Day: May 21, 2024

Kathmandu: Australia's ambassador to Nepal, Felicity Volk, today visited the 'Seep Mela' (skills fair) underway at the local Tundikhel. The event organised by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is themed 'Growth in Employment and Income: Prosperity of Kathmandu'. During the inspection, the ambassador inquired about the curriculum of skills training being provided at the fair, the learning process, event-labour market relations, partnerships, and post-fair activities. On the occasion, Kathmandu Metropolis Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol apprised the ambassador that the fair aims to allocate equal opportunities to all the participants and explore and enhance their vocational skills. In the end, a two-day employment fair will be organised to provide jobs to the trainees and encourage them to seek self-employment, according to her. Practical classes ranging from plumbing to cutting to cooking are available during the one-long fair. The local government targets to train 2,081 people in the fair. She apprised t hat practical sessions in the training have turned out to be beneficial for the participants, she said. The participants of a mason class have already learnt about building a house, she said. The fair underway since May 1 is supported by the Federation of Professional Training and Employment of Nepal. It has been organised under the KMC's Pride Project. The organisers have planned to impart practical training on 36 professions from 10 sectors during the fair. People aged 18-58 participate in it. KMC Office Chief Administrative Officer Pradeep Pariyar said through the fair, the local government aims to connect the unemployed with labour markets and employment. Local, people from the garbage-affected sites and women are encouraged to take the training. Source: National News Agency RSS

DHAKA, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today sought cooperation from Australia to boost agriculture production as Australia has technological expertise in this sector. "We need to increase our production. Because our land is decreasing and population is going up. Australia can help us in this regard as Australia is very advanced in agricultural technology," she said. The premier said this while Australian Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong paid a courtesy call on her at her official residence Ganabhaban this afternoon. She also mentioned that Bangladesh has achieved a marked progress in agricultural production by increasing its manifold in the last 15 years, but Australia can help Bangladesh boost its production further. Prime Minister's Speech Writer Md Nazrul Islam briefed newsmen after the meeting. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: The government is all set to hold the 'international expert dialogue on mountains, people and climate' in the federal capital for two days- May 22-23. The line ministry has informed that preparations for the event were almost over. The dialogue kicks off, coinciding with the International Day for Biodiversity. Every year, the day is observed on May 22 across the globe. The slogan for this year is: 'Be part of the plan'. Here, the 'plan' indicates the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which in short is mentioned as Biodiversity Plan. According to the UN Water, the theme this year is a callout for collaborative initiatives of all sides so that they could slow and undo the loss of biodiversity. Similarly, the title of the international dialogue Nepal is holding itself speaks in volume that mountain is the region in which Nepal has suffered much owing to climate change. The national and international documents have written the upsetting tales of the Nepali mountains, warranting urgency for justice. Cry for help It is worth reminding that UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, had made a clarion call during the last global climate summit, COP-28,held in the UAE that Nepal was desperately waiting for assistance to rescue its majestic mountains from the climate scourge. "Nepal's mountains are crying out for help and COP28 must respond," said the global leader, sharing his experience of visiting Nepal on the run-up to the event in October 2023. Moreover, the stories of drying up of water sources irrespective of geography have frequented in media of late. Other erratic weather events as flashfloods, downpours, unseasonal rains, receding of snow, and migration of people owing to drying up of water sources, among others are also reported- though not in much investigative way. The international dialogue is being held with these appalling developments in the country. Drought be a top agenda In this regard, this scribe approached a watershed expert Madhukar Upadhya to know what the dialogue s hould focus on. Referring to a recent report 'National Climate Change Survey' unveiled by the National Statistics Office, Upadhya said, "Drought must be the top agenda of this dialogue, for Nepal's hills and mountains are drying up rapidly. Unless Nepal heeds drought as a major impact of climate crisis, we are to lose in multiple fronts." He added it was dreadful to know that in the survey, 57 percent respondents in hilly region said the streams dried while 90 percent shared similar plight in the mountains. He viewed it a stark reminder how the government should move ahead to cope with climate crises. Balanced approach essential As Nepal is yearning for development and economic progress for long, it has equally underlined the need of more