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Deepak Thapa has been appointed as the Chief of Nepal Police.

A Cabinet meeting held at the Prime Minister's official residence in Baluwatar on Monday decided to promote Thapa from the post of Additional Inspector General to Inspector General, said Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung.

The meeting also took the decision to appoint Dinesh Bhatta to the post of Executive Director of National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).

Altogether 46 students including 41 as regular and five others for higher grade are taking their Secondary Education Examination (SEE) from Manang district.

The Lokpriya Secondary School in the district headquarters Chame is the only exam centre for the SEE, which is kicking off simultaneously across the country from March 20.

Of the four local levels in Manang, there is not even a single student sitting for the SEE from Narpabhumi Rural Municipality and Lokpriya Secondary School is fixed as the centre since it is an accessible location for the students from other three local levels in the district, Chief of Education Development and Coordination Unit in Manang Dhruba Prasad Koirala said.

This year the SEE is scheduled to begin on March 20 and conclude on April 1. The exam will be held from 8 am to 11 am. 

Nepali Congress lawmaker Krishna Prasad Sitaula has said that there should be no delay in amending the Constitution as per the requirement.

Speaking during the 'Special Time' in the meeting of the upper house of the Federal Parliament today, Sitaula said the implementation of the Constitution should be reviewed to take the country forward.

"How much have we achieved what have we given to the people through the implementation of the constitution? Let us seriously review whether we have been able to use it properly in the interest of the people or not,” he said.

Lawmaker Sitaula insisted that if there is any flaw in the State governance system or weakness in the Constitution it should be amended.

"It is necessary to review whether we have been able to implement the rights guaranteed in the constitution or not," he added.

Stressing on the need for completing the task of giving justice to the conflict victims at the earliest, he said: "Speedy justice needs to be delivered. We fought together (for the republic), reached an understanding, brought change and the constitution. Now we have to solve the problem together.”

Stating that the determination that should have been seen in the transformative political parties was not seen, he said the time has come for all to stand united.

Government's activities should be people-oriented: Lawmaker Aryal Similarly, CPN (Maoist Centre) lawmaker Urmila Aryal has said the government's activities should be people-oriented.

Saying that there has been disappointment among the people in the recent past as the government's activities have not been pro-people, she said the State should be aware of it.

According to her, although the Constitution was drafted with understanding to address the rights of all sections after the movement of 2006/2007, there was a challenge in effective implementation.

"We make promises when we form the government, but when we come to power, we all forget what we have promised to the people. The purpose with which the movement was made, it has not been implemented. The failure to implement these objectives has caused disappointment among the people," she pointed.

Aryal suggested the government to focus on how the common people get happiness instead of being power-oriented.

She said that the rights given by the constitution should be reviewed further. Emphasis on promotion of free, compulsory and universal education Maya Prasad Sharma has drawn the attention of the government to fulfill the demands of the agitating teachers, stressing on the promotion of free compulsory and accessible education.

He said that the right to compulsory education up to the basic level and the free education up to the secondary level has not been implemented.

Sharma said unity among the pro-republic parties was necessary for the implementation of the republic.

Tulasa Kumari Dahal said that remittances sent by workers going for foreign employment should be properly utilized and it is necessary to include these workers in the contribution-based social security fund.

She stressed on the need of creating employment in the country by keeping the economy active, promoting technical education, identifying agriculture and tourism sectors and creating an environment of employment.

Call for probe into Saurya Airlines crash

Ghanshyam Rijal demanded a fact-finding inquiry into the accident of Saurya Airlines that crashed in July last year.

"Eight months have passed by since the plane crashed, but we have not been able to prepare a report after investigating it. The relatives of the deceased are demanding an inquiry. I would like to draw the attention of the government to address their demands," he said.

Renu Chand also stressed that there should be no delay in investigating the Saurya Airlines plane crash. Krishna Bahadur Rokaya said the teachers were agitating and stressed the need of holding talks with them and fulfilling their demands.

Rukmini Koirala has objected to the idea of legalising sex trade, stating that some people were trying to establish a false narrative saying so.

