National news


01-    Vaccination centre building set up in Phedipatan

Pokhara, June 4: A vaccination centre building has been constructed here at Phedipatan of Pokhara Lekhnath Metropolitan City – 12 at a cost of Rs 219,000.

District Public Health Office, Kaski contributed the bulk amount with Rs 210,000 for the construction of the building.

Office's Vaccination Centre Chief, Yek Narayan Lamsal, said Rs 4,300 per individual was being spent as part of the government's vaccination drive for security of mother and child.
-----------
02-    CNP calls for extra vigilance near rivers citing croc breeding season

Ratnanagar (Chitwan), June 4: The Chitwan National Park (CNP) has issued a notice calling on the locals and visitors to adopt extra alertness when heading near any rivers citing crocodile breeding season.

CNP Information Official and Assistant Conservation Official, Nurendra Aryal, said the female crocs lay their eggs and hide them, and are given to be more aggressive in this season.

The CPN's notice comes in as many days following an attack on a fisherman near the Echarni river in the eastern section of the park.

During the attack which took place on Wednesday, Prasad Mahato – a local of the area – lost his arm, but escaped alive. He is currently undergoing treatment at the Alive Hospital in Bharatpur. The latest census has recorded the number of crocodiles at 168 in two rivers within the CNP.  
-----------
03-    Two girls drown in pond

Ratnanagar (Chitwan), June 4: Two girls drowned in a pond when picnicking at Madi area of Chitwan on Saturday.

12 – year – old Deepshikha Pariyar and seven – year – old Deepika Sunar of Ramrajyapur in Madi Municipality – 6 drowned while on a picnic with friends.

According to District Police Office, Chitwan, the girls who were half-drowned died in course of treatment.

-: 2 :-

Dinesh Pariyar's daughter Deepshika and Durga Sunar's daughter Deepika had gone into the pond to swim when the unfortunate incident took place. Their bodies have been kept at Bharatpur Hospital for post-mortem examinations.  
-----------
04-    Woman dies of electric shock

Surunga (Jhapa), June 4: A woman died of electric shock while hanging washed clothes to dry them at Bhadrapur Municipality – 2, Jhapa on Saturday night.

The District Police Office, Jhapa has identified the deceased as 47 – year – old Kusum Rai of Bishalpur – 22.

Rai came in contact with the electric wire while hanging clothes and died on the spot. Her body has been kept at Mechi Zonal Hospital, Bhadrapur for post-mortem examination.
---------
05-    Excessive heat and humidity envelops mid and eastern Tarai districts

Mahendranagar (Dhanusha), June 4: With the peak summer season in full swing, the rising temperatures in eastern and mid Tarai region including Dhanusha has disrupted normal life.

The scorching summer heat and humidity has enveloped Dhanusha, Sarlahi, Mahottari, Rautahat, Bara and Parsa among other districts.

The marketplaces in these districts take on a deserted look during the daytime. The number of patients reporting heat related problems has increased in the hospitals.

The heat has been particularly unbearable for elderly citizens and children. The temperature has climbed to 39 – 40 degree Celsius mark from 32 degree Celsius. The doctors have advised the people to consume watermelon, cucumber, green vegetables and drink lots of water.
-----------
06-    Electric fence set up to stop wild elephants

Kanchanpur, June 4: Electric wire fencing powered by solar energy has been set up in Bichphant area of Purnabas Municipality – 4 to prevent wild elephants straying from India's Dudhwa National Park across the border.

The herds of wild tuskers from the park have been destroying paddy, wheat, sugarcane and vegetable farming every year and even causing human casualties. CPN (Maoist Centre) leader Bina Magar took the initiative to fence off the area and put an end to the nuisance.
-: 3 :-

A budget of Rs 700,000 was allocated to purchase solar panels, power inverters and wires along with labour donation from Maoist Centre cadres, Construction Committee Chairman Tulsing Sunar shared.  
----------
07-    Litterateur Sharma's death an 'irreparable loss'

Kathmandu, June 4: Senior litterateur Shyam Prasad Sharma's death has been termed an 'irreparable loss' to the literary world.

