Nature is queer: It is not any strange creature but a freak potato put for sale in the market of Kathmandu.

His Majesty felicitates

Kathmandu, Feb. 24 (RSS): His Majesty the King has felicitated Mr Lennart Meri, President of the Republic of Estonia on the occasion of the independence day of Estonia.

In a message of felicitations, His Majesty has wished for the president’s personal health and happiness and for the progress and prosperity of the people of Estonia.

Crown Prince scheduled to return today

Kathmandu, Feb. 23 (RSS): Representing His Majesty the King, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Dipendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev is scheduled to return home tomorrow after attending the wedding of His Majesty King Letsie-iii of Lesotho.

His Royal Highness the Crown Prince arrived in Dubai today from Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.

PM’s Education Day Message

Kathmandu, Feb. 24 (RSS): The 25th Education Day is being observed today throughout the Kingdom with the theme “Values of democratic education, employment development and humanity.”

In a message on the occasion, Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai has said considering that no one would be deprived of the bright light of education, we have been observing education day in view of its immense role in the all round development of the nation.

Stating that efforts made by His Majesty’s Government in the past 25 years have resulted in the going of 70 per cent of children to primary schools, the Prime Minister noted that yet we have to reinforce our efforts to take the light of education to the nook and corner of the nation.

We still are faced with the challenges of developing education likely to meet the demands of the 21st century, he said and spoke of the need to ensure quality education in science and technology.

Noting that today’s main challenge is to develop technical and vocational education which may help students have an edge in the international sector, Mr Bhattarai called on all the Nepali people to extend their help in realizing the slogan of “Values of democratic education, employment development and humanity.”

Courtesy call

Kathmandu, Feb. 23 (RSS): Director General of the International Conservation Union (iUcN) Dr. Maritta Rogalla Von Bieberstein Koch-weser paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai at the latter’s residence in Baluwatar today.

On the occasion, Mr Bhattarai praised iUCN’s assistance in sustainable and proportionate development of Nepal and thanked the IUCN for its help in framing as well as implementing national conservation policies.

He also expected such cooperation in the future.

On the occasion, Prime Minsiter’s chief advisor Dr. Narayan Singh Khadka, director of IUCN Asia Ms Aban Marker Kabraji and IUCN representative Dr. Ambika Prasad Adhikari were also present.

TU results

Kathmandu, Feb. 23 (RSS): Tribhuwan University Institute of Science and Technology today published the results of M.A. Chemistry second year examinations held in the months of Bhadau/Asoj, 2056 b.S.

Similarly, the tu office of the controller of examinations also published the results of the proficiency certificate level second year special examinations held in the months of Mangsir/Paush, 2056 b.S. today.

AI Chief meets Nepal

Kathmandu, Feb. 23 (RSS): The visiting high-level delegation led by general secretary of Amnesty International (ai) Pierre Sane met with leader of the Main Opposition party Madhav Kumar Nepal at the latter’s office today.

During the meeting, discussions were held on human rights commission, the situation of human rights in Nepal and human rights reports.

Lakhan Thapa declared martyr

Kathmandu, Feb. 23 (RSS): His Majesty’s Government has decided to declare late Lakhan Thapa Magar a martyr and provide financial assistance of Rs 500,000 for installing his statue, according to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture here today.

Minister Balayar commended

Kathmandu, Feb. 23 (RSS): Minister of State for Population and Environment Bhakta Bahadur Balayar was honoured with a commendation letter here today for his significant contributions in reducing environmental pollution in Kathmandu Valley.

The commendation letter presented jointly by the International Union of the Conservation of Nature (iucn) and the world wildlife fund was handed over to him by iucn Director General Dr. Marito Koch Weser.

On the occasion, Mr Balayar said the present government is committed to make qualitative improvement in environmental pollution and disclosed that plying of Vikram tempos, the main cause of air pollution, had been prohibited in Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and Lumbini.

Referring to the important role played by iucn in mitigating environmental pollution, he said that vehicles with euro standard will be introduced for the protection of environment in Nepal.

Director general of the iucn Dr. Weser said that there had been a significant reduction in air pollution in Nepal since his last visit here and this would have good effect on the health of the people.

  Iucn resident representative Chandra Gurung also expressed his views on the occasion.

Ranabhat initiates  Mahayagya

Pokhara, Feb. 23 (RSS): Speaker Taranath Ranabhat initiated the Apurba Srimad Bhagawat Saptaha Mahayagya and the special Dhandhanyanchal Parba-2056 organised at the premises of the Machhapuchhre Education Campus at Dhikur Pokhari village development committee, Kaski district.

Speaking on the occasion Speaker Ranabhat said the hearing of the Bhagawat will improve the mental state of a man and help banish malice, greed, sins and   dutilessness thereby giving peace.

At the function presided over by the chairman of the Mahayagya Organising Committee Pandit Ananta Nath Subedi, various other speakers including mp prakash Bahadur Gurung, Baachan Shiromani   Narayan Prasad Pokhrel, central vice chairman of the Sanatan Dharma Sewa Samiti Rabindra Makaju, ddc chairman Punya Prasad Poudel, campus chief Ram Chandra Subedi, vice chairman Mahesh Parajuli, Vednidhi Sharma, vdc chairman Kedar Nath Adhikari, vice chairman Karna Bahadur Gurung, ddc member Indra Bahadur Gurung, and Ramesh Raj Poudel also expressed their views.

