NEWS

SPORT NEWS:Spain take step forward to erase underachiever tag

2008-06-23T20:28:00.000-07:00

Vienna, June 23:

Spain took a big step toward shedding their underachiever reputation on Sunday, finally surviving the quarter-finals and defeating Italy in a major tournament.It also showed they have the nerves to win from the penalty spot after having previously lost three shootouts in big-tournament quarter-finals. “We’re always talking about not being able to pass the quarter-finals. But now we’re in the semi-finals,” Spain coach Luis Aragones said. “I’m happy for my country and for my players... and for myself because it’s my profession and winning is beautiful.”Spain lost penalty shootouts to Belgium at the 1986 World Cup, to England at Euro 1996 and to South Korea at the 2002 World Cup - all in the quarter-finals.Before Sunday, the “Seleccion” had never gotten past that stage of a major tournament since 1984, when they made it to the European Championship final but lost to France.The victory in Vienna also settled a score with World Cup champion Italy, a team they had not been able to beat in a competitive match outside the Olympics. Although Aragones said his team deserved the win, he was not impressed by Spain’s performance in a tight match in which neither team was able to score before the shootout.“We didn’t play great football and Italy didn’t either. Italy couldn’t score on us and we had about three good chances,” Aragones said. Winger David Silva had two good shots in the first half and another in extra time, but it was Marcos Senna who came the closest for Spain with a long-range rocket in the 81st minute that Gianluigi Buffon struggled to save with the help of the post.“The rhythm of the game was slow,” Aragones said. “If we had moved the ball with more speed maybe we would have had more chances.” Spain, now undefeated in 20 games, expects a tough rematch with Russia in the semi-finals after the Spaniards beat Guus Hiddink’s squad 4-1 in their Group D opener.“This time it’s going to be more difficult than the first time,” Aragones said. “But this group is convinced of reaching the final.” The quarter-final match in Vienna was the first competitive match between Italy and Spain since the 1994 World Cup, when Roberto Baggio’s late goal gave Italy a 2-1 win and a spot in the semi-finals.The Spaniards best remember that match for how Italy defender Mauro Tassotti broke forward Luis Enrique’s nose in injury time.

VIENNA, Austria (AP)—A look at Day 16 of the 2008 European Championship on Sunday:

2008-06-23T04:56:00.000-07:00

RESULTSSpain 0, Italy 0 (Spain wins shootout 4-2, advances to semifinals)

SEMIFINALSSpain became the only group winner to advance to the semifinals when it beat World Cup champion Italy 4-2 on penalty kicks after a 0-0 draw. The Spaniards, who won all of their Group D games, will play Russia on Thursday in Vienna.

The other semifinals has Germany against Turkey at Basel, Switzerland on Wednesday.STARSIker Casillas guessed correctly on all four of Italy’s penalty kicks in the shootout, stopping two in a 4-2 victory after a 0-0 draw. Casillas also made two strong saves during the game, and his stops against Daniele De Rossi and Antonio Di Natale in the shootout were decisive.

HISTORY

No team has won the Euro championship after a perfect start since France in 1984. Spain is the only team remaining with a chance to do it.

INJURIES

Turkey’s chances of winning the championship were dealt a blow when forward Nihat Kahveci was ruled out for the rest of the tournament with a right thigh injury. Nihat was hurt in the closing minutes of extra time in Friday’s quarterfinal match against Croatia, which the Turks won in a penalty shootout.

GOAL OF THE DAY

Substitute Cesc Fabregas stepped up to the penalty spot with Spain leading Italy 3-2 in the shootout and put home the winning shot, beating goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon with a low shot, sending the Spaniards into the semifinals.

QUOTABLE

“We are happy to have made the semifinals, but we have a very strong Russia team to play next. We’re looking forward to it.”—Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

Transport strike affects Gandaki, Dhaulagiri zones

2008-06-23T04:53:00.000-07:00

Transporters today halted all public vehicles in Gandaki and Dhaulagiri zones to pressure the government to meet their 11-point charter of demands.Their demands include smooth supply of petroleum products, proper management of transport fares and compensation for vandalised vehicles.The transporters warned that they will continue the strike until their demands are met. Students, office-goers and the commoners faced problems due to the strike.Vice-president of Gandaki-Dhaulagiri Coordination Committee Sharadraj Subedi said all public transport vehicles stayed off the roads today, adding that all taxis will stop plying here tomorrow.More than 200 microbuses, 18 buses, 100 jeeps and more than 2000 taxis ply Pokhara streets.Chairman of the Pokhara Bus Entrepreneurs’ Committee Dharma Adhikary said they will halt their services until the government addresses their demands.Passengers trying to travel to different parts of the country from Pokhara were left stranded due to lack of public transport.

