said they had sent the letter to the ministry to establish the food depot at Ward No 1 of Bichhayan. He said the place was suitable for the locals of Himali Rural Municipality Ward No 1, 2 and 3.

Locals have to spend three to four days to reach the headquarters from the rural municipality that has no access to transportation facility. The villagers of the rural municipality have been reeling under acute shortage of food owing to lack of transport facilities.

Chair of the rural municipality Govinda Bahadur Malla said the rural municipality had been requesting the province and the central government to establish food depot at Bichhayan.  Malla said the area was far from the headquarters and geographically backward. Around 4,000 households reside in Ward No 1, 2, and 3.

Locals have to spend two days to reach the present food depot at Kawadi. Ward No-5 Chair Amma Lal Karki said the people at the rural municipality had been facing food crisis after contractors did not supply the food materials at Kawadi depot on time. He said the locals had been facing the acute shortage of food for the past one month.

READ ALSO:

• Calls for supply centre in remote Bajura village after food crisis worsens

The post Initiatives taken to set up food depot in Himali Rural Municipality appeared first on The Himalayan Times.

from The Himalayan Times https://ift.tt/2OxYm7y

Govt aims to reduce poverty by one-third in three years

Kathmandu, March 30

The government has set a target of reducing poverty by one third in the next three years.

Around 21 per cent population of the country is below the poverty line and the target is to reduce this to 13 per cent by 2022. A draft policy prepared by the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperative and Poverty Alleviation aims to bring down the poor population to five per cent by 2030. The draft was finalised incorporating inputs and suggestions from all concerned agencies of the government.

The policy would come into effect once it is approved from the Council of Ministers. The policy stresses participation of poor and disadvantaged groups in the efforts aimed at reducing poverty, easy and judicious access of poor people to basic needs and adoption of a system based on justice and equity.

Secretary at the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperative and Poverty Alleviation Gopinath Mainali opined that poverty could be reduced only when people’’s purchasing capacity increased.

The post Govt aims to reduce poverty by one-third in three years appeared first on The Himalayan Times.

from The Himalayan Times https://ift.tt/2V5jxjS

Facebook CEO calls for updated internet regulations

WASHINGTON: Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg called on Saturday for regulators to play a “more active role” in establishing rules that govern the internet, as the world’s largest social media network struggles to defuse criticism.

Zuckerberg, whose company is under pressure for failing to adequately police content and protect user privacy on its platform, wrote in a Washington Post article that a “standardized approach” for removing content would help keep internet companies “accountable.”

“By updating the rules for the Internet, we can preserve what’s best about it – the freedom for people to express themselves and for entrepreneurs to build new things – while also protecting society from broader harms,” Zuckerberg wrote.

His comments followed a Washington Post report saying the US government and Facebook were negotiating a multibillion-dollar fine settlement over the company’s privacy lapses.

Zuckerberg also called for updated legislation focused on protecting elections, including new rules aimed at online political advertising that “reflect the reality of the threats” faced by social media companies.

US intelligence and law enforcement agencies say Russian internet trolls helped spread divisive content and disinformation on Facebook in the run-up to the 2016 US presidential election.

The post Facebook CEO calls for updated internet regulations appeared first on The Himalayan Times.

from The Himalayan Times https://ift.tt/2CN6hJx

Students demonstrate against SEE postponement

Students burning tyres as they protest against cancellation of the SEE in Rajbiraj, Saptari, on Saturday, March 30, 2019. Photo: THT

Bara/Janakpurdham, March 30

The government decision to put off the ongoing Secondary Education Examination in Province 2 after the question papers were leaked has angered students who demonstrated against the decision in different parts of the province today.

Tension ran high in Jitpur, Bara, for the entire day following a clash between the police and students. The clash took place when the police tried to end vehicular obstruction created by angry students protesting the postponement of the exam.

Over half a dozen persons, including police, were injured in the clash. Injured students Ramita Chaudhary, Harishankar Gupta and others who could not be treated at local health facilities have been sent to Birgunj for further treatment. Police constable Lalandev Yadav, EK Singh, Niru Shrestha and others who were also injured in the clash are undergoing treatment at local health facilities.

Angry students torched a police jeep and a two-wheeler belonging to Area Police Office,Jitpur. After the demonstrators also attempted to torch other vehicles parked near the area police office, a police team from Nijgadh and the District Police Office had arrived in Jitpur.

DSP Hem Shahi, who led the reinforcement, is also said to be have been injured in the clash. Police had fired bullets in the air and lobbed tear gas shells to take the situation under control.

