Beni-Tatopani road blacktopped

Road connecting Beni municiplaity-4, Tatopanikunda and Myagdi district headquarters Beni has been blacktopped.

The blacktopped Beni-Tatopani road section is of strategic importance as it connects Mangala, Malika and Dhaulagiri rural municipality with district headquarters Beni. Acting Chief of Infrastructure Development Office Myagdi Guru Dutta Adhikari informed that the blacktopping of Beni-Tatopani road section has been almost completed. "Blacktopping has been completed in almost all parts excluding landslide-hit and disputed areas", he said, adding that blacktopping has been done on seven meters out of 11-meter wide road

Maoist Centre's Chaudhary wins in Khadak Municipality

 

CPN (Maoist Centre)'s candidate Jaya Prakash Chaudhary has been elected the Mayor of Khadak Municipality in Saptari district.

Chaudhary won the election by getting 5,882 votes against his rival Hemayu Hak of Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP), who got 5,067 votes. This is the first victory of the Maoist Centre in the district of Saptari in this local level election. The party's candidates had also lost in all local levels in the previous local level election held in 2017. Likewise, Rita Kumari Chaudhary of JSP made to the post of deputy mayor by getting 6,231 votes while her rival Sultan Khatun of Nepali Congress garnered 3,210 votes. Of the 11 wards in the municipality, Maoist Centre won the election in a ward, JSP in four wards, NC in three wards and CPN (Unified Socialist) in two wards. Loktantrik Samajwadi Party's candidate also won election in a ward.

NC wins mayor, UML deputy mayor in Nagarain Municipality

 Nepali Congress (NC) candidate has been elected mayor of Nagarain Municipality in Dhanusha district while CPN (UML) candidate in deputy mayor post. Binay Kumar Yadav won the mayoral post with 5,556 votes defeating his closest competitor CPN (UML)'s Rambabu Panjiyar by a margin of 42 votes. Panjiyar collected 5,514 votes, according to the Returning Officer Sudip Kumar Dangal.

Similarly, CPN (UML)'s Radhadevi Yadav was elected to deputy mayor post with 5,730 votes. Her nearest rival Nepali Congress' Ranju Kumari Shah conceded defeat with 5,523 votes

Bagmati government recommends provincial assembly budget session for May 22

A meeting of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers of Bagmati Province held today decided to recommend the office the Province Chief to call budget session of Bagmati province Assembly on May 22.

Similarly, the meeting also passed the working procedure to provide Rs 50,000 to chronic patients for the treatment.

Earlier, the Bagmati province government had decided to provide Rs 50,000 to patients suffering from non-communicable diseases like brain hemorrhage, heart attack, asthma, cancer and fistula for the treatment. Spokesperson of Bagmati Province government and Minister for Internal Affairs and Law, Krishna Prasad Sharma Khanal, said that the working procedure was passed today itself considering the situation where general people have been facing problems to get the service in lack of working procedure. Similarly, the meeting also took the decision to make arrangement of smooth supply of firewood at old-age home, orphanage and crematorium under social security programme.

NC wins local election in Bhanu municipality

 

The Nepali Congress has emerged victorious at the Bhanu municipality in Tanahu in the local level elections held recently.

According to the final counts of the ballots concluded today, Ananda Raj Tripathi has won the post of mayor while Uma Gautam has been elected the deputy-mayor. Tripathi secured 12,252 votes against 9,043 by his nearest competitor Sitaram Bajgain from the CPN (UML), according to election officer Meen Bahadur Kunwar. Similarly, Gautam obtained 10,054 against 5,817 by independent candidate Keshar Bahadur Gurung The total number of voters in the municipality is 40,966 while 25,572 had taken part in the voting. Of 13 wards in the town, nine are won by the NC, two by the UML and two by independent candidates

Demonstration in front of PM's residence against rape (photo feature)

Kathmandu,

Youths have protested against rape and sexual violence in front of the Prime Minister's official residence in Baluwatar. The youths staged a protest in front of the Prime Minister's residence on Friday morning after the incident of rape of a teenager by a member of the beauty pageant became public.

'Vote for those with commitment to address women's issues'

 

Women voters in Kailali said that they would support the candidates who demonstrate commitment to address women's issues in local election.