SLC results out sans board toppers’ list

2008-06-23T04:22:00.000-07:00

The Exam Controller’s Board today published the result of School Leaving Certificate exams. The exams were held from March 17 to 27.The pass percentage this time was 63.73.This is 5.09 per cent higher than last year.This year too, the board did not publish the list of toppers.According to the result, 1,95,689 out of 3,07,078 examinees got through.Out of 59,963 examinees, a total of 19,335 examinees passed the exam, which is 32.24 per cent of the total.Out of 307,078 regular students, 112,975 boys and 82,714 girls passed the exam.The pass percentage for boys and girls stood at 67.91 and 58.78, respectively.A total of 6,266 boys and 3,616 girls passed with distinction.Altogether 74,707 examinees — 45,357 boys and 29,350 girls —secured first division.A total of 105,592 examinees — 58,291 boys and 47,301 girls — secured second division. Whereas 5,508 examinees — 3,061 boys and 2,447 girls — passed in third division.Out of a total of 59,963 exempted examinees, 8,790 boys and 34,840 girls passed. A total of 635 exempted examinees passed in first division, 15,793 in second division and 2,907 in third division.Results can be seen at www.ntc.net.np, www.educationdirectory.com.np, www.moes.gov.np, and www.doe.gov.np.By dialling 1600, result can be known from GSM mobile of NTC (pre paid /postpaid).By dialing 2722 from PSTN/CDMA/Mero Mobile/UTL, the result can be known through APCA Nepal.By sending SMS to 1400 from NTC mobile and by sending sms to 2722 from PSTN/CDMA/Mero Mobile/UTL the result can be known. According to exam controller Harka Prasad Shrestha, the higher pass percentage was obtained this time may be because questions were asked only from Grade X curriculum. The exam controller added that supplementary SLC examination will be held on August 7 toAugust 14.Out of iron gate• Compared to last year, the pass rate rose by 5.09 per cent this year• Out of 307,078examinees, 112, 975 boys and 82,714 girls passed the exam• 74,707 passed in first division, 105,592 in second division and 5,508 examinees passed in thirddivision• Pass per cent for boys and girls stood at 67.91 and 58.78 per cent respectively• Out of 59,963 exempted examinees, 8,790 boys and 34,480 girls passed the exam• Exam controller Harka Shrestha says the pass per cent was higher this year probably because, unlike in the past, questions were asked from Class X curriculum this time• Supplementary exams will be held from August 7 to August 14

2008-06-13T04:09:00.000-07:00

UEFA Champions League|UEFA European Football Championship

2008-06-13T04:00:00.000-07:00

The UEFA European Football Championship (Union of European Football Associations) is the main football competition of the men's national football teams governed by the UEFA. Held every four years since 1960, in the even-numbered year between World Cup tournaments, it was originally called the European Nations Cup, changing to the current name in 1968. Specific championships are often referred to in the form "Euro 2008" or whichever year is appropriate, although this phrasing was not used before Euro 96.

The UEFA Champions League, which evolved from the European Champion Clubs' Cup, is a seasonal club football competition organised by UEFA since 1992 (or overall in its older format since 1955) for the most successful football clubs in Europe. The prize, the European Champion Clubs' Cup (more commonly known as the European Cup), is the most prestigious club trophy in the sport. The UEFA Champions League is separate from the UEFA Cup.
The tournament consists of several stages. In the present format it begins in mid-July with three preliminary knockout qualifying rounds. The 16 surviving teams join 16 seeded teams in a group stage. Eight group winners and eight runners-up enter the final knockout rounds, which end with the final match in May. Previously only the champions of their respective national league could participate in the competition; however, this was changed in 1997 to allow the runners-up of the stronger leagues to compete as well.
The title has been held by a number of different clubs, where some have won the title more than once. The all-time record-holder is Real Madrid with their nine wins. AC Milan have won it seven times, Liverpool FC five times, Ajax and Bayern Munich four times, and Manchester United three times.
The current holders are Manchester United F.C. who beat Chelsea F.C. 6-5 on penalties, 1-1 after extra time, in Moscow on the 21st May 2008 (GMT).