At a programme held by the Progressive Writers' Association here on Saturday, participants stressed on need for the members of the new generation to learn lessons from Sharma's simple life and pro-people views.

Sharma, who is the founding member of the association and a lifetime member of Nepal Academy, has made contributions in politics, literature, journalism and social work for over six decades.

Sharma passed away on May 7 at the age of 87 in Kathmandu. He has written more than five dozen books.

On the occasion, Nepal Academy's Member Secretary, Dr Jivendra Dev Giri, said Sharma was a source of motivation. He termed Sharma's death as the death of progressive literary realm's prize.
-----------
08-    38 injured, four in critical condition after bus veers off road

Banepa, June 4: At least 38 persons were injured when a passenger bus fell 20 meters below the Araniko highway today at Tinpiple area of Paanchkhal Municipality.

Among the injured the condition of four passengers is reported to be serious. The bus (Ba 2 Kha 6441) en route to Kartike Deurali from Kathmandu veered out of control and crashed, said Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Navin Raj Rai of District Police Office, Dhulikhel.  

Most of the injured passengers are being treated at Dhulikhel hospital. The bus driver fled following the accident. There were 45 passengers on board when the bus met with the accident.


09-       Man drowns in Kavrepalanchok

Banepa (Kavrepalanchok), June 4: A man drowned in local Indrawati River in Kavrepalanchok on Saturday.

Hari Prasad Parajuli of Bhullu rural municipality-9 in the district was taking a bath when the incident occurred, police said.

Meanwhile, local people have accused crusher industries of their hand in the incident.

They claimed that the industries illegally extract sands and pebbles from the river, which changes the course of the river, thus causing the incident.

They have also demanded compensation to the family of the victim from the crusher industries.

10-       Parliament meeting postponed till 3:00 pm

            Kathmandu, June 4: The meeting of the Legislature-Parliament scheduled to be held at 11:00 am this morning has been postponed for 3:00 pm.

            Press Coordinator of Speaker Onsari Gharti, Babin Sharma, said that the meeting was postponed after major political parties sought time to forge a consensus. The major political parties requested for some time to resume the parliament obstructed by the main opposition party, CPN (UML) for the past few days.

            Today's meeting has the agenda of tabling a notice related to the candidacy to the post of the prime minister as per Article 298 (3) of the Constitution and Rule 49 (4) of the Legislature-Parliament Regulations-2073.

            Lawmaker Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has proposed the candidacy of Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba to the post of prime minister on Saturday. It has been seconded by five other lawmakers including NC's Ram Chandra Poudel.
---------
11-       NC and CPN-MC agree to collaborate in re-elections in Bharatpur

            Chitwan, June 4: An agreement has been reached between Nepali Congress and CPN (Maoist Center) for the Maoist Center to support NC in the re-election to be held in Bharatpur Metropolitan City-19. CPN (MC) will support the NC for the position of ward chairperson and members of the ward while NC will vote for CPN (MC) mayoral candidate. NC is also vying for the post of deputy Mayor.
-: 5 :-

            The Election Commission directed to hold re-polls in the Metropolis following the reports of the findings of torn ballot papers during the vote count for the ward. Following the findings, the vote count was halted subsequently.

            A joint meeting of both NC and Maoist Center held today also continued the agreement to help Renu Dahal and Parbati Shah, the former Maoist Center's candidacy for mayor in the Metropolis and latter NC's candidacy for deputy mayor win the polls, said Ishwori Bhattarai, the Maoist Center in-charge of Chitwan.

            NC's Karna Bahadur Gurung has fielded his candidacy for ward chairperson in the ward while Khadka Bahadur Gurung has vied for the same post from Maoist Center.