The local voters insisted that the candidates having understanding on women and gender issues should be brought to leadership for next five year term. Women would be further lagging behind if the candidates having no sensitization and understanding on gender and women issues were picked as local leaders through civic polls, the voters noted.

Tika Rasaili, a local of Lamkichuha municipality said she was in favour of the candidates who are laying emphasis on women's agenda. "Women candidates are also in completion. We have started canvassing general voters to pick the candidates who are capable of delivering women related agendas". "We had gone through local manifesto of all parties and have also been attentively tracking past activities of the candidates", she added. Leela Jaisi of Janaki rural municipality said the government and political parties should be very sensitive to the women issues. "We would also evaluate the candidates based on their past performance for gender equality. Women voters should be extra alert this time while casting votes". Rubina Chaudhary of Tikapur said they are in a mood to make victorious the candidates who can accommodate all communities and sectors. "We need a leadership capable of advancing societal development efforts".

Youth killed in a lethal attack

 

A youth was killed in a lethal attack at Bharatpur metropolis-7, Krishnapur last night.

Anila Pariyar, aged around 30, who has been living at Bharatpur-12, Milanchowk, was found dead at a town plotting in Krishnapur on Sunday evening. According to the District Police office, Chitwan, Pariyar who was critically injured in the attack with sharp-edged weapon died while being treated at Chitwan Medical College. Information Officer at the office, Narahari Adhikari said investigation has been initiated into the incident.

Public service to remain closed for four days in Parbat

Public service delivery of the District Administration Office (DAO) has been shut for four days from today onward in view of local level election on May 13.

The public service delivery has to be put off for some days in lack of human resource when existing employees are being deputed in election related works, states a notice issued by Chief District Officer Narayan Prasad Sapkota.

Public services related to citizenship certificate, national ID card, passport and pension would resume from May 17. Likewise, all the services of the District Land Revenue Office will remain closed from coming Tuesday (May 10). As many as 1,176 employees are to be mobilized in the election in the district alone. Meanwhile, the administration has banned the sale and distribution of liquor in the district from May 10 (night) up to the voting day. -

Ward chair candidates announce not to claim perks and benefits

 

In order to attract voters, candidates contesting in upcoming local election here have announced not to claim any perks and benefits from their local level unit.

The local level people elected representatives are entitled to get perks and benefits as per the law of Sudurpaschim Province government. Some candidates have announced not to claim benefits they are entitled to if they win the election. Candidates from the Nepali Congress (NC) are ahead in making such announcement. Three ward chair candidates from NC in Bhimdutta municipality announced to not receive such benefits. Likewise, CPN-UML candidate for ward chairperson has also expressed his commitment not to receive any benefits from Beldandi rural municipality. He also announced to spend the amount he is entitled to receive as benefits from rural municipality to the families of deprived communities. NC ward chair candidates Ashef Kunwar, Bhupendra Rawal and Prakash Thapa made announcement to decline the offer of benefits they are entitled to get. Rawal and Thapa are contesting local election for the first time. Kunwar who was elected in the previous term had donated the perks and benefits received from the rural municipality to local senior citizens. Rawal has announced to institute a fund at Bhimdutta municiplaity-12 from the public money he will receive as perks and benefits and spend for the welfare of disadvantaged and underprivileged community people. Likewise, CPN (Maoist Centre)'s candidate of ward chairperson in Bhimdutta municiplaity-3 Upendra Bahadur Kunwar also echoed the same idea to serve the people from marginalized section. Candidate for Shuklaphanta municipality-3 from CPN-UML, Kapendra Bam also announced not to claim benefits so as to woo the voters.

Acting CJ's message on Law Day

Acting Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Deepak Kumar Karki has pledged to implement the recommendations of a report submitted by a committee formed to identify measures for checking possible anomalies in the court.

In a message of best wishes on the occasion of National Law Day, 2079 today, he called for all concerned sectors to proactively engage to help deliver justice in an effective and efficient manner so as to enhance public trust towards judiciary. He wished may the Law Day further inspire all the sides concerned to remain committed and adhere by rule of law in the country.

In a message, the acting Chief Justice claimed that the judiciary has been working with unswerving commitment to keep intact the independence of judiciary, constitutional supremacy and civil rights and freedoms.

NBA pledges to professional conduct, principles

 

The Nepal Bar Association (NBA) has expressed best wishes to all the law professionals for motivation to be committed to professional conduct and principles along with capacity while fulfilling their responsibilities.

