Lawmakers call for immediate halt to construction of cable car in Pathibhara

 

Members of Parliament (MPs) have demanded an immediate halt to the construction of a cable car in the Pathibhara area citing that it was started against the wishes of the local people.

During the Emergency Hour of the meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) today, they drew the attention of the government to stop the construction bid in order to resolve the situation of confrontation created by the people trying to resist the construction of the cable car.

During the meeting, MP Rajendra Prasad Lingden remarked that Pathibhara has turned into a battlefield without understanding the wishes of the local people.

He added that it was not the job of the people to fight in society to fulfill the interests of a businessman.

Member of Parliament Yogesh Bhattarai said that tension has been brewing in the Pathibhara Mukumlung area of Taplejung district for a few days over the issue of building a cable car.

Lawmaker Toshima Karki said that the construction of the cable car in the area should be made dispute-free, adding that the government should find a solution through negotiations, not by using force.

MP Madhav Sapkota said that Nepal has reached the 'grey list' in terms of money laundering after failing to maintain good governance.

 

He drew the attention of the government by saying that no action has been taken against those who misbehaved in the office of Member Secretary of National Sports Council Tankalal Ghising.

Parliamentarian Tara Lama alleged that the people were injured by the local administration in the name of removing the settlement in Beldandi of Kanchanpur and demanded the government to treat the injured and take action against the guilty ones.

MP Padam Giri has expressed grief over the death of Nepali student Prakriti Lamsal at KIIT University in Odisha state of India last Sunday, saying that the victim was torturing her mentally and physically and was not even informed that she needed protection.

MP Ishwari Devi Neupane, noting that there is a debate between the pros and cons of the former king's statement on the eve of the Republic Day, said that the attack on the democratic republic in any pretension was not acceptable.

MP Rama Koirala said that the manpower company was illegally sending workers to jobs, causing problems to workers.

MP Raghuji Pant said that after the incident at KIIT University in the Indian state of Odisha, the immediate intervention of the Prime Minister and the Government of Nepal has solved some problems, but not completely.

Lawmaker Mahesh Basnet demanded that the road be widened and made safe due to the increasing number of accidents on the Mechi Highway and the increasing pressure of vehicles.

 MP Ramprakash Chaudhary demanded compensation from the government, informing that a group of wild elephants were terrorizing the northern area of Sarlahi and destroying commercial banana and maize farms.

 

Treasure hunting in the city

As a decor enthusiast, you are always on the hunt for something novel to add to your house. Perhaps you want a new centerpiece for the dining table or you think your living room walls could use something else besides that lone clock and the painting you have had for years. Sometimes, you suddenly get the urge to replace the vases around the house with something spectacular. Come to think of it, you need new planters as it’s time to repot your green babies. But where can you find decor items that aren’t mundane and don’t cost an arm and a leg? This is where you might be stumped. Here is a carefully curated list of places where you can pick up some super interesting things for your home. 

Toit Studio

This ceramics studio, located in Sanepa, Lalitpur, has an interesting range of vases, planters, plates, mugs, jugs, and bowls and trays that you can use in the kitchen or bathroom, among other things. There are a variety of shapes and sizes available, and they are really aesthetic. Most of the things you find here are stuff that you might have seen on Pinterest. Pick a piece or two to change the look of your space. The good thing is that the price range is affordable. But they don’t accept cards so make sure you have digital payment or cash with you when you go there. 

Sana Hastakala

Founded in 1989 and backed by UNICEF then, Sana Hastakala is an NGO that empowers marginalized communities through traditional skills and modern techniques. It’s a treasure trove of Nepali handicrafts. From rugs and table runners to felt shoes, slippers and more, there’s a lot of good stuff here. The prices, we feel, are cheaper than other handicraft stores in Kathmandu. The quality of the products is top-notch. The outlet is located in Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur near the Army Chief’s residence and it’s open from Sunday to Friday from 10 in the morning to six in the evening. We recommend going with a friend as you might need help deciding what to buy as there’s just so much to choose from. 

Deego Nepal

Deego Nepal is a sustainable lifestyle brand founded in 2019. They avoid plastic in their products which are crafted from eco-friendly materials like bamboo by women in Bardiya, Dang, and Kapilvastu. They have meticulously woven baskets, trays, placemats, and coasters among other things. All this can add a touch of rustic charm to your decor. Consider replacing your regular stools with bamboo stools from Deego Nepal to infuse nostalgia and warmth into your space. The items might be a little on the pricier side but considering their quality and that they are mostly handmade it’s justified. They have a physical outlet at Bhanimandal, Lalitpur, but you can also buy their products online or from different concept stores and marts in the city. 

Kamakhya Decor

A lot of stores customize furniture pieces these days. You can show them a photo of the design you want and they will be able to replicate it for you. Kamakhya Decor in Naxal, Kathmandu, is a good place to do that. They have a range of fabrics, colors, and materials to make all kinds of items according to your needs. They will also do it for cheaper than most places. There are some readymade items at the store if you need to replace something at home and can’t wait. But they will make your order in a week or less so even that shouldn’t be a problem. They have a range of cabinets, side tables, racks and other functional but pretty things. 

Masta Kala

The company was founded in 2018 with an aim to create unique, functional products that resonate with people’s emotions. It draws inspiration from Nepal’s rich cultural heritage. You get a range of elegant home decor items at Masta Kala which is located at Sanepa Chowk in Lalitpur. You can also personalize items like key holders and name plates among other things. Be warned though, a trip to Masta Kala can leave your purse lighter as you will want to buy everything you see. The store is pleasing and makes shopping a relaxing experience. 