            Meanwhile, the meeting welcomed EC's decision, demanding that a new date should be set for reelection at the earliest.
--------
12-       Public support needed for sanitation: Mayor Shakya

Kathmandu, June 4: Newly elected mayor of the Kathmandu Metropolis Bidya Sundar Shakya has urged all to support the sanitation campaign in the metropolis.

In a programme organized by the Solid Waste Management Technical Support Centre on the occasion of the World Environment Day here today, mayor Shakya said that the single effort for environment protection was not enough therefore all should join hands for the same. 

Similarly, deputy mayor Hari Prabha Khadgi said that lessening dust-borne diseases was the main challenge in Kathmandu. 

Executive director at the centre Bishwa Mani Gyawali opined for taking action against those who arbitrarily throw wastes.

Speaking at the same programme, former Environment Minister Ganesh Shah said that the persons involved in sanitation activities should be healthy first.

13-       RPP's PP meeting to take decision regarding to vote new PM 

Kathmandu, June 4: The Rastriya Prajatantra Party has assigned the responsibility for taking decision whether to vote for Prime Minister's candidate Sher Bahadur Deuba to the parliamentary party.  

The meeting of the party's central work execution committee here today took this decision, said spokesperson Sushil Shrestha.


-: 6 :-

The meeting failed to take a decision after party Chair Kamal Thapa denied to vote for the PM's candidate even though majority members had suggested for the same. The party's PP meeting will be held this evening itself.

14-       Obstructing parliament by CPN (UML) is wrong: Minister Nayak

Bhaktapur, June 4: Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Ajay Shankar Nayak, has said that obstructing the parliament by CPN (UML) at the time of forming a new government through majority process was wrong.

            At a programme organised by Rafat Sanchar Club here today, Minister Nayak said, "Second round of local-level election will be affected if the CPN (UML) obstructs the parliament and if selection of prime minister is delayed. So attention should be paid to it."

            He said that there was no alternative for the CPN (UML) than to accept the decision of the Election Commission on re-polling at Bharatpur Municipality-19.

            The Law Minister said, "Denying to accept the decision of the EC, the independent body, and obstructing the parliament by is wrong. The UML's protest in this regard is meaningless." 

            He also urged all not to cast doubt on re-polling to be conducted in Bharatpur Municipality-19.


15-       UML Chitwan stages protest against EC decision

            Chitwan, June 4: The CPN-UML Chitwan staged a demonstration in protest against the decision of the Election Commission to hold re-polling at ward no. 19 of Bharatpur municipality.

            UML leaders and cadres gathered at Chaubiskothi of Bharatpur and staged demonstration along with a rally that reached Pulchowk of Narayangadh chanting slogans. Addressing a corner meet held at Pulchowk, UML mayor candidate Devi Gyawali said the Election Commission decided to hold re-polls under influence of power at a time when his victory had been ensured.  He said the UML would seek a legal remedy as well as justice with the support of the people.

            UML Acting district Chair Tejendra Khadka said it was unfortunate that the Election Commission decided in favour of the CPN-MC that tore the ballot papers after a defeat was imminent.

-: 7 :-

16-       Special Court extends Sharma's judicial custody  by one week

            Kathmandu, June 4: The Special Court has extended the judicial custody of suspended Director General of the Inland Revenue Department, Chudamani Sharma by one week. Sharma was arrested on the charge of corruption on tax determination issues last Friday.

            The Special Court extended the judicial custody to carry out investigation by keeping Sharma in custody to be effective from Saturday after the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority presented Sharma before the court this morning. 

            Talking to media persons at the Court premises, Sharma said that he was arrested illegally.

17-       Minister Thapa urges new comer to continue good works

Kathmandu, June 4: Health Minister Gagan Thapa, in a press meet organized at the Ministry today, has shared that the Ministry has conducted different reforms in health sector during his term of office.  

Management of extending the services, medicine, human resource and monitoring and classification of the health institutions on the basis of services were notable reforms during the tenure, Minister Thapa added.