The Mahayagya organised to help in construction of the Machhapuchhre Education Campus and to set up a revolving fund will run until Fagun 19.

Cancer clinic

Bhaktapur, Feb. 23 (RSS): The Nepal Cancer Prevention Centre, Bhaktapur is to run a cancer clinic in Bhaktapur.

Oncology specialists Dr. Rajendra Baral and Dr. Arati Shaha will render service at the clinic free of cost, district secretary of the association and coordinator of the proposed clinic Dhanman Shrestha said.

PM holds talks with MPs tomorrow

Kathmandu, Feb 23 (RSS): Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai is to hold discussions and consultations with Nepali congress mps on February 25 in view of the existing political deadlock, according to the Prime Minister’s Private Secretariat stated today.

According to a notice issued by the secretariat, discussions will be held with mps from the far western and mid-western regions at 8.30 am that day, with mps from the Western Region at 9.30 pm, mps from the central region at 2.30 pm and mps from the eastern region at 3.30 pm.

The notice has requested the mps concerned to be at the Prime Minister’s residence at Baluwatar at the times fixed.

Gautam hails success of film ‘Caravan’

Kathmandu, Feb. 23 (RSS): General secretary of the cpn-ml Bamdev Gautam has issued a congratulatory message stating that it is a matter of pride for the entire nation that “Caravan”,  a Nepalese motion picture directed by French artiste Eric Valli in collaboration with National Studio has been nominated for the world renowned Oscar Award.

In the message he also extended heartly congratulations to the director, producer, co-producer and all artistes associated the picture and wished them success in winning the award.

Bratbandha in group

Sarlahi, Feb. 23 (RSS): The Sana Guthi (Small Trust) in Sarlahi district held a group Bratbandha or thread ceremony at the district headquarters of Malangwa the other day.

Some 10 boys, aged between six to 13 went through the ceremony as per Newar tradition.

It cost each of the boys a total of Rs. 701 to undergo the ceremony, member of the Trust Gopal Nandan Karmacharya said.

Beema Sansthan asked to be efficient

Kathmandu, Feb. 23 (RSS): MinIster for Finance, and Foreign Affairs Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat has expressed dissatisfaction over auditing of the Rastriya Beema Sansthan (rbs) or National Insurance Corporation which has not being done for the past four or five years.

Addressing the 33rd anniversary function of the rbs here today, Dr. Mahat said its fiscal work and services also needs to be updated.

Things should be made clear as to why the rbs could not function in a systematic and satisfactory manner, he said, adding that the liberal economic policy pursued after the restoration of democracy in the country has widened and broadened the fiscal sector.

Dr. Mahat also spoke of the need to modernize and enhance the efficiency of the bureaucracy for the progess of the fiscal sector.

Rbs executive chairman Shambhu Prasad Paudel presided.

Bid to loot cooperative foiled

Biratnagar, Feb. 23 (RSS): Gyan Bahadur Tamang, a security guard at the  Cooperative Ltd in Biratnagar Municipality Ward No. 5 chased away a gang of armed robbers intending to loot the premises at 3:30 am yesterday and killed one of them while he was jumping the wall, according to the district police office, Morang.

The dead man was identified as 24-year-old Aftab Alam Miya Alias Pappu of ward No. 4 in the Sub-municipality.

The security guard attacked the robbers while they were ransacking a steel cabinet and lockers inside the office room and warehouse of the cooperative. The rest of the robbers fled without taking anything.

Nobody was hurt in the incident, it is learnt.

Meanwhile, police superintendent Kalyan Timilsina has awarded Tamang a purse of Rs. 2,000.

  Robbers had twice before made unsuccessful attempts to rob the cooperative, the police said.

Oli chairs meeting

Kathmandu, Feb. 23 (RSS): Cpn-uml Standing Committee member and deputy leader of the Parliamentary Party k. P. Sharma Oli chaired an extended meeting of the action Mobilisation committee formed by the Party Standing Committee here today.

  The meeting decided to make public its action programme soon through a press meet.

AI team  calls on Dr Mahat

Kathmandu, Feb. 23 (RSS): A high level delegation of Amnesty International led by its General Secretary Pierre Sane called on Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat and held discussions on the problem concerning the Bhutanese refugees.

Likewise, the delegation also met Attorney General Badri Bahadur Karki and held talks on the various aspects of human rights.

Blood donation

Bhaktapur, Feb. 23 (RSS): Nepal Revolutionary Students Association central committee organised an open blood donation programme here to mark  Martyrs Day.

Sixty-nine persons donated their blood at the programme held to commemorate four persons who attained martyrdom on the second day of the Historic People’s Movement of 1990.

President of Nepal Workers Peasants Party Narayan Man Bijukchhe mp, giving away certificates to the blood donors, said the younger generation should be motivated to bring about a revolution in the interest of the people and the country.