Similarly, lawmakers Bishnu Kumari Sapkota, Bishnu Devi Pudasaini, Bishnu Bahadur Bishwakarma, Krishna Prasad Adhikari and Padam Bahadur Pariyar also raised various issues related to the development construction and people's livelihood. 

There is now a partial influence of a westerly low pressure system and local winds in the country.

According to the Weather Forecasting Division, the weather will be partly to generally cloudy in the hilly region and partly cloudy in the rest of the country.

Light rain with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at a few places of the hilly region and at one or two places of the rest of the hilly regions of the Sudurpashchim and Karnali Provinces.

Light snowfall is likely to occur at a few places of the high hilly and mountainous region and at one or two places of the rest of the high hilly and mountainous regions of the two provinces.

In view of storms and its impacts in a few places of the Koshi and Madhes Provinces, the Division has urged the people to adopt safety measures.

Top leaders of major political parties have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing projects under China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). They underscored the critical importance of Nepal’s relationship with its northern neighbor, China, for the nation’s economic development and long-term prosperity.

Nepali Congress leader Minendra Rijal, speaking at a high-profile event in the capital, highlighted his party’s preference for grants under the BRI framework. However, he clarified that this does not mean Nepal should rely solely on grants. “We have shared a long-standing relationship with China, built on mutual trust, and we aim to nurture this bond in the years to come,” Rijal stated. He emphasized the need for careful consideration of foreign debt when securing loans from any country.

Rijal also stressed Nepal’s sovereignty, asserting that the country is free to make independent decisions regarding its partnerships. “Our relationship with China is pivotal, and we seek to benefit from China’s remarkable development trajectory,” he said. The NC leader advocated for project-specific negotiations, adding, “Conditions need not be uniform for all projects. Rijal also expressed support for connectivity projects with China.

Senior Vice-chairperson of CPN-UML, Surendra Pandey, echoed the commitment to the BRI, citing Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s signing of the BRI agreement with China as a clear endorsement. “Our party fully supports the BRI and its potential to drive Nepal’s development,” Pandey said. “All parties are united on BRI, which was evident during the signing of the BRI framework.”

He, however, pointed out several critical issues that need resolution before projects can move forward.

“Key concerns include the interest rates on loans, the repayment period, the selection of construction companies—whether Nepali or Chinese—and the sourcing of raw materials,” Pandey explained. He criticized the Nepali Congress’s stance on accepting only grants as impractical, urging a more pragmatic approach. “Let’s begin with one project. Its success will provide valuable lessons for future endeavors,” he suggested.

CPN (Maoist Center) senior leader Dev Gurung called for immediate action, emphasizing that delays in BRI implementation are largely attributable to the Nepali side. “There should be no further delays. The BRI holds immense potential to transform Nepal from a landlocked nation into a land-linked hub, bolstering our sovereignty and economic prospects,” Gurung asserted.

The BRI, with its focus on infrastructure and connectivity, is seen as a game-changer for Nepal. Leaders across the political spectrum agree that the initiative could unlock new opportunities, fostering economic growth and strengthening Nepal’s geopolitical standing.

Speaker Devraj Ghimire has pointed out the need to further strengthen our cooperation with India for Nepal's sustainable development with a focus on an investment increase for promotion of mutual interests. 

In his address to the Kasthamandap Dialogue organised by the Foundation for Peace, Development and Socialism, here today, the Speaker stressed this. 

In the Dialogue centered on Belt and Road Initiate (BRI) and Nepal-China cooperation, the Speaker called for identifying new potential areas for Nepal-China cooperation and include them as projects under the BRI. 

As a close neighbor and good friend of China, Nepal takes pride in China's remarkable progress and aims to benefit from its extraordinary development through a broader economic partnership, Ghimire remarked. "We highly appreciate China's support and cooperation in Nepal's developmental endeavors," he added, expressing hope for significant assistance from the northern neighbor as Nepal moves towards graduating from the category of Least Developed Country (LDC) to a middle-income country by 2026 and also for the sustainability of this status.