NBA president Gopal Krishna Ghimire said in a message of best wishes on the occasion of the Law Day today that to uphold the supremacy of the constitution, the rule of law and an independent judiciary is the main goal of a dignified Bar. He added that to consistently remain active for the preservation and promotion of these values was the need of the hour. NBA has also pledged to always remain active for a professional and dignified Bar through the promotion of a free, fair, capable, transparent and accountable judiciary. The National Law Day is marked in commemoration of the day on which the Supreme Court Act, 2008 BS came into implementation. The Act was implemented on Baisakh 26, 2009 BS. The country is marking Law Day today to commemorate establishment of an autonomous and independent judiciary in 1951.

EC issues directive for fitting CC cameras at all vote counting stations

 The Election Commission (EC) has made arrangements for compulsorily installing close-circuit camera (CC camera) at the vote counting station in all the 753 local levels for the purpose of the local election.

According to the EC, the Cc cameras have been managed aimed at preventing unwarranted activities during the vote counting and thereby reducing disputes. Moreover, installation of CC cameras at the vote counting stations will ensure transparency in vote counting and make it secure. It will also be useful for the purpose of electronic archiving in case any dispute arises in course of the vote counting. The EC had, through the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, sent a circular to all the local levels in that connection. EC spokesperson Shaligram Sharma Poudel said the CC cameras would be installed in all the local levels by today or tomorrow. The devices have been set up at total 350 local levels before this. The EC has instructed 50 local levels that had installed CC cameras not compatible to its VMS system on their own to manage CC cameras that are compatible to the system. They have been directed to carry out this task by May 12. The constitutional body with the responsibility of conducting elections has issued this directive to the District administration Office and the local level election officers. Arrangements have been made so that the situation at all the vote counting stations can be directly observed from the EC's office at Bahadur Bhawan in Kathmandu. The EC believes that doing this will enhance the credibility of the election and help prevent any unwarranted activities during the vote counting.

Dahal defines local poll as struggle progressive versus regressive forces

 

CPN (Maoist Center) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has dubbed the upcoming local level elections slated for May 13 a struggle between progressive and regressive forces.

In a message today, he urged people not to take the May 13 elections just as a general event and called for a massive public support for making the party and electoral alliance candidates victorious in the election. “May the upcoming elections be a milestone for decentralization of governance and for building a prosperous Nepal along with the guarantee of social justice,” the leader of one of the government coalition parties said. The leader claimed that forces who are against federalism, inclusive proportional representation and the rights of suppressed and neglected community were conspiring against the constitution and the historic achievements. “People are yet to feel the presence of federalism, inclusion, proportional representatives and social justice as wished by them and there is a challenge for us to achieve social justice through the achievement of development, health, education and employment opportunities based on local needs by empowering local levels,” he said. According to him, people could not feel the presence of democracy in real sense until subsidy-based agricultural production, pension for farmers, jobs from industrialization and rural sufficiency economy, elimination of all sorts of discrimination and exploitation and discouragement of remittance-based economy are ensured.

Local people kill leopard in Syangja village

Local people today morning killed a leopard after it started attacking people at Kyakmi Kothok village in Harinas Rural Municipality in Syangja district.

The wild beast attacked local resident Durga Bahadur Gotame when the locals tried to chase it away as it was lurking into a bush in the village, said a local Resham Gotame. Injured Durga Bahadur has sustained ear, head and hand injuries. He was referred to Bhimad for further treatment.

Local people killed the animal with a woodblock. After being informed, the police and forest officer at the Area Forest Office reached the incident site and efforts were underway to transport the dead leopard to the Division Forest Office, Syangja after completing the paperwork, it has been said. The dead female leopard was 1.6 meters in length, 52 centimeters in height and 15 kilograms in weight.

NC's victory needed for prosperous Nepal: Gagan Thapa

Nepali Congress (NC) general secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa has said a victory of Nepali Congress in the upcoming local elections was necessary to realise the dream for a prosperous Nepal.