According to SP Sanuram Bhattarai, the detained students have been kept in the custody of the District Police Office, Bara.

Agitating students in Dhanusha vandalised a vehicle used by Province 2 Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Yogendraraj Yadav, while he was on his way to Birgunj from Janakpur to participate in a meeting of Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal’s sister organisation Socialist Youth Forum. “The students were obstructing the road. As we reached there, some of them started pelting stones at our vehicle. We somehow managed to get out of the place,” said the minister.

Student Ramesh Yadav, who was involved in the demonstration, sought the resignation of Education Minister Girirajmani Pokharel. Janakpur-Dhalkebar road was obstructed for about an hour today due to the students’ agitation.

Demonstrations were also held in different places in Saptari district. While students demonstrated by burning tyres at Gajendra Chowk and Janaandolan Chowk in the district headquarters Rajbiraj, angry students obstructed vehicular movement and demonstrated at various points on the East-west highway, including at Barmajhiya, Kaderbona, Kharchuiya, Kathauna and Kalyanpur.

Meanwhile, a Central Investigation Bureau team that arrived in Janakpur has started its investigation into the question paper leak. According to Dhanusha SP Shekhar Khanal, CIB team today met local journalist Shailendra Mahato, who claimed to be the first person who had seen the leaked question paper on social media.

After the SEE Science and Social Studies papers were leaked on Thursday and Friday, the government had decided to put off the SEE in Province 2 until April 4.

The post Students demonstrate against SEE postponement appeared first on The Himalayan Times.

from The Himalayan Times https://ift.tt/2V9eEWW

PAC forms panels to discuss arrears of ministries, constitutional bodies

Arrears amounting to Rs 290.53 bn yet to be settled

Kathmandu, March 30

Public Accounts Committee of the Federal Parliament has formed eight sub-committees to discuss arrears of the Office of the President, Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Federal Parliament Secretariat, ministries, constitutional bodies and other entities.

According to the PAC, a three- member sub-committee led by lawmaker Dharmashila Chapagain will look into the arrears of the Office of the President, OPMCM, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. A four-member sub-committee headed by lawmaker Rajendra Kumar KC has been assigned to hold discussion on irregular amount of the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Likewise, lawmaker Lekhraj Bhatta has headed a three-member sub-committee for discussion on arrears of the Ministry of Agricultural and Livestock Development, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Ministry of Youth and Sports. Public Service Commission and Judicial Council. A three-member sub-committee led by lawmaker Birodh Khatiwada will see the irregular amount of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens, Ministry of Defence and Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority.

Similarly, lawmaker Hridayash Tripathi will lead a three-member sub-committee to discuss the irregular amount of the Supreme Court, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Ministry of Land Reform, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation and the Office of the Vice-president. The PAC has mandated a three-member sub-committee led by Parbata DC Chaudhary to look into the irregular amount of the National Planning Commission, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Ministry of Forests and Environment, Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration and the Office of the Auditor General.

A three-member sub-committee led by lawmaker Krishna Lal Maharjan has been assigned to discuss the irregular amount of the Election Commission, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Labour and the Office of the Attorney General. Similarly, a three-member sub-committee led by Minendra Prasad Rijal will discuss the irregular amount of the Ministry of Urban Development, Ministry of Water Supply and Sanitation, National Human Rights Commission and Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation.

According to Economic Survey 2017/18 conducted by the Ministry of Finance, total arrears amounting to Rs 290.53 billion of government bodies, public enterprises and other corporate entities, local levels and district coordination committees have yet to be settled up to the fiscal 2016/17.

The post PAC forms panels to discuss arrears of ministries, constitutional bodies appeared first on The Himalayan Times.

from The Himalayan Times https://ift.tt/2OxWGLi

Counting of votes in NBA election likely to begin today

Kathmandu, March 30

Lawyers across the country voted for new office bearers of Nepal Bar Association today.

Out of 10,313 voters, 8,329 voters cast their votes across the country, said NBA Election Officer Shiva Prasad Rijal. He said the counting of votes was likely to begin tomorrow evening when ballot boxes from 36 voting centres across the country would arrive in Kathmandu.

Lawyers voted for the office bearers of their umbrella body from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. In Sarlahi, the voting time was extended till 4:30 pm.

Although eight candidates re vying for the post of NBA president, main rivalry is, however,  expected between the candidates from Nepali Congress affiliated Democratic Lawyers Association and Nepal Communist Party (NCP)-aligned National Lawyers Association.