Transport entrepreneurs protest fuel shortage

2008-06-08T20:16:00.000-07:00

Transport entrepreneurs protest fuel shortage
Kathmandu, June 8:
Transport entrepreneurs today staged a sit-in in front of the Nepal Oil Corporation at Babarmahal and demanded immediate end of shortage of petroleum products.They also threatened to lock out petroleum depots throughout the country if the problem were not solved in two days.Likening the mess in management of petroleum products to Gaijatra, Krishna Prasad Adhikary, general secretary of the Federation of Nepali National Transport Entrepreneurs, said: “We have decided to lock out all the petroleum depots throughout the nation if the government failed to provide sufficient fuel within next two days.”He said the federation’s meeting to be held tomorrow would come up with further protest plans.Adhikary said the transport entrepreneurs also staged protests at the local petroleum depots across the country today.Hundreds of entrepreneurs involved in the protest programme had demanded an end to fuel adulteration and black market.

Koirala Reiterates Faith in Free Press

2008-06-08T20:15:00.000-07:00

Koirala Reiterates Faith in Free Press
Kathmandu, June 8:
Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala today reiterated that he would not compromise on press freedom, multi-party democracy, human rights and individual liberty.Addressing a mass meeting organised by the Nepali Congress and its sister organisations at Tundikhel, he said the successful holding of the Constituent Assembly election itself was a victory for the NC."This is NC's victory. This is nothing but the people's victory," PM Koirala said while stressing the need of consensus between the major political parties.Former prime minister and senior NC leader Sher Bahadur Deuba said: "Although the NC failed to bag majority seats in the CA, the ideals it had been championing for a long time won in the election.""NC's seven conditions are meant to pressure the Maoists to adhere to democratic norms," he said.NC acting president Sushil Koirala said his party was committed to save democracy no matter what price they will have to pay."Despite Maoist atrocities, the NC successfully held the CA election because the party did not want to see the peace process derailed," he said.Party leader Gopal Man Shrestha maintained that the Maoists had not renounced violence and warned that the people would overthrow them if they chose the path of dictatorship."It would have been impossible to hold the CA election and abolish the monarchy without the help of PM Koirala and his statesmanship. Therefore, PM Koirala should be honoured for his role," said Minister for Peace and Reconstruction Ram Chandra Poudel.Another NC leader Prakash Man Singh said it was not true to claim that the NC did not want to quit power and clarified that those wanting to form a new government should follow constitutional provisions.Party general secretary Bimalendra Nidhi maintained that their seven terms were designed to make the Maoists follow democratic norms and values."They are like a wild elephant that needs to be tamed before being allowed to roam around in civilised society," Nidhi quipped.Joint general secretary of the party Dr Ram Baran Yadav said his party's concern was to put an end to politics of violence and ensure competitive polity.Party leader Arjun Narsingh KC said his party was committed to safeguard democracy and would always raise hell against any kind of autocracy.Tarun Dal president Mahendra Yadav, Nepal Students Union president Pradip Poudel and Nepal Women's Association president Ambika Basnet flayed Maoists for resorting to violence and intimidating political opponents.

Prakash reveals deal to amend Prachandapath

2008-06-08T20:13:00.000-07:00

Prakash reveals deal to amend Prachandapath

Rupandehi/Kathmandu, June 8:

General secretary of the CPN-Ekta Kendra Mashal, Narayankaji Shrestha 'Prakash', revealed that his party had reached an agreement with the CPN (Maoist) to amend Prachandapath.He said Prachandaath and Maoists’ programmes would be amended once his party and the CPN (Maoist) were unified."We are also planning to change the name of the unified party and rename it the Nepal Communist Party," he said at a press conference organised by Abadh Rajya Samiti of the Revolutionary Journalists Association in Butwal."But this does not mean that we are undermining the contribution of Maoist chairman Prachanda," he said "An agreement has been reached to form Nepal Communist Party," Prakash said.“The decision to unify the CPN- Maoist and CPN-Ekta Kendra Mashal has been taken, but the nitty-gritty of the unification is yet to be worked out.“The CPN (Maoist) wants to establish a people-oriented democratic republic,” he added. Meanwhile, the central committee meeting of the CPN-Maoist endorsed the decision of the party's central secretariat to back an independent and respected person for the post of President.