Thapa who is also the coordinator for the NC local-level elections manifesto drafting committee argued that time demanded the NC leadership for facilitating for the effective enforcement of the citizen’s fundamental rights guaranteed by the constitution, for the establishment of a rule of law and for proper utilization of available resources. He was speaking at a discussion programme organised by the Democratic Thought Society today, focusing on the party’s resolution in view of the May 13 local elections. The former Minister claimed that the next five years would not be frustrating as the last five years if the party won the elections. “We will not let recur such situation as we have a clear vision about what should be done in the next five years. The NC is determined to prevent the misuse of resources and to promote the good governance and transparency. The upcoming decade will be the decade of the job creation and the NC aspires to properly utilise agriculture, tourism and energy resources, and to grab opportunities of ample employment generation. We aim to create 500 thousand jobs each year,” the leader said eloquently. Society chair Dr Kedar Narsingh KC said the party’s election resolution is its guidelines and the party is expected to build atmosphere enabling the freedom of expression and opinion, the core values of democracy. Society vice chair Kulchandra Wagle insisted on the NC leadership to what he argued make the local government systematic, transparent and people-friendly. Journalists Dr Suresh Acharya, Bishnu Nisthuri, Dharmendra Jha and rights activist Indra Aryal were among those who urged the party to further contribute for strengthening constitutional supremacy, press freedom, rule of law and the people’s rights. ---

Call to restore Nepal as a Hindu state

 

Different organisations associated with the Omkar Family have demanded establishing Nepal as a Hindu state as per the sentiments of the people at large.

At an interaction organised by the Omkar Family here on Thursday, speakers stressed on the need of uniting the political parties in favour of a Hindu state. On the occasion, former minister Dr Kanta Bhattarai said that leadership protecting the originality of Kathmandu Metropolitan City should be elected from local polls as Kathmandu is the cultural city of the country. Bhattarai requested the voters of Kathmandu to elect a leadership that would protect the identity of cultural city, Kathmandu, properly as it is at the risk as of late period. KMC Mayoral candidate of Rastriya Prajatantra Party, Madan Das Shrestha, said that he is contesting for the post to work for the preservation of shrines, art, culture of Kathmandu, as attempts have been made to destroy them. RPP General Secretary Bhuwan Pathak demanded restoration of a Hindu state as per the people's suggestions for the resolution of the many problems that have surfaced after Nepal was established as a secular state. Similarly, Asmita Bhandari of World Hindu Federation demanded a halt in the attack on religious heritages of another communities immediately, objecting to the Shelshmantak forest premises of Pashupati area being used as a burial site by the Christian Community. She expressed commitment that all religious communities of Omkar Family would work together to make Shrestha victorious in the May 13 local polls election.

One killed, two injured in road mishap

 

A person died and two others were injured in a road accident at Siddhartha highway of Tinau rural municipality-5 in Palpa district.

The deceased has been identified as Surya Prasad Shrestha, 43, of Rampur municipality-3, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police at the District Police Office, Birendra Thapa. The incident took place when a jeep (Lu 1 Cha 7780) heading towards Rampur from Butwal fell some 200 meters off the road on Thursday. The jeep owner Shrestha died on the spot in the incident. Similarly, jeep driver Khem Bahadur Khamcha, 27, of Nisdi rural municipality-4 and Tuk Narayan Shrestha, 46, of Rampur municipality-3 were injured in the incident. Police said that condition of Tuk Narayan is critical while Kem Bahadur's condition is normal. Both the injured are receiving treatment at Lumbini Medical College.

Love for street foods in Kathmandu

 

Rozzina Gurung

2020April 20

The use of organic and fresh produce has become one of the defining characteristics of street food. Street food is a delicious and healthy food option at a much cheaper price. This transforms street food into providing an unparalleled experience for all those who take part.

Street foods are gaining more and more popularity and have become a major source of income for many families who has started their own business in the street using a push cart or a barrow. They set up their business in mostly crowded area with a continuous flow of people. As the prices of the food are affordable and delicious people doesn’t hesitate to take a bite and enjoy the food even in the side of the streets when passing by.

Nepal has a wide variety of ethnic cuisines. From Tibetan to Newari to Thakali, Nepal has it all. Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal and has a dozens of street vendors offering delicious food items with hygiene.

Popular street foods:

1.    Laphing

Laphing is a cold noodle dish made from flour starch or potato. Many restaurants serve it with chili sauce. Ingredients like onion, coriander, garlic, and vinegar to enhance the flavour, and make it spicier. Since it is quick and easy to serve, you won’t have to wait long for it to arrive. It is a popular street food available in Kathmandu and known for its spicy flavor.