Ghimire further highlighted that Nepal's historic relationship with China, based on mutual trust, understanding, and friendship, has been strengthened through the BRI. "This initiative is not just about infrastructure for Nepal; it should be viewed as an opportunity for Nepal to explore new avenues for economic growth," he said.

He also suggested that Nepal, leveraging its geographical position, has the potential to be developed into a 'transit hub.' To realize this, Ghimire stressed the need for enhancing bilateral collaboration on physical infrastructure, including roadways, railways, information technology, and trade relations.

Reflecting on the longstanding diplomatic ties between Nepal and China, which have flourished over the past seven decades, Ghimire affirmed that Nepal’s policies are guided by the five principles (Panchasheel) of peaceful coexistence. "We are always ready to take steps to deepen the cordial relations between our two nations," he added. He also reiterated Nepal’s commitment to the 'One China Policy' and described China as a reliable and significant development partner for Nepal.

Former Prime Minister and senior CPN (Unified Socialist) leader Jhalanath Khanal, who also spoke at the event, highlighted the BRI as a global development project that offers abundant opportunities for infrastructure development and expanding connectivity. "It is a boon for many countries around the world," he said, urging Nepal to ensure it capitalizes on the potential benefits.

China’s Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, shared about China's achievements in infrastructure development, information technology, industrialization, innovation, and research. He reiterated China’s strong support for Nepal’s developmental goals.

During the Dialogue, business communities and academics from Nepal and China are scheduled to exchange views on the implementation of the BRI in Nepal, its opportunities, and challenges.

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has directed the National Planning Commission (NPC) to put poverty alleviation on first priority by increasing production, productivity and entrepreneurship.

During the meeting with NPC office-bearers including the Vice Chairperson at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Singha Durbar, today regarding the NPC's performance and future course of action, PM Oli, also the Chairperson of the NPC, urged the planning commission officials to increase investment in skill development, entrepreneurship and employment creation as activities related to infrastructure development are in the phase of completion.

"We have to move ahead in the path of making the people self-reliant by increasing production. People should be motivated for hard work. Basis should be determined for utilizing the fundamental rights by identifying activities reducing poverty. Ministries should be asked to bring concrete plan for increasing production and productivity. There will be positive impact on country's economy once productivity increases," he mentioned.

The Prime Minister urged the NPC to carry out effective monitoring and evaluation of national-pride projects, development of entrepreneurship and making positive impacts on service delivery and good governance.

Similarly, NPC Vice Chairman Prof Dr Shiva Raj Adhikari briefed PM Oli about various issues including implementation of the 16th Plan, its challenges, new criteria and revision of National Project Bank, systematic review upon incomplete projects, new criteria of project review, and amendment to procedure of supplementary and special grants.

Sharing that interaction was held with province and local levels about the revised criteria, Adhikari stressed the need of making local levels resourceful for effective implementation of fiscal federalism.

Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada, Economic and Development Affairs advisor to the Prime Minister, Chief Secretary Eaknarayan Aryal, among others were present in the meeting.

Viral infection has gripped Solukhumbu district.

Number of patients suffering from viral fever, common cold and cough, asthma, pneumonia, headache, respiratory problems and diarrhea has been increasing at different places in the district since last week.

According to the District Health Office, the number of patients visiting Phaplu Hospital has increased all of sudden, creating problems in service delivery of the hospital.

More than a dozen patients suffering from viral infection visit Phaplu Hospital for treatment daily.

The 15-bed hospital has now been providing treatment admitting more than 50 patients, according to the hospital administration.

Officiating Chief of the hospital, Sani Sherpa, said they have been facing problems in managing human resources to attend to the patients following the increasing number of patients at the hospital.

Of the patients admitted in the hospital, most of them are patients of viral infection.

"We lack adequate human resources but the patient inflow is high. We have now been mobilizing all available means and resources," Sherpa mentioned.

Most of the patients visiting the hospital are in critical health condition and they have to be put under oxygen.

"All beds in the hospitals are packed. We have been providing treatment keeping the viral patients even in beds in the maternity room. A situation might occur wherein patients will have to be treated keeping them on the floor if the number of patients surges like this," shared the hospital's Dr Ram Babu Joshi.