FNCCI for fuel price hike

2008-06-08T20:11:00.000-07:00

FNCCI for fuel price hike

The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) today asked the government to hike fuel prices if the move ensures smoothly supply of fuel.FNCCI president Kush Kumar Joshi today met Shyam Sundar Gupta, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, at the latter's office and apprised him of problems facing the business sector due to the shortage of petroleum products.The delegation also presented a seven-point suggestion to the minister to ensure smooth supply of petroleum products. The suggestions include hike in the prices of petroleum products.The other suggestions include laying of a petroleum pipeline from Raxaul to Amlekhgunj, tax rebate on import of petroleum products, ban on the import of automobiles that use excessive petroleum products.Shiva Prasad Ghimire, president of the Nepal Petroleum Dealers' Association (NPDA), claimed that the current fuel supply is merely 20 per cent of the total demand. He said petroleum dealers will launch a strike from June 15. The dealers have decided to stop selling petroleum products from June 23, unless the government ensures adequate supply and provides security to petrol pumps, Ghimire said.The government took no decision on hiking the prices of petroleum products as Minister for Health and Population Girirajmani Pokharel opposed hiking the prices. Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Shyam Sundar Gupta said the issue of "adjusting" prices of petroleum products will be discussed with other ministers of all the parties tomorrow morning. He said there is no alternative to revise prices of petroleum products as fuel prices have soared up in the international market.
Depot shut

RUPANDEHI: The Bhalbari-based western regional sales depot of NOC has been padlocked since June 5. Seeking a smooth supply of petroleum products, petroleum dealers shut the depot. President of the Petroleum Dealers' Association (Rupandehi) MK Miyan said the lock will not be opened till our demands were met.Asked to comment on the charge that owners of petrol pumps are selling adulterated petrol and diesel at exorbitant prices, he said the charge was baseless.President of the Western Nepal Bus Entrepreneurs’ Association Tulsi Ram Banjade also said most of the vehicles are refuelled in India. — HNS

Jagannath temple still reveres King Gyanendra

2008-05-05T02:53:00.000-07:00

King Gyanendra might lose his 239-year-old crown after monarchy is abolished, but he will continue to enjoy special religious rights as a “king” in India’s ancient Jagannath temple in Orissa.The king and his queen enjoy special privileges at the 12th century Jagannath temple in Orissa’s coastal city of Puri.The temple is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage spots and is taken as one of the four abodes (dhamas) of the divinethat lie in the four directions of the country.As per the temple record of rights, the entire temple premises gets washed — a ritual known as ‘soudha’, before the arrival of the Nepal royal couple.Authorities do not allow devotees to enter the temple premises. All the morning rituals of the temple are conducted in advance to facilitate them.Only a handful of temple servitors help the Nepal royal couple perform rituals before the deities. The temple administration closes three gates and keeps open only the southern gate for the Nepali king and queen to enter, according to temple official Bhaskar Mishra.Family priests of the king, known as ‘Lalmoharia Panda’, escort the couple to the sanctum sanctorum.It is the Nepal king who has the privilege to perform rituals on the ‘Ratna Vedi,’ the throne of the deities inside the sanctum sanctorum. Except for a few senior temple priests, no other person is allowed to perform the ritual.“The Nepal royal couple will continue to enjoy the same privileges even after they lose their crown in Nepal,” Suresh Mohapatra, the temple’s chief administrator, said. “If they come here, they will be given the same royal treatment we have been giving them in the past,” he said.Like King Gyanendra, a royal family in Orissa also enjoys special status in the temple. The king of Puri, known as ‘Gajapati’, is considered the chief servitor of the Jagannath temple. He is also the ex-officio chairperson of the temple managing body. Hindu devotees believe the king of Puri is the religious representative of Lord Jagannath and revere him as next to the lord.When the king and queen visit the temple, it is the Gajapati who welcomes them to the temple city and accompanies the royal couple to the temple.“Legend says the King of Nepal had presented the ‘Shaligram Shila’ (a precious stone considered to be the representative of Lord Vishnu) to the king of Orissa, Jajati Keshari, in the 11th century AD,” Jagabandhu Padhi, a researcher, said.“The Shila has since been placed in the heart of the wooden image of lord Jagannath. From that time on the King of Nepal enjoys special privileges in the Jagannath temple,” Padhi said.