Minister Thapa added that he performed good job during the tenure despite the lack of laws, acts as per the new constitution.   Thapa added that about 20 acts, policy and regulations were drafted and amended during his tenure.  He also shared that liquor policy, liquor act, disability policy,  national health bill, health insurance bill, reproduction health bill, drugs act amendment were the policy level reforms.

Minister Thapa further said that the Ministry has forwarded long-term policy and programmes aimed at reforming the health sector. He added that the different acts were endorsed and some have come to effect as well. 

In another context, Minister Thapa urged the next Health Minister to continue his reform works honestly.
--------
18-       PM election process rescheduled for Tuesday

Kathmandu, June 4: The election process for a new Prime Minister to be held today has been postponed and rescheduled for Tuesday. 

The election process has been fixed for 1:00 PM Tuesday, giving some time for seeking a political consensus. 

-: 8 :-

19-       RPP to support Deuba's candidacy to new PM 

Kathmandu, June 4:  The Rastriya Prajatantra Party has decided to support Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba's candidacy to the post of the Prime Minister.

  The parliamentary party meeting took this decision this afternoon.  The meeting also formed a  dialogue committee under the convenorship of party general secretary Jayanta Chanda to hold talks with Nepali Congress and CPN (Maoist Centre) regarding participation in the new government.

The RPP has 37 lawmakers in the parliament. 
---------- 
20-       Federal Socialist Forum to support Deuba

            Kathmandu, June 4: Federal Socialist Forum Nepal is to support Nepali Congress President, Sher Bahadur Deuba in the election of the prime minister.

            A Parliamentary Party meeting held today decided to vote in favour of Deuba in the election.  Co-Chairman of the forum, Rajendra Shrestha, told the Rastriya Samachar Samiti that the party decided to support Deuba after NC President Deuba expressed commitment to resolve problems including constitution amendment after formation of the government under his leadership.

            He said, "We decided to vote for NC President Deuba as 40th Prime Minister of the country as per the commitment to address our demands. We will decide about our participation in the government at the right time."
           
            The Forum has now 15 lawmakers represented in the parliament.
---------
21-       Bill related to foreign investment to encourage foreign investment

Kathmandu, June 4: In a good move that is expected to promote foreign investment, investments worth up to Rs 5 billion will be approved from the Department of Industry.

            A Cabinet meeting on Friday passed a Bill related to foreign investment that was stuck for long in the Parliament. The Bill has been amended to integrate laws related to foreign investment.

            The earlier Bill required an industry with an immovable property worth Rs 2 billion to be registered with both the Department and Investment Promotion Board.

            Reacting to the passage of the amended bill at a press conference held at the Ministry today, Industry Minister Nabindra Raj Joshi said, "A conducive environment has been created for foreign investments with the endorsement of the bill."
-: 9 :-

            He also urged foreign investors to invest in Nepal rest-assured. The amended bill provisions that identity cards would be provided to foreign investors and their contribution recognized with awards.

            Also on the occasion, Secretary of the Ministry Shankar Prasad Koirala expressed hope that with the passage of the amended bill, foreign investment would be increased and more employment opportunities generated in the country.

09-       Man drowns in Kavrepalanchok

Banepa (Kavrepalanchok), June 4: A man drowned in local Indrawati River in Kavrepalanchok on Saturday.

Hari Prasad Parajuli of Bhullu rural municipality-9 in the district was taking a bath when the incident occurred, police said.

Meanwhile, local people have accused crusher industries of their hand in the incident.

They claimed that the industries illegally extract sands and pebbles from the river, which changes the course of the river, thus causing the incident.

They have also demanded compensation to the family of the victim from the crusher industries.

10-       Parliament meeting postponed till 3:00 pm

            Kathmandu, June 4: The meeting of the Legislature-Parliament scheduled to be held at 11:00 am this morning has been postponed for 3:00 pm.