2.    Panipuri and Chatpatey

PaniPuri is the easiest street food available in the streets of Kathmandu. The water is heavily seasoned which makes it pani whereas the crisp, puffed deep fried bread is the puri. The puri is stuffed with potatoes, chili, and onion and then dipped into the pani before it is served whereas Chatpatey is the mixture of puffed rice, dry noodles, potatoes, chili,onion and desired spices. The taste is usually a bit different with a twist of their own by the vendors.It is a delicacy among spice lovers and is desired by most Nepalese people.

3.    Sekuwa

Sekuwa is the best option if you love having barbequed meat. You can easily find one place where they have grills fired outside their door. You can easily get to know their distinct Nepali flavor because of all the spices used and the irresistible aroma that can be sensed even from far away. You can choose from chicken or mutton sewara or buff depending on your taste.

4.    MoMo

Momo is a very popular street food. An average Nepali consumes around four plates per week. They are available in street, restaurants, hotels, and roadside carts. It is a steamed dumpling where meat is stuffed in flour. Varieties like pork, chicken, and veg momo are also available. They are served with other varieties of chutney. You can consume them steamed, fried, or in the soup.

5.    Dahipuri

Puri, a small crunchy shell made from dough is found in almost every corner in the street. DahiPuri is another popular dish loved by all. The puri is stuffed with chickpeas and potato mixture; then it is drizzled with dahi (yogurt), tamarind sauce, coriander, seasoned with chili and cumin powder. It is sweet and  abit of sour taste with the mixture of the seasonings.

6.    Samosa and samosa chat

Samosa is a deep fried dish that has a filling of mashed potato, peas, onions, and other spices. It tastes best with a hot cup of tea leaving you with a sense of satisfaction and also made it into samosa chatby breaking it into pieces, and it is then topped with tomato, onion, yellow peas, curd, and coriander. Spices like chili powder, himalayan salt, and cumin powder are added to enhance the taste.

Iced drinks to beat this summer in Kathmandu.

 

Rozzina Gurung

2020April 20

This summer season is in full swing and the heat constantly gets us as we feel dehydrated and tired. So, in this season, it goes without saying that having water, fruits and vegetables is of utmost importance. To slake the thirst and keep them hydrated enough people are having cool and iced fruity drinks in this summer heat.

In Kathmandu, cafes are gaining much popularity nowadays having relaxing interior designs or with a theme to make people more attracted and curious to try out new places and new drinks.   People are usually seen with plastic tumblers with straw on the road this summer. The drinks stations and cafes are becoming more and more popular in many places providing hot and cool beverages.

The most popular drinks in Nepal this summer are:

1.      Lassi

Lassi is probably one of the first smoothies ever created, a truly ancient drink.Lassi, a great refreshing and nutritional drink, is one of the traditional beverages in India, with a creamy texture, sweet-sour- savory taste, made with yogurt, water, and often with sweetener or salt and have become a popular drink in Nepal which can be found in any cafes, restaurant or a drink station. It has become known to all ages and have become one of the favorites.

2.      Iced Tea

Iced tea or ice tea is a form of cold Tea. Though usually served in a glass with ice eit can refer to any tea that has been chilled or cooled. It may be sweetened with sugar, syrup and/or apple slices. Iced tea is also a popular packaged drink and can be mixed with flavored syrup, with multiple common flavors including While most iced teas get their flavor from tea leaves, 

Iced tea can be found at some of the restaurants and cafes in Nepal. Mainly it can be found around the tourist areas such as the Boudhanath area, Thamel and some other major malls. Some variations are lemon, green mint, peach, etc.

 

3.      Smoothie

A smoothie or smoothy is a beverage made by blending fruits or vegetables. The smoothies are in trend in Nepal from a long time being a healthy and delicious drink that goes well with almost any dishes ordered in the restaurant or any cafes.

4.      Bubble Tea

Bubble tea also known as pearl milk tea, bubble milk tea, tapioca milk tea, or bobal tea or boba is based drink that originated.it most commonly consists of tea accompanied by chewy t can be made with other toppings as well such as grass jelly, aloe vera, red bean, etc.Bubble tea has many varieties and flavors, but the two most popular varieties are pearl  and  pearl milk tea as the pearl signifies the tapioca balls at the bottom.