Central president of the association and journalist Saroj Raj Gosai said a new revolution should be launched in keeping with the ideals of the martyrs.

Various student leaders including Laxmi Bhakta Kuwar also expressed their views at the programme chaired by chairman of ward No. 7 committee of the association Balaram Gosai.

Puwakhola project ready

Ilam, Feb. 23 (RSS): Construction work of the Puwakhola hydropower project has been completed and the task of releasing water from the intake tunnel to the headrace tank has been accomplished today.

Digging of the 4,380 metre long tunnel and the remaining construction work have already been completed, according to project chief Bishnu Bahadur Singh.

Seventyfive per cent of the investment has been made by the Nepal Electricity Authority (nea) while remaining 25 per cent cost has been met by His Majesty’s Government (hmg).

Construction of the project was initiated in 1994-95 and carried out by the Nepalese technicians.

The water of the Puwakhola stream has been channelled through the tunnel from the confluence of the Ghattekhola and the Puwakhola to the head tank at Ward No. 4 of Ilam Municipality.

The water is channelised through the penstock pipe and released to the power house where two turbines will be generating 6,200 kilowatt of power. Necessary machines have already been installed for the generation of power.

However, the water of the Puwakhola stream will not be able to sustain the generation of power for three months in a year, according project chief Singh.

While controlling the Puwakhola stream in this way, water at the rate of 240 litre per second will be released for the conservation of environment and the farmers who are dependent on irrigation project below the intake, it is learnt.

The Project will generate 40.8 million kilowatt hour of electricity on the average in a year.

The cost per unit of the power will be Rs 2.80 and the annual income will be Rs 200 million and the investment will be recovered in fifty years, according to project engineer Bhanubhakta Pokharel.

Departure

Kathmandu, Feb 23 (RSS): A three-member delegation led by mp dr Bamshidhar Mishra left for Mauritius Tuesday to participate in the second international Bhojpuri Conference to be held there.

The conference will be held from tomorrow till February 29.

MP Mishra will exchange views on Bhojpuri language and culture with representatives from l2 countries.

The other members of the delegation are Gopal Thakur of Radio Nepal and Baibhav Kashaudhan of Rupandehi.

Committees for squatters

Kathmandu, Feb 23 (RSS): Chairman of the Landless Settlers Problem  Resolution Commission and Minister of State for Land Reform and management Gangadhar Lamsal has constituted additional district committees of the commission, it is stated.

  Ram Chandra Biyogi Ghimire is thus district convenor in Ramechhap, Bishnu Prasad Adhikari is convenor in Nuwakot, Ram Manohar Singh in Mahottari, Kabil Muni Mainali in Sarlahi, Hikmat Bahadur Thakur in Dadeldhura and Bin Bahadur Singh in Jajarkot.

First Jute Mill of Nepal begins to run

Biratnagar, Feb. 23 (RSS): Biratnagar Jute Mills, the first and largest Jute Mill in the country, is now running smoothly.

According to the publicity unit of the mill, it is producing 30-32 metric tones of jute a day.

British ambassador Ronald p. Nash, who inspected the mill, has   assured it of technical aid in view of its systematic operation

The new management of the Mill has given priority to full discipline there in order to run the mill on a long term basis, it is stated.

Farewell call

Kathmandu, Feb. 23 (RSS): Ambassador of Thailand to Nepal Precha Pitisant today paid a farewell call on Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat on completion of his assignment in Nepal

During the meeting, they held talks on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest.

Arrested

Itahari, Feb 23 (RSS): Binod Thapa, 20, of Dharan Municipality ward No. 18 has been arrested after he applied for a passport on the basis of a fake citizenship certificate. An examination of the citizenship distribution records showed that his citizenship card No. 054lll7 was not included.

 He is being kept at the district police office, Sunsari for necessary investigations.

Ranabhat initiates Mahayagya

Pokhara, Feb. 23 (RSS): Speaker Taranath Ranabhat initiated the Apurba Srimad Bhagawat Saptaha Mahayagya and the special Dhandhanyanchal Parba-2056 organised at the premises of the Machhapuchhre Education Campus at Dhikur Pokhari village development committee, Kaski district.

Speaking on the occasion Speaker Ranabhat said the hearing of the Bhagawat will improve the mental state of a man and help banish malice, greed, sins and   dutilessness thereby giving peace.

At the function presided over by the chairman of the Mahayagya Organising Committee Pandit Ananta Nath Subedi, various other speakers including mp prakash Bahadur Gurung, Baachan Shiromani   Narayan Prasad Pokhrel, central vice chairman of the Sanatan Dharma Sewa Samiti Rabindra Makaju, ddc chairman Punya Prasad Poudel, campus chief Ram Chandra Subedi, vice chairman Mahesh Parajuli, Vednidhi Sharma, vdc chairman Kedar Nath Adhikari, vice chairman Karna Bahadur Gurung, ddc member Indra Bahadur Gurung, and Ramesh Raj Poudel also expressed their views.

The Mahayagya organised to help in construction of the Machhapuchhre Education Campus and to set up a revolving fund will run until Fagun 19.

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