            Press Coordinator of Speaker Onsari Gharti, Babin Sharma, said that the meeting was postponed after major political parties sought time to forge a consensus. The major political parties requested for some time to resume the parliament obstructed by the main opposition party, CPN (UML) for the past few days.

            Today's meeting has the agenda of tabling a notice related to the candidacy to the post of the prime minister as per Article 298 (3) of the Constitution and Rule 49 (4) of the Legislature-Parliament Regulations-2073.

            Lawmaker Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has proposed the candidacy of Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba to the post of prime minister on Saturday. It has been seconded by five other lawmakers including NC's Ram Chandra Poudel.
---------
11-       NC and CPN-MC agree to collaborate in re-elections in Bharatpur

            Chitwan, June 4: An agreement has been reached between Nepali Congress and CPN (Maoist Center) for the Maoist Center to support NC in the re-election to be held in Bharatpur Metropolitan City-19. CPN (MC) will support the NC for the position of ward chairperson and members of the ward while NC will vote for CPN (MC) mayoral candidate. NC is also vying for the post of deputy Mayor.
-: 5 :-

            The Election Commission directed to hold re-polls in the Metropolis following the reports of the findings of torn ballot papers during the vote count for the ward. Following the findings, the vote count was halted subsequently.

            A joint meeting of both NC and Maoist Center held today also continued the agreement to help Renu Dahal and Parbati Shah, the former Maoist Center's candidacy for mayor in the Metropolis and latter NC's candidacy for deputy mayor win the polls, said Ishwori Bhattarai, the Maoist Center in-charge of Chitwan.

            NC's Karna Bahadur Gurung has fielded his candidacy for ward chairperson in the ward while Khadka Bahadur Gurung has vied for the same post from Maoist Center.

            Meanwhile, the meeting welcomed EC's decision, demanding that a new date should be set for reelection at the earliest.
--------
12-       Public support needed for sanitation: Mayor Shakya

Kathmandu, June 4: Newly elected mayor of the Kathmandu Metropolis Bidya Sundar Shakya has urged all to support the sanitation campaign in the metropolis.

In a programme organized by the Solid Waste Management Technical Support Centre on the occasion of the World Environment Day here today, mayor Shakya said that the single effort for environment protection was not enough therefore all should join hands for the same. 

Similarly, deputy mayor Hari Prabha Khadgi said that lessening dust-borne diseases was the main challenge in Kathmandu. 

Executive director at the centre Bishwa Mani Gyawali opined for taking action against those who arbitrarily throw wastes.

Speaking at the same programme, former Environment Minister Ganesh Shah said that the persons involved in sanitation activities should be healthy first.

13-       RPP's PP meeting to take decision regarding to vote new PM 

Kathmandu, June 4: The Rastriya Prajatantra Party has assigned the responsibility for taking decision whether to vote for Prime Minister's candidate Sher Bahadur Deuba to the parliamentary party.  

The meeting of the party's central work execution committee here today took this decision, said spokesperson Sushil Shrestha.


-: 6 :-

The meeting failed to take a decision after party Chair Kamal Thapa denied to vote for the PM's candidate even though majority members had suggested for the same. The party's PP meeting will be held this evening itself.

14-       Obstructing parliament by CPN (UML) is wrong: Minister Nayak

Bhaktapur, June 4: Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Ajay Shankar Nayak, has said that obstructing the parliament by CPN (UML) at the time of forming a new government through majority process was wrong.

            At a programme organised by Rafat Sanchar Club here today, Minister Nayak said, "Second round of local-level election will be affected if the CPN (UML) obstructs the parliament and if selection of prime minister is delayed. So attention should be paid to it."

            He said that there was no alternative for the CPN (UML) than to accept the decision of the Election Commission on re-polling at Bharatpur Municipality-19.

            The Law Minister said, "Denying to accept the decision of the EC, the independent body, and obstructing the parliament by is wrong. The UML's protest in this regard is meaningless." 