The fourth National Robot

2008-04-29T20:02:00.000-07:00

The fourth National Robot
April-27-2008
Robot Contest was organised yesterday with robots made by the engineering students of the Himalayan College of Engineering (HCE) bagging the first prize.The team of HCE led by Bhupal Sapkota won the ‘Grand Prix’ title with 45 scores in the competition inaugurated by Information minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara.
The hard team work conducted by himalaya college of engineering has lead to achieve this award,said MR MANOJ KUMAR GIRI,engineering student of himalaya college of engineering.
The team members of robotics club of the same college are SUNIL PANDIT,SUJAN PARAJULI,BHUWAN POKHAREL.
]Acme Engineering College became the first runner-up with 35 scores and Advanced College of Engineering and National College for Information Technology were second runner-ups.Best Idea award was given to Kantipur Engineering College, Best Artistic Design Award to Thapathali Campus and Best Performance award to PU School of Engineering and Technology.On the occasion, Mahara said the 21st century is the age of science and technology, so the government should promote the field, urging all the people to work for scientific development.

TELECOM NEWS

2008-04-29T19:54:00.000-07:00

काठमाडौं, वैशाख १५
- इन्टरनेट सेवा प्रदायक कम्पनीले सस्तो मूल्यमा उच्च गतियुक्त इन्टरनेट एस्मेटि्रक डिजिटल सब्सक्राइबर लाइन -एडीएसएल उपभोक्तालाई बिक्री गर्न पाउनेभएका छन् ।दूरसञ्चार प्राधिकरणले टेलिकमका अतिरिक्त निजी इन्टरनेट सेवा प्रदायक कम्पनी -आईएसपी० ले समेत सेवा बिक्री गर्न पाउने निर्णय गरेको हो ।प्राधिकरणका प्रवक्ता कैलास न्यौपानेले आइतबार आयोजित पत्रकार सम्मेलनमा प्रतिस्पर्धा बढाउन निजी क्षेत्रले एडीएसएल सेवा बिक्री गर्न पाउने नीतिगत निर्णय गरिएको बताए । टेलिकमले आफूमात्रै यो सेवा वितरण गर्ने अडान लिएपछि आईएसपीहरू यसका विरुद्ध पुनरावेदन अदालत, अनुगमन निकाय प्राधिकरण र सर्वोच्च अदालतमा समेत पुगेका थिए ।टेलिकम र निजी क्षेत्रले समेत वितरण गर्न पाउने भएपछि सरकारी स्वामित्वको टेलिकमको परम्परागत तारयुक्त टेलिफोन लाइनमार्फ दुई साताभित्र यो सेवा सुरु हुनेभएको छ । टेलिकमका प्रबन्ध निर्देशक सुगतरत्न कंशाकारले दुई साताभित्र बिक्री सुरु हुनेगरी तयारी भइरहेको बताए । टेलिकमले तामाको तारमार्फ घरायसी प्रायोजनका लागि २२ हजारभन्दा बढी ग्राहकलाई सेवा दिने क्षमता जडान गरी परीक्षण सम्पन्न गरिसकेको छ ।