Pia Nepal

If you don’t want to hunt around for the perfect piece that can be a focal point in your home, and don’t mind spending a little more for it, Pia Nepal could be your option. An artisanal luxury brand, it has everyday items like lamps, bowls, and wall hangings that can lend a regal vibe to your space. The items are carefully created to feel like a special piece and you can see perfection in the details. We feel their products, however small or big, add a subtle charm to our spaces. It’s about an understated elegance that you won’t get anywhere else. 

We will get rid of 'grey list' soon: Finance Minister

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel has said the government would get rid of 'grey list' within in the set timeframe.

Finance Minister Paudel said it after the Financial Action Taskforce (FATF) included Nepal in the 'grey list'.

"We faced this situation for our failure to meet the criteria in the set time," he admitted, while expressing hope that Nepal would be able to get rid of the 'grey list' by forwarding effective activities to meet the criteria set in the Action Plan by the recent Paris meeting of FATF.

FATF is the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog. It sets international criteria that aim to prevent these illegal activities and the harms they cause. 

22 people killed in fire incidents in one month

 

A total 478 incidents of fire occurred across the country from January 14-February 12 alone.

Spokesperson of the Nepal Police, Deputy Inspector General Dinesh Kumar Acharya, shared that 22 people lost their lives in these fire incidents.

Of them, 11 were men, 10 women and a child, he added. Similarly, 87 people, including 26 men, 54 women, four boys and three girls, were injured in fire incidents during the period.

A total of 3,503 security personnel were mobilized to douse the fire, said Acharya.

The highest number of fire incidents took place in Koshi province which stood at 129.

Similarly, 89 fire cases occurred in Madhes Province, 42 in Bagmati Province, 37 in Kathmandu Valley, 39 in Gandaki Province, 63 in Lumbini Province, 32 in Karnali Province and 47 in Sudurpaschim Province.

​​​​The fire damaged 68 houses and 66 huts in one month.

As per the details released by the Nepal Police Headquarters, property worth Rs 184.8 million was damaged in fire incidents. 

British Ambassador to Nepal Fenn calls on Minister Khadka

 

The UK ambassador to Nepal, Rob Fenn, paid a courtesy call on Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, today.

They held the meeting in course of their participations in the event relating to the Nepal Renewable Energy Programme organised by the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre.

On the occasion, Energy Minister Khadka acknowledged the contribution of the UK to Nepal's renewable energy sector through the UK Aid.

He stated that Nepal and the UK have 209 years old relations.

He thanked the UK government for its support to the post-quake reconstruction efforts besides the promotion of renewable energy.

He said that  the UK Aid-like programmes will help meet the electricity production target set by the Energy Development Roadmap, 2081 BS endorsed by the government recently.

He also utilised the moment to call on the UK government to consider the extension of the term of NREP by two years.

The program will be ending on March 31. Ambassador Fenn praised Nepal’s efforts in prioritizing the development of hydropower and renewable energy, noting that these actions have also supported India's clean energy mission.

He further said that discussions are ongoing in the Investment Committee to explore additional areas of collaboration to further enhance Nepal's energy sector.

Nepse surges by 3. 14 points on Thursday

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 3. 14 points to close at 2,743. 74 points on Thursday.

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 1. 90 points to close at 457. 98 points.

A total of 15,637,006-unit shares of 309 companies were traded for Rs 8. 63 billion.

Meanwhile, Guardian Micro Life Insurance Limited (GMLI) was the top gainers today, with their price surging by 9. 99 percent.

Likewise, Barahi Hydropower Public Limited (BHPL) was the top loser as its price fell by 8. 35 percent.

​At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 55 trillion.

Ordinances will be passed on consensus: Minister Bhandari

 

Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, has said the ordinances issued by the government will be endorsed on a political consensus.

In his address to a press meet organized by the Press Chautari Kailali in Dhangadhi today, the Minister said the Parliament session is underway and the ordinances will be introduced in the House within the expected time and passed.

He further claimed that the private sector is encouraged with the issuance of ordinances as they are capable of creating an investment-friendly atmosphere.

According to the Minister, the government is confident of building an environment facilitating the tabling in and endorsement of the documents by the parliament. 

1,081 incidents of human rights violation reported in Sudurpaschim Province

 

A total of 1,081 incidents of human rights violations and excesses have been reported in the Sudurpaschim Province in 2024.

The data was shared at a press conference on 'Nepal Human Rights Yearbook 2025 and the Situation of Human Rights in the Province' organized by the Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC) Sudurpaschim Province Office, Dhangadhi on Wednesday.

INSEC Province Coordinator Khadkaraj Joshi said that 1,999 people across the province were affected by human rights violations and atrocities in 2024.

According to him, in 2024, 11 cases of human rights violations, including one woman and 10 men, and 1,088 cases of excesses, including 1,094 women and 34 men, were reported in the province.

It was informed on the occasion that there were 11 victims from the state side, including two in cases of beating, six in cases of arrest, one in case of death in jail, one death in custody and one in case of inhuman treatment.

Similarly, nine people were killed due to beating and assaults using sharp-edged weapons, 11 were injured while 105 cases were related to child rights violations, three to caste discrimination, 947 to women's rights violations, two to inhuman treatment, eight to beating and three to cases of intimidation.

He said that the number of victims of human rights and intimidation has decreased in 2024 compared to 2023.

The number of victims decreased by 102 people in 2024 compared to 2023.