            He also urged all not to cast doubt on re-polling to be conducted in Bharatpur Municipality-19.


15-       UML Chitwan stages protest against EC decision

            Chitwan, June 4: The CPN-UML Chitwan staged a demonstration in protest against the decision of the Election Commission to hold re-polling at ward no. 19 of Bharatpur municipality.

            UML leaders and cadres gathered at Chaubiskothi of Bharatpur and staged demonstration along with a rally that reached Pulchowk of Narayangadh chanting slogans. Addressing a corner meet held at Pulchowk, UML mayor candidate Devi Gyawali said the Election Commission decided to hold re-polls under influence of power at a time when his victory had been ensured.  He said the UML would seek a legal remedy as well as justice with the support of the people.

            UML Acting district Chair Tejendra Khadka said it was unfortunate that the Election Commission decided in favour of the CPN-MC that tore the ballot papers after a defeat was imminent.

-: 7 :-

16-       Special Court extends Sharma's judicial custody  by one week

            Kathmandu, June 4: The Special Court has extended the judicial custody of suspended Director General of the Inland Revenue Department, Chudamani Sharma by one week. Sharma was arrested on the charge of corruption on tax determination issues last Friday.

            The Special Court extended the judicial custody to carry out investigation by keeping Sharma in custody to be effective from Saturday after the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority presented Sharma before the court this morning. 

            Talking to media persons at the Court premises, Sharma said that he was arrested illegally.

17-       Minister Thapa urges new comer to continue good works

Kathmandu, June 4: Health Minister Gagan Thapa, in a press meet organized at the Ministry today, has shared that the Ministry has conducted different reforms in health sector during his term of office.  

Management of extending the services, medicine, human resource and monitoring and classification of the health institutions on the basis of services were notable reforms during the tenure, Minister Thapa added.

Minister Thapa added that he performed good job during the tenure despite the lack of laws, acts as per the new constitution.   Thapa added that about 20 acts, policy and regulations were drafted and amended during his tenure.  He also shared that liquor policy, liquor act, disability policy,  national health bill, health insurance bill, reproduction health bill, drugs act amendment were the policy level reforms.

Minister Thapa further said that the Ministry has forwarded long-term policy and programmes aimed at reforming the health sector. He added that the different acts were endorsed and some have come to effect as well. 

In another context, Minister Thapa urged the next Health Minister to continue his reform works honestly.
--------
18-       PM election process rescheduled for Tuesday

Kathmandu, June 4: The election process for a new Prime Minister to be held today has been postponed and rescheduled for Tuesday. 

The election process has been fixed for 1:00 PM Tuesday, giving some time for seeking a political consensus. 

-: 8 :-

19-       RPP to support Deuba's candidacy to new PM 

Kathmandu, June 4:  The Rastriya Prajatantra Party has decided to support Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba's candidacy to the post of the Prime Minister.

  The parliamentary party meeting took this decision this afternoon.  The meeting also formed a  dialogue committee under the convenorship of party general secretary Jayanta Chanda to hold talks with Nepali Congress and CPN (Maoist Centre) regarding participation in the new government.

The RPP has 37 lawmakers in the parliament. 
---------- 
20-       Federal Socialist Forum to support Deuba

            Kathmandu, June 4: Federal Socialist Forum Nepal is to support Nepali Congress President, Sher Bahadur Deuba in the election of the prime minister.

            A Parliamentary Party meeting held today decided to vote in favour of Deuba in the election.  Co-Chairman of the forum, Rajendra Shrestha, told the Rastriya Samachar Samiti that the party decided to support Deuba after NC President Deuba expressed commitment to resolve problems including constitution amendment after formation of the government under his leadership.

            He said, "We decided to vote for NC President Deuba as 40th Prime Minister of the country as per the commitment to address our demands. We will decide about our participation in the government at the right time."
           