टेलिफोन एक्सचेन्जदेखि तामाको तारमार्फ घरमा जडित टेलिफोन तारमा थप उपकरण जडान गरेर एकैचोटी तीव्र गतिको इन्टरनेट चलाउन सकिन्छ । यो प्रविधिमा २० मेगाविट्स प्रतिसेकेन्डको गतिसम्म डेटा ट्रान्सफर क्षमता भए पनि पहिलो चरणमा १ सय २८ केबीपीएसदेखि दुई मेगाविट्ससम्म उपलब्ध गराइनेछ । हालसम्म टेलिकमले ५६ किलोविट्सको गतिमा डायलअप इन्टरनेट सेवा उपलब्ध गराउँदै आएको छ ।यो प्रविधिमार्फ घरमा इन्टरनेट चलाउ“दा टेलिफोनको विल तिर्नु पर्दैन । टेलिफोनमा एडीएसएल जडान गरेपछि एकैचोटी इन्टरनेट, टेलिफोन, इन्टरनेटमा आधारित टेलिभिजन समेत हर्ेन सकिन्छ ।प्राधिकरणले टेलिकमद्वारा प्रस्तावित एडीएसएलको महसुल दर पनि स्वीकृत गरेको जनाएको छ । जसअनुसार १ सय २८ किलोबाइट्स गतिको मासिक असीमित इन्टरनेट सेवाका लागि ९ सय रुपैया“ महसुल निर्धारण गरेको छ । यसैगरी प्राधिकरणले २ सय ५६ केबीपीएसको असीमित मासिक सेवाका लागि १ हजार ५ सय रुपैया“, ५ सय १२ केबीपीएसको २ हजार ७ सय रुपैया“, १ एमबीपीएस क्षमताका लागि मासिक ५ हजार र २ एमबीपीएसका लागि ९ हजार ३ सय रुपैया“ महसुल निर्धारण गरेको छ । यो महसुल साविकको भन्दा निकै सस्तो हो । यसअघि उपभोक्ताले यो गतिको इन्टरनेटका लागि २ हजार २ सय रुपैया“भन्दा बढी तिर्नुपरेको थियो ।आईएसपीएनका महासचिव विनय बोहोराले टेलिकमले निजी क्षेत्रलाई एडीएसएल प्रविधिबाट सेवा सञ्चालन गर्न दि“दा उपभोक्ता अझ बढी लाभँन्वित हुनसक्ने कान्तिपुरसँग बताए । प्राविधिकरूपमा बाधा नभएकाले टेलिकम र निजी क्षेत्रका आईएसपीले स“गस“गै सेवा बिक्री सुरु गर्न पाउने वातावरण तयार गर्नुपर्छ, उनले भने । प्राधिकरणले भने टेलिकम र निजी कम्पनीबीच एक महिनाभित्र आपसमा दरभाउ निर्धारण गर्न समय तोकेको छ ।अन्तरआबद्धता महसुल घट्नेसरकारी तथा निजी मोबाइलबीच आदान-प्रदान हुँदा लाग्ने अन्तरआबद्धता महसुल घट्ने भएको छ । दूरसञ्चार प्राधिकरणले वैशाख १९ देखि लागू गर्ने नयाँ इन्टरकनेक्सन निर्देशिका लागू भएपछि महसुल घट्न लागेको हो ।मेरो मोबाइल, यूटीएललगायतका कम्पनीलाई आफ्ना ग्राहकसँग लिँदै आएको महसुल थप घटाउन बाटो खुला भएको छ । अब निजी कम्पनीका फोनबाटटेलिकमको फोनमा सर्म्पर्क गर्दा बढीमा ५४ पैसा तिर्नुपर्ने भएको छ । यसअघि यी कम्पनीका फोनद्वारा टेलिकमको फोनमा सर्म्पर्क गर्दा टेलिकमलाई १ रुपैयाँ ५० पैसा अन्तरआबद्धता शुल्क तिर्नुपर्ने थियो ।प्रत्येक सेवा प्रदायकले नयाँ निर्देशिका लार्गू भएको १ सय २० दिनभित्र नयाँ महसुल निर्धारण गर्नुपर्नेछ । ठूलो कम्पनी टेलिकमले अन्तरआबद्धता शुल्क बढी निर्धारण गरेकाले मेरो मोबाइलका ग्राहकले टेलिकमका फोनमा सर्म्पर्क गर्दा बढी रकम तिर्नुपरेको गुनासो थियो ।