Candidates for NBA President Advocate Sunil Pokharel represent   Democratic Lawyers Association while Senior Advocate  Chandeshor Shrestha represents National Lawyers Association. Other candidates vying for the NBA presidency include Punya Prasad Khatiwada, Birat Kumar Neupane, Krishna Prasad Sharma, Ram Prasad Prajapati, Toyanath Dhungana and Gajendra Bahadur Thapa.

Today’s elections will  elect 24 office bearers of the lawyers umbrella association, including one president, seven vice presidents — one in each province — one general secretary, one treasurer, one Dalit member, two Madhesi-Muslim members, two indigenous nationalities, two women, six from open category and one from outside Kathmandu valley.

The post Counting of votes in NBA election likely to begin today appeared first on The Himalayan Times.

from The Himalayan Times https://ift.tt/2FKrm9m

Minister Pokhrel pledges to contribute 10,000 troops to UN peacekeeping mission

Kathmandu, March 30

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ishwar Pokhrel addressed the ‘UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference on Uniformed Capabilities, Performance and Protection’ as the leader of Nepali delegation at the UN Headquarters in New York today.

Highlighting Nepal’s 61 years of partnership with the UN on peacekeeping operations, he reiterated Nepal’s commitment to contributing up to 10,000 troops upon request of the United Nations. Pokhrel pledged an Infantry Battalion, a Force Protection Company, two Formed Police Units, individual police officers, and staff and military observers in the Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System  for the year 2019-20.

Minister Pokhrel also pledged a special force company at the Rapid Deployment Level of the PCRS, stated a press release issued by the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations in New York.

He stressed the need for a renewed focus on substantive and sustained capacity building efforts for the improvement of peacekeepers’ performance. “Nepal is ready to offer training opportunities and provide its Training Centre’s facilities, administrative support and instructors for any capacity building efforts in future,” he stated.

He underscored that Nepal had already met the UN targets with regard to the participation of female peacekeepers as Staff Officers, Military Observers and Individual Police Officers. He also called for more representation from troops and police contributing countries at the senior-level leadership positions, both at the UN headquarters and in the field missions.

Meanwhile, Pokhrel attended a luncheon reception hosted by the UN Secretary-General in honour of the visiting ministers and heads of delegation participating in the Conference. Later in the evening, he attended a dinner reception hosted in his honour by Ambassador/Permanent Representative AmritBahadurRai at the latter’s official residence.

Nepali delegation participating in the Conference also included Ambassador/ Permanent Representative Rai and
officials from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nepal Army as well as the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the UN.

The post Minister Pokhrel pledges to contribute 10,000 troops to UN peacekeeping mission appeared first on The Himalayan Times.

from The Himalayan Times https://ift.tt/2TKMIak

Anger on social media as vehicle escorting ex-PM hits scooter

Kathmandu, March 30

People have expressed anger on social media after a video that shows a police van escorting former prime minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand hit a two-wheeler in an attempt  to overtake it from wrong-side yesterday evening went viral.

In the video, a white four-wheeler of former PM Chand is seen speeding past the some two-wheelers on Babarmahal-Baneshwor road segment. The vehicle is followed by the escorting vehicle of Armed Police Force’s four-wheeler (Ba 1 Jha 9527). The vehicle carrying Chand overtakes the motorbike, but the escorting vehicle hits a scooter while it tries to overtake from the wrong side.

However, the escorting vehicle did not stop even as the bike was laying flat on the road.

Luckily, the biker rider and the pillion rider did not suffer serious injuries. Spokesperson for APF Deputy Inspector General Suraj Kumar Shrestha said they had started investigation into the incident and action would be taken against the guilty.

Similar promise was made by Superintendent of Police Jay Raj Sapkota of Metropolitan Traffic Police Division.

“We have sent a letter to APF to provide the details of AFP personnel deployed to escort the former PM.

Meanwhile, the rider of the motorbike Santosh Kunwar has visited the former prime minister Chand at the latter’s residence. Kunwar said former PM talked to him for some time and said that he was compensate him.

The post Anger on social media as vehicle escorting ex-PM hits scooter appeared first on The Himalayan Times.

from The Himalayan Times https://ift.tt/2V2NelE

North Korea says embassy raid in Spain was a ‘grave terrorist attack’

SEOUL: A break-in at the North Korean embassy in Spain last month was “a grave terrorist attack”, a representative from North Korea’s foreign ministry said on Sunday in the North’s first official comment on the incident.

The foreign ministry representative also called for an investigation and said North Korea was closely watching rumors that the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and an anti-North Korea group were behind the raid.