constructions, energy production and expansion, transport, and promotion of tourism destinations, among others. For these to happen, there is obvious use of natural resources. Whether it is environmental or the climate concern, the development approach needs clear balanc e so that we can forward construction activities with minimum damages. At a time when pride on our majestic peaks, the convenience we create for road transportation to reach base of these peaks can be analysed in both perspectives. For example, on May 20, the Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) had disseminated a news story that Rs 25 million rupees was collected in revenue from Manaslu region in the last nine months of the current fiscal year. It was collected from the visitors as entry fee to the Manaslu Conservation Area, which is located in the northern belt of Gorkha district. Similarly, another story read that over 10,000 tourists reached the Rara Lake in the last 10 months. Among them, 10,341 were domestic tourists, 43 from SAARC nations and 195 from rest of the world. These two stories are indeed matter of celebration, for they contribute to our tourism and ultimately to the national income. At the same time, these incidents deserve equal attention whether the concerned governments are aware of the impa ct on biodiversity. The haphazard road constructions for new tourist destinations can be checked on time. Also the construction of mega projects and their adherence to code of environmental protection are unforgettable points. Climate actions with indigenous knowledge In addition to leveraging climate diplomacy citing resource crunch at home, local initiatives cannot be subsided at all. The localization of climate action is therefore an urgency in Nepal. But sheer dearth of capable human resources at local and sub-national levels is worrying concern. The capable human resources are those who understand well the climate crisis and its impacts, measure loss and damage, prepare policy and plans; and execute programmes in an effective manner. At a time when the regular staffs required for province and local levels are in short supply in Nepal, how it will manage the capable human resources is also a point to ponder. The federal set up is often lauded as the governance that reaches people's doorstep through loc al levels. Of course, the local governments have numerous responsibilities and are better placed to understand the climate vulnerabilities, so their capacity building to cope with climate catastrophe is imperative. The capacity building should be linked to harnessing of indigenous knowledge. According to expert Upadhyay, harnessing traditional knowledge and skills can mitigate impact of climate crisis. "Why don't we set up hundreds of ponds in the villages that not only recharge soil but also help keep intact local ecosystem and fulfill daily needs," he viewed, arguing that it will be too late for Nepal to wait for money from the international funds to rescue needy ones. "Importantly, we should be cognizant that donor-driven approach is a short term solution. So, as reports have indicated broader national approach is required that builds capacity of entire populace in the hills and mountains and ensures robust stewardship of water, land and forest upkeep." Ensure effective governance Another concern is no n-implementation of policies and plans. When Nepal begs for financial and technical assistances from global community to cope with climate crises, its capacity to spend budget must be elevated. If we are eligible to receive fund from international community for climate mitigation and adaption, but fail to utilize the fund, it not only shows our inability but also erodes international image. The budget spending capacity in relation to climate activities counts much for effective climate action. In order for effective mobilization of such funds, bureaucratic governance and political willpower should work in tandem. As the government is set to make the mountain menace visible to the world again, it can also showcase how it forwards climate actions. Source: National News Agency RSS

MANIKGANJ, Farmers in the district are very happy as they achieved bumper maize production due to the availability of quality agri-inputs in time and favourable weather. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, farmers cultivated maize on 17,032 hectares of land, exceeding the fixed target of 17,020 hectares. Maize cultivation is gaining popularity day by day in all seven upazilas of the district. The target of cultivation is exceeded every year. Particularly, maize is being cultivated on a large scale on char land. Maize is now one of the highest cultivated cash crops in the district. The easy cultivation process, less irrigation, and high demand in the markets are the main reasons for the popularity of maize cultivation, the DAE sources added. The multipurpose use of maize is also one of the reasons behind maize cultivation. The maize is sold in the market year-round. The green leaves of maize are used as cattle fodder. The sticks of maize are also used as firewood in rural areas. Mohamm ad Ali, one of the maize cultivators in Shridharnagar village under Ghiorupazila, said he has cultivated maize on five bighas of land this year. After harvesting maize for the first time, he is now willing to cultivate maize on the same land for the second time. Most of the maize cultivators, like Mohammad Ali, cultivate maize twice on the same land. The farmers are getting maximum production and reasonable market prices for their products. Now each mound of maize is being sold for Taka 1,000 to 1,100 in the market. Deputy Director of DAE Abu Mohammad EnayetUllah said the cultivation of maize is gaining popularity in the district due to its multipurpose uses and the demand for the crop throughout the year. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Discussion would be held on government's policies and programmes for coming fiscal year in the House of Representatives on May 24. In today's meeting of the House of Representatives, Speaker Devraj Ghimire shared that May 24 has been determined to hold discussion on the government's policies and programmes for fiscal year 2024/25 and the Prime Minister would respond the queries. Sharing that discussion would be held on the policies and programmes on the basis of representatives of political parties, he urged the office-bearers of the concerned political parties to provide name of lawmakers putting forth their views on the policies and programmes at the House business section before start of the meeting. Similarly, those lawmakers willing to register amendment proposal on the policies and programmes should provide the information at the business section from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on May 22. President Ramchandra Paudel had presented the government's policies and programmes for coming fiscal year in the joint session of the Federal Parliament on May 14. Source: National News Agency RSS

DHAKA, Foreign minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud today said that the US sanction on former Bangladesh army Chief General (retd) Aziz Ahmed is not under the US '3C' visa policy which was announced by Washington to help Dhaka holding free, fair, and peaceful national polls. 'US did not impose visa restriction on him (Aziz) under the US visa policy (3c) which was announced before the election. They made the decision against him under a different policy,' he said. The foreign minister explained that the US visa policy, which was announced for Bangladeshi nationals before the January 7 election, is under Section 212(a)(3)(C)('3C')of the Immigration and Nationality Act, but Washington imposed visa restriction on General (retd) Aziz under Section 7031(c) of the annual Department of State, Foreign operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. Dr Hasan was speaking at 'Meet the Reporters' event organized by the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) at its auditorium in the capital. DRU President Syed Shukur Ali Shuvo chaire d the event while its general secretary Mohi Uddin moderated. The foreign minister said the US authority had beforehand informed the Bangladesh mission in Washington about the decision against the former Army chief. He said that the Bangladesh government has taken a zero tolerance policy against corruption as actions have been taken against some Awami League leaders in this regard. Hasan said Bangladesh remains engaged with the US and working together on combating corruption, terrorism, human trafficking and other issues. Talking about US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Donald Lu's recent visit to Bangladesh, the foreign minister said that the US high official visited here with a 'positive note'. He said Lu stated that the US wants advancement of the relationship with Bangladesh putting aside the issues which created confusion in Dhaka-Washington tie. "We (Bangladesh) think the same way as the US and we are also working in this regard," Hasan added. Responding to a query on misq uoting him during a recent US state department briefing, the foreign minister said, "I talked to the press based on facts and what is true". "Someone is there (at State Department) who used to work for Khaleda Zia's press wing. He is paid by BNP. He asks questions purposefully to try and get negative answers about Bangladesh. He asks questions intentionally," he said. Hasan was referring to Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, former assistant press secretary to the then Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. While briefing media after his meeting with Donald Lu in Dhaka last week on the GSP issue, the foreign minister actually said, the US wants to help Bangladesh get it back when the programme is reintroduced. Hasan said, Bangladesh and the US are working on the labour front to further improve the overall conditions in line with the US desire. Regarding ongoing conflict in Middle East, the foreign minister said Dhaka welcomed the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor's appeal against Israel for committing war crimes in Gaza. This plea of the prosecutor at the ICC reflected the world's community's emotion and demand on the crimes against humanity, he said. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: The Ordinance to Amend Some of Nepal Acts for investment facilitation-2081 BS has been presented in the House of Representatives (HoR) today. The Ordinance aims to facilitate the atmosphere for investment through amendments to some acts of Nepal and was presented to the HoR session by the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, before the session. While presenting the Ordinance, Minister Bhandari said the Ordinance for investment facilitation had been issued to make policy and legal reforms in the course of the Nepal Investment Summit that was held on April 28-29. As he said, at that time the House was not in session and the acts were revised by the Ordinance. It allows the registration of startup industries, the extension of the term of operations of industries by further clarifying the matter of handover of foreign investment technology, mentioning facilities for industries remaining in the special economic zones, and so on. Source: National News Agency RSS