            The Forum has now 15 lawmakers represented in the parliament.
---------
21-       Bill related to foreign investment to encourage foreign investment

Kathmandu, June 4: In a good move that is expected to promote foreign investment, investments worth up to Rs 5 billion will be approved from the Department of Industry.

            A Cabinet meeting on Friday passed a Bill related to foreign investment that was stuck for long in the Parliament. The Bill has been amended to integrate laws related to foreign investment.

            The earlier Bill required an industry with an immovable property worth Rs 2 billion to be registered with both the Department and Investment Promotion Board.

            Reacting to the passage of the amended bill at a press conference held at the Ministry today, Industry Minister Nabindra Raj Joshi said, "A conducive environment has been created for foreign investments with the endorsement of the bill."
-: 9 :-

            He also urged foreign investors to invest in Nepal rest-assured. The amended bill provisions that identity cards would be provided to foreign investors and their contribution recognized with awards.

            Also on the occasion, Secretary of the Ministry Shankar Prasad Koirala expressed hope that with the passage of the amended bill, foreign investment would be increased and more employment opportunities generated in the country.

22-    Looters arrested

          Kathmandu, June 4: The Metropolitan Police Crime Division today arrested the gang which had looted Rs 3.2 million from Mhaipi of Kathmandu on Friday.

          The looters were arrested from various six places of the Kathmandu Valley.

          The police teams mobilized from the Crime Division arrested Anjan Thapa and Saroj Shrestha hailing from Dhading, while Sijan Adhikari and Santosh Bohara from Gorkha, Gyan Bahadur Puri from Gulmi and Tara Bohara from Baglung.

          The police confiscated Rs 417,000; metal like fake gold, and two motorcycles, said Prakash Jung Karki, Spokesperson at the Division.

          However, the mastermind of the loot, is yet to be arrested, he said, adding that investigation into the loot was underway. 
------
23-    Ambassador Dhakal submits copy of credentials to Omani Foreign Minister

          Kathmandu, June 4: The newly appointed Nepali Ambassador to Oman, Sharmila Parajuli Dhakal presented on Sunday her credentials before the Omani Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah at the latter's office in Muscat, Oman.

          During the meeting, the two held talks on various aspects of the bilateral relationship between Nepal and Oman.

          According to a press statement released by the Nepali Embassy in Muscat, the newly appointed Nepali envoy Dhakal told the Omani Foreign Minister that Nepal has aimed at making huge economic stride.

          Dhakal expressed her confidence for the Omani government's support to Nepal in achieving economic growth, reads the statement.

          Congratulating the Nepali envoy Dhakal for her appointment to Oman as the first Nepali Ambassador to Oman, Foreign Minister Abdullah asserted his hopefulness that the ties between Oman and Nepal during her tenure would be further strengthened.

          On the occasion, the Omani Foreign Minister pledged Omani's government support to Nepal in its each step for socio-economic development.

          Earlier, Nepali Ambassador Dhakal had held a meeting with the Chief of Protocol at the Oman's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nasir Mohammad Al-Busedi, and talked on the various aspects of the diplomatic ties between Oman and Nepal.  
-----
24-    PM'S election process postponed

          Kathmandu, June 4: Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, the lone candidate in the prime ministerial race, could not be elected to the Prime Minister as the Parliament failed to meet despite the publication of election schedule today.

          The meeting of the House has been put off till 13:00 pm on June 6 to forge consensus among the major political parties.

          Today's House meeting could not convene as the main opposition CPN (UML) did not budge from its stance of obstructing the House meeting during a three-party meet held upon the call of Speaker Onsari Gharti.

          The major political parties have however agreed to hold bilateral and multilateral and intraparty talks to reach a conclusion, it is said.

          After the meeting, Nepali Congress leader Ram Chandra Poudel said that the process for PM's election was deferred for some days.

          The UML leaders have warned to obstruct the House business terming the Election Commission's move wrong in regard to the election of the Bharatpur Metropolitan City.

          PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', PM candidate Sher Bhaadur Deuba and other leaders are learnt to have urged the UML leaders not to obstruct the House proceedings.