World Bank to continue its support for Nepal

2008-04-29T19:53:00.000-07:00

Kathmandu, April 29:
A delegation of the World Bank’s Executive Directors vowed to continue the bank’s support to Nepal, irrespective of who heads the government in Nepal.“Politics does not interfere in the decisions of the World Bank, as it’s a non-political global institution representing 185 countries,” they said while briefing the media before leaving for Washington after a four-day stay here. “We respect the Nepali people’s decision,” they said.They were here to review the country’s economic situation and social issues post-CApolls. “The visit is meant to understand situation and challenges here,” Michel Mordasini, one of the EDs, who looks after Switzerland said.The 11 Executive Directors met PM Girija Prasad Koirala, Finance Minister Dr Ram Sharan Mahat, a few newly elected CA members, civil society members and the donor community representatives during their stay.“It was a busy schedule and we held extensive discussions with the government authorities and reviewed the economic situation and social issues after the successful holding of CA polls,” he said. The high-level delegation had also held discussions on possible future areas of support like climate change, hydropower and infrastructure.The delegates also met Maoist chairman Prachanda and second-in-command Dr Baburam Bhattarai. At the end of a ‘cordial’ meeting with the duo, the delegates laid stress on continuity of dialogue with the emerging powers in Nepal.The delegation did not set any pre-condition for the government-in-waiting but they believed that it’s a process of a continued dialogue that they are looking forward to.They will report to the bank’s headquarters in Washington for the future course of action in Nepal.The directors said they were impressed with the peaceful CA polls and that the peaceand development processes were on track.

Maoists to lay claim to govt leadership

2008-04-29T19:37:00.000-07:00

Kathmandu, April 29:
The central Committee meeting of CPN-Maoist has decided that the party would claim leadership of the next government, as it has emerged as the single largest party in the Constituent Assembly.“We should get a chance to lead the government but we will work in tandem with other major parties,” Maoist leader CP Gajurel told this daily about the party’s decision. He said his party was in favour of intensifying dialogue with other major parties to forge a consensus.The party formed a six-member committee under the coordination of Ram Bahadur Thapa ‘Badal’ to finalise the names for 100 PR seats the party has won under PR system.RSS quotes Gajurel as saying that the Maoists will not allow amendment to the Constitution to appoint or oust the PM by a simple majority.He said, “The meeting has taken decision that the appointment of the PM and the formation of the government should be done in accordance with the present constitution.” Interim Constitution sta-tes that the PM’s appointment shall be done on the basis of two thirds majority if consensus could not be reached among the political parties.He added that the meeting formally took a decision to ask party chairman Prachanda to take up the responsibility of the head of state-cum-government.Meanwhile, central committee of the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum met today to review its election performance. According to MJF central committee member Shyamanand Shuman, his party would finalise the names for PR seats tomorrow.Asked about the party’s future strategy, he said, “We will pressure the NC-led government to step-down, as it has lost the mandate to lead.” He said the Maoists had the people’s mandate to lead the next government.“Our next strategy will be to rally support of other stakeholders to end ambiguities in the Interim constitution with regard to the formation and ouster of a government,” he said.NC vice-president Gopal Man Shrestha said the Maoists should form the next government on the basis of a consensus.“Let it be loud and clear we don’t want to go against the popular mandate by exploring the alternative to the Maoist-led governm-ent at this point,” he said.He added that the Mao-ists should renounce all kinds of violence and fulfil their past commitments to convince others that they have really transformed into a democratic party.He also criticised the UML for pulling out of the government even as it has urged the PM not to quit the government until a political consensus is evolved for a next government.UML leaders, however, hold a tougher line and maintain that they can forge understanding with the Maoists only if the latter strictly adhere to the peace pact. UML leader Ishwor Pokharel said, “We have to seek consensus but it should not come at the cost of our identity.”