RAJSHAHI, Generating public awareness about the aspects of meditation is very significant as it is a great way to take time out from a busy life. The breathing exercises conducted while meditating can reduce blood pressure and lower stress levels, calming the mind and giving the body time to recover from periods of prolonged stress. Health and meditation experts made the observation while conducting meditation sessions intensively at Lalon Shah Open Stage here today to mark the world meditation day-2024. Local unit of quantum foundation arranged the sessions to create public awareness on the issue. Large number of people, including students, irrespective of age and gender joined the sessions. Among others, Prof Mostofa Kamal and Prof Shahidul Alam from Rajshahi University, Prof Monzurul Haque from Barind Medical College, Associate Professor Masudul Haque Sidduqi from Rajshahi College and Saidul Islam from Technical Training Centre conducted the sessions. This year, the day was observed with the main th eme "Boosting mood and well-being". The theme serves as a reminder of the importance of taking care of our mental and emotional health through the practice of meditation. Prof Mostofa Kamal said regular meditation practice can be the best way of leading a stress-free public life as it inspires people with new strength and motivation. Across the world, anxiety remains one of the leading mental health conditions. Although in severe cases doctors may prescribe medication to help people with their anxiety, they often tend to try a more holistic approach first. Prof Kamal, who has been engaged in meditation for long, said meditation is one of the most common holistic ways to treat the symptoms of anxiety, helping individuals to slow their heart rate, control harmful thoughts and prevent anxiety episodes. Prof Manzurul Haque said regular meditation practice is very important for mental happiness coupled with generating self-confidence and courage in human beings. It can also bring joy and peace in body and min d and its practice is very much significant to keep the body disease-free and workable. He also said meditation plays an important role towards maintaining connection between body and mind. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Today's meeting of the House of Representatives has thanked President Ramchandra Paudel for his address to the joint session of the Federal Parliament. The HoR meeting unanimously passed the proposal of vote of thanks to the President for reading out the government's policies and programmes in the joint session of the Federal Parliament on May 14. Speaker Devraj Ghimire presented the motion of thanks in the meeting. "In accordance with Article 95 of the Constitution, this meeting of the House of Representatives extends vote of thanks to the President for his address to the joint session of the Federal Parliament on May 14", reads the proposal. After the President's address, there was an agenda of presenting a proposal related to vote of thanks from the HoR, it was continuously affected due to NC's obstruction. Earlier in the meeting, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' had tabled the copy of the President's address to the joint session of the Federal Parliament. The vote of thanks was passed amidst protest and slogans of the main opposition party, NC. Source: National News Agency RSS

DHAKA, The government will hand over houses to 20,000 homeless people in the country in June next in rest of the 5th phase under the Asrayan-2 project. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) today approved a proposal to follow the Direct Procurement Method (DPM) to hold the formal handover operations programme for rehabilitating the landless and homeless people under the Ashrayan-2 project. Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali presided over the 9th meeting of the CCEA this year held today at the Cabinet Division conference room at Bangladesh Secretariat. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Cabinet Division Secretary (Coordination and Reforms) Md Mahmudul Hossain Khan informed that so far some 24,520 landless and homeless people have already been handed over houses under the initiative. He informed that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is likely to inaugurate the handing over of the houses. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Major opposition Nepali Congress (NC) continued its obstructions in the House today, too. The NC is protesting in the parliament demanding the formation of a parliamentary committee to probe the alleged misappropriation of the cooperative funds by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs, Rabi Lamichhane. Once today's session of the House of Representatives (HoR) commenced, NC lawmaker Badri Pandey announced the party won't let the House run until the committee is formed with an agreement regarding its Terms of Reference. "The NC remains steadfast in its position until the situation is enabled for returning the savings to depositors." Home Minister Lamichhane is accused of embezzling a large funds of the cooperative when he was the managing director of the Gorkha Media and other people have been also accused of their involvement in such misappropriations lately, he said. Source: National News Agency RSS