Day: May 26, 2024

Kathmandu: The government's policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year 2081-82 BS (2024-25) have been endorsed. A meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) today endorsed a proposal put forth by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' seeking the endorsement of the policies and programmes. The Prime Minister proposed to the lower house to initiate discussions on the policies and the programmes for the fiscal year 2081-82 BS (2024-25) presented by the President before the joint sitting of both houses of the Federal Parliament on Tuesday, May 14. Before the session passed the proposal, the Prime Minister responded to queries raised during the discussions on the fresh policies and programmes. The lower house shall meet again at 4:00 pm on May 28. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Under the peripheral effect of the severe cyclone, gusty or squally wind with rain is continuing over coastal regions of Bangladesh, a latest weather bulletin of Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) said this evening. The severe cyclonic storm "Remal" over northwest Bay and adjoining area moved northwards over the same area and was centred at 3 pm today (May 26, 2024). It is about 325 kms southwest of Chattogram port, 310 kms Southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 200 kms south of Mongla port and 180 kms south of Payra port, the bulletin added. It is likely to move in a northerly direction and may cross Sagar Island (West Bengal)-Khepupara coast near Mongla by 3-4 hrs from 06 pm today (May 6) after crossing the center of severe cyclonic storm. Rest part of the system may continue to cross. Maximum sustained wind speed within 64 km of the severe cyclone centre is about 90 kph rising to 120 in gusts/squalls. Sea will remain high near the severe cyclone centre maritime ports of Payra and Mongla have been advise d to keep hoisted great danger signal ten. The coastal districts of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagherhat, Pirojpur, Jhalokhati, Borguna Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali and their offshore islands and chars will come under great danger signal no. ten maritime port of Cox's Bazar and Chattogram have been advised to keep hoisted great danger signal no. nine (r) nine The coastal district of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Feni, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Chandpur and their offshore islands and chars will come under great danger signal no. nine (r) nine. River ports of the districts of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagherhat, Pirojpur, Jhalokhati, Borguna, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Chattogram, Cox's Bazar have been advised to lower riverine danger signal no three but instead hoist riverine great danger signal no four four. Under the peripheral effect of the severe cyclone and steep pressure gradient, the low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagherhat, Pirojpur, Jhalokhati, Borguna, Bari shal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Chattogram, Cox's Bazar and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by wind driven surge of 8-12 feet height above normal astronomical tide under the influence of the cyclone Rajshahi, Rangfur, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna. Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions are likely to be experienced of heavy (44-88 mm) to very heavy rainfall (289 mm) with gusty/squally wind. Due to very heavy rainfall landslide may occur at places over the hilly regions of Cox's Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachari And Chattogram. All fishing boats and trawllers over north bay and deep sea have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun has tabled the Economic Survey of Fiscal Year 2023/24 in the meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) today. He presented the Economic Survey after Speaker Devraj Ghimire granted him permission for the same amidst the protest and sloganeering by the main opposition party, the Nepali Congress. "The overall economic, social, sector-wise development and good governance of the federal, provincial and local levels during the entire period of the last fiscal year and up to eight months of the current FY has been reflected and analyzed," he said. Noting that the country's economic and social indicators have gradually improved, Finance Minister Pun said it is estimated the nation's economy will expand by 3.9 per cent owing to the growth in the agriculture and service sectors despite the contraction in the productive sector and the production in the industry and construction sectors. He said it is estimated that province-wise, the economic growth rate of Gandaki, Bagm ati and Lumbini is estimated to remain above the national average and the total investment is likely to increase by 2.8 per cent and reach Rs 1741 billion and 480 million in the current fiscal year. "It is estimated that the per capita income will reach 1,456 US dollars. The average consumer price inflation is 6.08 per cent until Phagun (March 13, 2024) of the current fiscal year. There is gradual improvement in the revenue mobilization," he added. Informing the House that the revenue collection of the federal government until the month of Phagun of the current FY has increased by 9.7 per cent and reached Rs 639 billion and 50 million, Finance Minister Pun said the federal expenditure increased by 2.9 per cent to reach Rs 801 billion and 580 million during this period. "The total public debt has reached Rs 2388 billion and 260 million until Phagun, 2080 BS. Of the total debt, domestic debt is 49.6 per cent and external debt 50.4 per cent. In the FY 2079/80 BS (2022/23), the provincial and local levels rece ived Rs 517 billion and 620 million, including Rs 397 billion and 260 million through the fiscal transfer from the federal level and Rs 120 billion and 260 million through revenue allocation," Minister Pun further added. Reiterating that the fiscal sector is gradually improving, he said there is adequate liquidity in the banking system and the interest rate of loans and deposits is decreasing. He informed the parliament that the loan disbursement towards the private sector as of Phagun of the current FY has increased by 5.6 per cent. The Finance Minister said the per bank branch population has reached 2,515 with the expansion of the network of banks and financial institutions, of the transactions carried out through electronic means and the promotion of financial literacy. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Philippine troops have killed a suspected militant in a clash in Maguindanao del Sur province in the southern Philippines, the Philippine Army said on Sunday. In a report, the Army said that the alleged Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) militant was killed early Saturday morning after a five-minute clash in the village in Datu Salibo town following a tip from the villagers about the militants' presence in the area. Troops seized a 45 caliber pistol and explosives from the clashed site, read the report. The BIFF, a small armed group aligned with the Islamic State group, is blamed for bombings and other atrocities in the Central Mindanao region in the southern Philippines. The group broke off from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front when the latter agreed to negotiate a peace pact with the government in 2014. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: CPN (UML) vice chair and former Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel has opined that the government's policies and programmes will open the right track to forward the derailed development projects in the country. Speaking in a meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR), scheduled for discussions on the government's policies and programmes today, lawmaker Poudel argued that the policies and programmes have brought positive vibes dissecting the pessimism surfaced in the country. "The policies and programmes are guided to advance the pace of physical and human development of the country. He said, "It has given high importance to the protection of national self-esteem, and a partnership programme has been introduced for the growth of production and employment together." The opposition party has been disrupting the meeting of the House by demanding the formation of a parliamentary probe committee over cooperatives' fund embezzlement issue. However, according to the constitutional provisions, since the budget is presented on the 15th of Jestha every year, there is a situation that policies and programmes should be passed before the date. Source: National News Agency Nepal

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today witnessed the draft copy of the documentary titled "Mujib in Calcutta" made projecting the Kolkata part of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's life. She reviewed the draft documentary at her official residence Ganabhaban here in the morning. Kolkata city had a great role in the life of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as he had spent four years there from 1942 when he studied in Islamia College (later renamed Maulana Azad College). The documentary titled "Mujib in Calcutta" has been produced by Indian acclaimed film director Goutam Ghose. PM's Deputy Press Secretary KM Shakhawat Moon said the prime minister reviewed the documentary "Mujib in Calcutta" and gave her opinion and necessary instructions to those who are involved in its production. The study of Bangabandhu in Islamia College in Kolkata, his days in Bekar Hostel, his involvement in the Calcutta University student movement, his night in Alimuddin Street, walk around the park, his charismat ic speech at Brigade Maidan and many more such things have been projected in the documentary by Goutam Ghose. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: Lawmaker Gyan Bahadur Shahi has said that the political parties should have the same voice whether while in the ruling side or in the opposition. Shahi, who is also the spokesman of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), said this while speaking in the House of Representatives (HoR)'s meeting today after Speaker Devraj Ghimire gave him permission to put views on behalf the opposition parties. He stressed on taking action against those involved in the misappropriation of billions of rupees from the cooperatives, no matter who they are. "Speaking one thing when in the opposition bench and speaking completely another thing after reaching power, this should not be done. Therefore, law should be applied equally to all," lawmaker Shahi said. He questioned why no action has been taken against the Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister when it is said he is involved in embezzlement of coop funds when the process for action has been forwarded in the case of RPP lawmaker Gita Basnet after her involvement was found in the misappropriation of coop's funds. He demanded that a parliamentary committee be formed to carry out fair investigation on those involved in the misappropriation of the cooperatives' funds. The main opposition party Nepali Congress' protest and sloganeering continues in the session. Source: National News Agency Nepal

State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md Mohibur Rahman today said over eight lakh people were evacuated to cyclone centres and other safer places, as the severe cyclone Remal may hit Bangladesh coastline between 6pm and midnight today. 'We have taken all necessary measures on an urgent basis to tackle the severe cyclonic storm . . . all relevant organizations have been asked to work in a coordinated manner to face the cyclone,' he made the comments at a press briefing held at his ministry here. He said the authorities today launched an intensified evacuation campaign to take all vulnerable people to safety as the met office asked Payra and Mongla ports to hoist great danger signal no 10 while it issued nine for Cox's Bazar and Chattogram ports this morning. 'We are hoping that we will be able to bring all vulnerable people living in 19 districts to the cyclone centres before the landfall of the cyclone,' the state minister said. 'A large scale evacuation has started after the Me t Office issued danger signal number 10 and nine. All vulnerable people are presumed to be moved to safer places at the shortest possible time," Director General of Department of Disaster Management Mizanur Rahman told BSS. Alongside evacuation of the people, domestic animals have been taken to designated cyclone shelters, the disaster management DG said, adding, "A total of 8,464 cyclone shelters, including Mujib Kella, have been kept ready to provide refuge to the people living in 19 costal districts, which might be affected by the cyclone Remal". Sufficient amount of food have been stocked for the people living in the cyclone centres alongside the people of 19 coastal districts, Mizanur added He said all upazila and district administrations have adequate amount of cash to provide prompt response to the people who will be affected by the cyclone. "We have also kept ready 1,185 medical teams to offer urgent healthcare supports to the people as cyclone Rimel may hit the costal belts of Bang ladesh with massive strengthen," the disaster management chief said. As cyclone Remal has turned into severe one, it was taking more time to make landfall, he said, adding, "We have to manage the cyclone cautiously to minimize its damage." The Disaster Management and Relief Ministry sources said a total of 78,000 volunteers from the Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP) have been kept ready to deal with cyclone 'Remal' in the coastal district. It added some 8,600 Red Crescent volunteers and others joined a campaign asking people at risk to move to safety alongside the government officials while the district administration mobilized transport to carry them to the cyclone shelters. According to a latest cyclone warning bulletin, the severe cyclonic storm "Remal" over northwest Bay and adjoining area moved to northwards over the same area as and it was about 335 kms southwest of Chattogram port, 315 kms southwest of Cox's Bazar port, 220 kms south of Mongla port and 200 kms south of Payra port at 12 noon today. Under the peripheral effect of the severe cyclone, gusty or squally wind with rain is continuing over coastal regions of Bangladesh. It is likely to move in a northerly direction and may cross Sagar Island west Bengal- Khepupara coast near Mongla between 3-4 hrs from 6 pm today. After crossing the center of severe cyclonic storm, rest part of the system may continue to cross. Maximum sustained wind speed within 64 km of the severe cyclone centre is about 90 kph, rising to 120 kph in gusts/squalls. Sea will remain high near the severe cyclone centre. The coastal districts of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagherhat, Pirojpur, Jhalokhati, Borguna, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali and their offshore islands and chars will come under great danger signal no 10. The coastal district of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Feni, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Chandpur and their offshore islands and chars will come under great danger signal no nine. River