          The date for the PM's selection was postponed after both the sides could not come together.

          UML leader Subash Nembang however said the major opposition was not informed about the election of new PM. It rather learnt from media, he argued.

          According to him, the election of the PM was delayed by two more days for garnering all sides' agreement.

          Similarly, senior leader of the UML Jhalanath Khanal said the parliament meeting was postponed on their proposal.

          For two days, the political parties would hold extensive discussion to forge consensus, he added.

          The schedule to elect new PM was affected after the ruling parties demanded quick formation of new government reasoning the country was to hold the second round of local level election, while the major opposition stood against running parliament meeting without addressing their demands.

          The Parliament Secretariat had fixed the schedule to election PM at 11:00 am today. As the parties did not reach agreement, the meeting was postponed till 15:00pm. Later, it was postponed again.

          Energy Minister and leader of the CPN (Maoist Centre), Janardan Sharma, said the Parliament meeting was postponed as a mid way solution of the problems after the political parties failed to reach a conclusion despite repeated efforts.

          Major ruling parties Nepali Congress and the Maoist Centre had strongly directed its lawmakers not to leave the parliament building but had to return home without electing the PM.

          The meeting was attended by PM Dahal, NC President Deuba, senior leader Poudel, UML Chairman KP Oli, senior leader Jhalanath Khanal, leaders Madhav Kumar Nepal and Bam Dev Gautam among others. 
------
25-    Nepal taking on India in friendly match

          Kathmandu, June 4: Nepal's National Football Team has left for India today to play an international friendly match with Team India.

          At a farewell programme organized at Satdobato-based All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) Complex, member-secretary of National Sports Council (NSC) Keshab Kumar Bista and ANFA Chairperson Narendra Shrestha bade farewell to the squad with best wishes.

          Nepal is playing friendly match with Indian national football team at Andheri Sports Complex in Mumbai on June 6, Nepal is taking on India as part of its preparation to play against Yemen at Kathmandu on June 13 under the AFC Asian Cup Football Selection, ANFA informed. RSS
------
26-    High Court stays swear-in to two wards chairpersons in Bharatpur

          Chitwan, June 4: The High Court Patan, Hetauda has issued an order in the name of the defendant to not administer oath of office to ward chairpersons of Bharatpur Metropolis-4 and 7 and hold performing any activities in the capacity of ward chairpersons.

          It may be noted that Nepali Congress candidate for Bharatpur-4 lost the election by seven votes while in ward 7 also NC candidate Shyam Prasad Lamichhane was defeated by 14 votes.

          CPN-UML candidate Hari Prasad Acharya and Rajendra Mani Kafle were declared winners in ward 4 and 7, respectively.

          NC candidates, Sapkota and Lamichhane, had registered cases at the High Court Patan, Hetauda naming Chitwan Chief Election Office as the defendant citing foul play in vote count.

          Acting on the case filed, a single bench of Justice Baburam Regmi issued the order today in line with Rule 61 of the High Court Regulation-2073 BS.
--------
27-    Call to end untouchability in practice

          Kathmandu, June 4: The Dalit Citizen Society has appealed to all to end the prevalence of caste-based discrimination and untouchability in practice.

          Issuing a press statement today, the Society has urged all stakeholders to hold the government accountable and answerable to ensure human rights, proportional participation, inclusion, self-respect and social justice for Dalit community as per Nepal's Commitment in the international community as well as amend the laws to end the caste-based discrimination and untouchability in practice.

          The Society has also drawn serious attention of the national and international community to the serious violation of human rights, especially caste-based discrimination and untouchability adding such cases were on the rise even after 11 years of declaration of untouchability-free nation.

          Likewise, the Society has said that lack of effective implementation of Caste-based Discrimination and Untouchability (Crime and Punishment) Act, 2068 BS was unfortunate though six years have already elapsed after the enforcement of the Act.