However, North Korea stopped short of blaming Washington directly for the raid and asked Spanish authorities to conduct the investigation in a responsible manner.

“We will wait for the result in patience,” the North’s state-run KCNA news agency quoted the representative as saying.

A mysterious dissident group accused of breaking into the North’s embassy in Madrid last month said on Thursday it was temporarily suspending operations. That came after a Spanish judge issued international arrest warrants for two suspects Spanish authorities say fled to the United States.

The group has claimed the United States betrayed its trust after members approached the FBI.

KCNA said an armed group assaulted its embassy in Spain and bound, beat and tortured embassy staff and stole communication equipment.

“An illegal intrusion into and occupation of a diplomatic mission and act of theft are a grave breach of state sovereignty and a flagrant violation of international law, and this kind of act should never be tolerated over the globe,” the North’s foreign ministry representative said.

The post North Korea says embassy raid in Spain was a ‘grave terrorist attack’ appeared first on The Himalayan Times.

from The Himalayan Times https://ift.tt/2OzxTXm

Nepal-India folk crafts festival under way

Kathmandu, March 30

Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara remarked that people-to-people relations between Nepal and India was better than the relations between the two neighbours at the political level.

“People-to-people relations contribute to strengthen relations between the two countries at all times,” Mahara said at the inauguration of  Nepal-India Folk Crafts Festival initiated by South Asia Foundation and South Asia Foundation-Nepal.

Minister of Industry, Commerce and Supply MatrikaYadav said, “We are holding the Nepal Investment Summit, which is a historical event,” he said.

Minister of Forest and Environment Shakti Bahadur Basnet said such events fostered goodwill among the peoples of the two countries..

Indian Ambassador to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri also attended the programme.

According to the organiser, the festival aimed to promote bilateral relations and cultural exchange between India and Nepal. The festival will last till April 3 at Thamel.

“This exceptional five-day exhibition of exclusive artefacts developed by artisans of India as well as Nepal. In addition to exhibition, there will be live demonstrations by master craftsmen,” said Rahul Barua Chief of South Asia Foundation.

“Cross-cultural festival like this is an ideal opportunity for effective tie-up and comprehensive collaboration between Nepal and India for a larger cooperation in the field of arts and crafts, thus providing a platform to artisans to exchange ideas and promote trade collaboration between the two countries,” he said.

The post Nepal-India folk crafts festival under way appeared first on The Himalayan Times.

from The Himalayan Times https://ift.tt/2UjY5dN

Question papers not leaked from Saptari: Probe panel

Rajbiraj, March 30

A four-member probe committee formed by the Saptari District Administration Office to investigate leakage of question papers of Science and Social Studies today concluded that the papers were not leaked from the district.

The probe committee formed three days ago made public its report at an interaction programme held at District Police Office, Saptari, in the presence of chairs of exam centres. Education Development and Coordination Committee Officer ChhabiKhadka, Inspector Guru Prasad Timsina, National Investigation Department’s assistant chief MukeshYadav and APF ASI SanjuKhatri were members of the committee.

Making the report public, Chief District Officer SurendraPoudel claimed that the probe team had investigated all 17 areas and 34 exam centres and concluded that test papers were not leaked from the district.

CDO Poudel, who is also the Exam Coordination Committee Coordinator, said they had carried out minute investigation into test papers, their seal and other processes.

He urged all and sundry not to run after rumours. “Efforts are being made to defame DAO and the locals of Saptari. Thus, all of us have to be careful and cautious to stop this,” Poudel added.

SP RajendraBista said that some elements were trying to instigate tensed SEE students after the cancellation of their exams to disturb peace and harmony.

“Some forces are hell-bent on provoking students to vandalize and stage chakkajam”, said SP Bista. Five police personnel were injured in the vandalism. He said that police had maintained restrain and urged students to maintain restrain too.

In the wake of leakage of test papers, a team from Province Police Bureau and Nepal Police’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has arrived for the investigation into the test papers leakage in Rajbiraj. The team has started its work with support from IT experts, said CDO Poudel.

The post Question papers not leaked from Saptari: Probe panel appeared first on The Himalayan Times.

from The Himalayan Times https://ift.tt/2I6zzXj

CIB probe likely to hit snag

Kathmandu, March 30

Police said the chances of tracing the person(s) responsible for leaking question papers of Province 2 Secondary Education Examinations were very slim.

The Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police, which formed two probe panels — one in Kathmandu and the other in Province 2 — to investigate question papers leak, admitted that it had become an uphill task for police to track down the culprits as the question papers were circulated on social networking sites.

“Due to lack of experts, lack of advanced technology to retrieve information about internet users and other technical issues related with social media, it is almost impossible to reach to identify the person who first uploaded the question papers on social sites,” shared Spokesperson for CIB SP Uma Prasad Chaturbedi.

The question papers were circulated on WhatsApp, Viber, Facebook and Imo.

SP Chaturbedi said CIB was required to make a request in writing to the headquarters of all those social networking sites in order to get the details of the people uploading question papers. “Headquarters of different social media sites are in different countries and we don’t have direct access to them,” he added.

Province 2 has not started any investigation into the case. “We don’t have enough resource to investigate. We are dependent on the investigation of CIB. We will take action only after CIB submits its report,” shared ArunJha, one of the members of probe committee formed by Province 2 government.

Meanwhile, National Private and Boarding School’s Organisation Nepal has requested the government to punish those who are responsible for the question paper leak.

President of N-PABSON Ritu Raj Sapkota said students of Province 2 should not victimised. She also said the government should ensure that the results of all the provinces would be declared on same date even though there would be some delay in concluding exams in Province 2.

The post CIB probe likely to hit snag appeared first on The Himalayan Times.

from The Himalayan Times https://ift.tt/2V7seKD

‘Advertisement bill curtails press freedom, violates open market policy’

Kathmandu, March 30

Critics say the Advertisement (Regulation) Bill which was recently endorsed by the National Assembly and forwarded to the House of Representatives for approval will curtail freedom of expression if it is enacted into law.

They say the bill’s provisions are against the spirit of open market economy and open competition as they allow the government to control information in the name of regulating advertisement through the advertisement board.

The NA has passed a bill that stipulates that the Advertisement Board will check the contents of advertisements and public service announcement. It also says that the board will distribute government advertisements to media houses proportionally.

The bill also states that publishers and owners of media outlets — both print and electronic — should be held responsible for the contents of advertisement.

Critics say the bill will allow media outlets close to the Advertisement Board to get government advertisements and announcements related to public interests in the name of proportional distribution of government advertisements.

As per the bill’s provision, government agencies can place advertisements in media outlets only after the Advertisement Board okays them.

Though the bill was discussed in the relevant panel before the NA passed it, the bill contained some controversial provisions, which the NA did not rectify. It is yet to be seen whether the HoR makes an effort to remove controversial provisions or passes the same contents okayed by the NA.

Taranath Dahal, executive director of Freedom Forum, an NGO working in the field of right to information, said the bill was brought to govern the process of advertisement, but it wrongly incorporated provisions that would give the government the unfair advantage of control over the media.

Dahal said the bill was brought basically to maintain the beauty of cities by controlling hoarding boards, to regulate clean feed policy in advertisements and to ensure proportional distribution of advertisement, but there was no need to bring this bill as these issues had already been addressed by other laws.

Dahal said instead of focusing on some key aspects, the bill tried to control media outlets through advertisements.

“As far as advertisement issues are concerned, we have a separate consumer law that also governs the process of advertisement and there are tax laws to deal with taxes on the earnings gained through advertisement. Municipal laws also govern the process of hoarding boards and other similar things. Provisions of penal code are enough to punish those who violate advertisement rules,” Dahal argued. He also said that if any error was seen in an advertisement, the editor of the media would also be prosecuted under the new bill. “How can an editor be expected to check errors in advertisements. How is that possible?” He wondered.

He said the bill proposed that clean feed policy would be implemented, but enactment of the bill might not guarantee that as the bill stipulates that such a policy would apply from the date the government issued public notification through the gazette.

Economist Posh Raj Pandey said there should be proper criteria for distributing advertisements to media outlets. “This bill can be used to serve the government’s interest as government advertisements won’t be given to those media houses that do not support it,” he said, adding that the regulations the Advertisement Board would frame later should ensure free market policies. “We are yet to see how the board will strike a balance. Will it give government adverts to all media outlets proportionally or will it take into account the reach or the subscription of media outlets?” He wondered.

NA lawmaker Radheshyam Adhikari said one purpose of the bill was to distribute government advertisements proportionally, but media should have their independent revenue source and they should not be grateful to the government for receiving its advertisements. He also said the Advertisement Board may favour some media and discriminate against others.

The post ‘Advertisement bill curtails press freedom, violates open market policy’ appeared first on The Himalayan Times.

from The Himalayan Times https://ift.tt/2CLCwZT