ports of the districts of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagherhat, Pirojpur, Jha lokhati, Borguna, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni, Chandpur, Chattogram, Cox's Bazar have been advised to lower riverine danger signal No three but instead hoist riverine great danger signal no four. Under the peripheral effect of the severe cyclone and steep pressure gradient, the low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagherhat, Pirojpur, Jhalokhati, Borguna, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Noakhali, Laxmipur, Feni. Chandpur, Chattogram, Cox's Bazar and their offshore islands and chars are likely to be inundated by wind-driven surge of 08-12 feet height above normal astronomical tide. Under the influence of the cyclone, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions are likely to be experienced of heavy (44-88 mm) to very heavy rainfall with gusty/squally wind. Due to very heavy rainfall, landslide may occur at places over the hilly regions of Cox's Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachari and Chattogram. Al l fishing boats and trawllers over North Bay and deep sea have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: The meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) is taking place in spite of the obstruction by the major opposition Nepali Congress. Speaker Devraj Ghimire went ahead with the House business despite protest by the NC lawmakers standing from their respective seats soon after the beginning of the meeting. Congress is demanding the parliamentary probe committee to investigate into the cooperatives' fund embezzlement case citing Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane's involvement over there. Source: National News Agency Nepal

More than three lakh people were evacuated to cyclone shelters in the coastal districts of Khulna division as super cyclonic storm 'Remal' approaches the Bangladesh coasts, officials said. Reports from different coastal districts said at least 3.20 lakh people have already been evacuated at safe centers in all coastal upazilas of Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat and Barguna districts. Met office said Mongla and Payra Sea Ports as well as its neighbouring coastal districts, offshore islands and chars have been hoisting great danger signal number 10. Khulna district relief and rehabilitation officer Abdul Karim told BSS today that 604 cyclone shelters have already been set up in the coastal upazilas in Khulna adjacent to the Sundarbans, including 108 in Dacope, 116 in Koira, 45 in Paikgacha and 23 in Batiaghata. He, however, said over 3.15 lakh people and around 560 live stocks can be evacuated at the cyclone centers. To minimize damages from the cyclone, at least 5,280 volunteers of different organisations, inc luding Red Crescent and CPP, are working in different regions, he said, adding that over 1,000 more volunteers from non-government organizations (NGOs) are also in action. Khulna Deputy Commissioner Khondokar Yasir Arefin said 604 shelters and three 'Mujib Killas' have already been set up in Khulna to avoid possible damages from the cyclone. A huge number of packets of dry food, cash Taka, fresh drinking water, rice and a lot of medicines are put available in the four coastal districts. Under the influence of cyclonic storm 'Remal', the Mongla Port Authority (MPA) has already suspended its all activities, including loading and unloading of goods, MPA officials said. As the heavy rain started since the afternoon due to influence of the cyclone, many areas of law lying areas including Sundarbans have been inundated with 3 to 4 feet high tides in the Bay of Bengal, Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

As many as 40,000 volunteers from the Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP) and Bangladesh Red Crescent Society have been kept ready to deal with cyclone 'Remal' in five vulnerable coastal districts. The five districts are Patuakhali, Bagerhat, Bhola, Barguna and Satkhira. The government has formed over 650 medical teams in six coastal districts- Patuakhali, Bagerhat, Bhola, Barguna, Chattogram and Lakshmipur. A total of 4,905 shelter centers including Mujib Killas have been kept ready in seven coastal districts where people are being evacuated. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha

Kathmandu: The Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) vaccination campaign against polio has started across the country today. A total of 1.46 million children are being vaccinated under the campaign,. The IPV Vaccination campaign has been started in all the 77 districts of the country and the IPV vaccine has been provided in the regular vaccination centers as well, said Abhiyan Gautam, the head of Central Vaccination Campaign. Gautam said that children who missed regular polio vaccinations from 2073 to 2075 BS will be included in the vaccination campaign that will run until June 8. Although vaccination against polio started in Nepal from 2071, it could not take place between to 2073 to 2075 due to lack of IPV vaccine worldwide. Source: National News Agency Nepal