Minister Pradhan interacts with Nepal Diaspora

2007-10-01T01:51:00.001-07:00

Foreign Minister Sahana Pradhan has attended programmes organised by Nepali Diaspora in the US at the sidelines of the UN general assembly.
According to the UN mission in New York, Pradhan attended a discussion programme on US–Nepal Relations focusing on 'expectations and realities in a period of transformation' organised by America-Nepal Friendship Society (ANFS) on Sunday.
Addressing the function, Pradhan expressed satisfaction over the US support in areas of trade, tourism, infrastructure development, governance, human rights, and democratisation process in Nepal.
Minister Pradhan commended the role of the Nepali Diaspora in mobilizing active political support in the US during the peaceful democratic movement in Nepal and also in infusing dynamism in Nepal-US relations.
Minister Pradhan urged Nepal 's development partners including the US for more generous assistance for the reconstruction of economic and physical infrastructure demolished during the conflict.
On the occasion, Pradhan gave away ANFS Friendship Award to member of the US House of Representatives James T. Walsh and ANFS Community Leadership Award to Marvin Brustin, Honorary Consul General of Nepal to Chicago and Ashok Gurung, Senior Director of India China Institute at The New School in New York.
The Foreign Minister also attended a Nepali cultural programme organised by the Himalayan Foundation in New York

Blast near Japanese Embassy in Kathmandu

2007-10-01T01:47:00.000-07:00

A bomb went off near the Japanese Embassy at Panipokhari, Kathmandu, Monday afternoon.
Police officials at the Metropolitan Police Circle, Maharajgunj, said the roadside blast, opposite to the embassy building, occurred at around 13:10 pm. There was no human casualty of physical damage in the 'minor blast'.
Eyewitnesses told Nepalnews that two persons on a motorbike threw a plastic bag on the pavement and made off. It exploded immediately.
Nobody has claimed responsibility for the blast. Police said they were investigating into the blast

City blasts: 13 involved, say cops

2007-10-01T01:45:00.000-07:00

Kathmandu, September 30:Police today said 13 persons, including a police constable, were involved in planting bombs that exploded at Sundhara, Tripureshwor and Balaju in the capital on September 2.The police also said four persons — policeman Upendra Shah, 27, Jagat Narayan Thakur, 25, Sanjib Sah, 20 of Rautahat and Ramlakhan Thakur of Bara — were arrested 10 days ago on the charge of being involved in the blasts that killed two students and a woman and left 25 others injured. Nine others — mastermind Kaushal Sahani, alias Mr John, Ajay Sahani, 23, Babban Singh, 40, Ramakanta Thakur, 24, Raj Narayan Thakur, 25, Jagat Shah, 22, Rampriya Sahani, Dhuran Thakur, 28, and Parindar Baidha, 15, of Rautahat — are at large, police said.“The arrested men identify themselves as members of the Tarai Army,” Additional Inspector General of Police Keshav Baral told a press meet at the police headquarters held to make public a report on the blasts. “Investigations are on to ascertain the motive and identify elements that backed the incident,” Baral said.According to him, the group outlined the plan in Rautahat and arrived in the capital on August 29. While Raj Narayan, Dhuran and Parindar put up in a rented room of Jagat Narayan and Ramlakhan at Gursingal, Kaushal, Ramakanta and Jagat stayed somewhere else, the police said.“The group had originally planned to carry out the blasts at Singhadurbar, the Supreme Court, the Gongabu Bus Park and the Nepal Bangladesh Bank. It later changed its plans due to the security that was in place at these places,” Baral said.He said the men lured the constable with a motorcycle and acquired information on the police movement from him. “The arrested will be charged with murder,”he added.

EC sets new dates for filing nominations

2007-10-01T01:43:00.001-07:00

Kathmandu, September 30:

Following a government request, the Election Commission (EC) today rescheduled the deadline for filing nominations for the constituent assembly election.The government today urged the EC to defer the deadline for submitting the closed-list of candidates for polls to be held under the proportional representation (PR) system till October 5 and for voting to be held under the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system till October 8.A Cabinet meeting earlier today endorsed a proposal to request the EC to reschedule the dates.“Following the government’s request in writing and keeping in mind the peace process and national interests, the EC has rescheduled the programme,” Chief Election Commissioner Bhoj Raj Pokhrel said.Candidates of political parties and independent candidates contesting under the FPTP system must now file their nominations on October 8. While the list of candidates registered with the EC will be published on October 9, complaints against anyone will have to be filed on October 10. The EC will investigate the complaints and take a decision by October 11. It will also publish the list of candidates the same day. Candidates may withdraw their nominations on October 12, while the EC will publish the final list of candidates and grant election symbols on October 14.The parties must now submit the closed-list of candidates contesting under the PR system on October 5. The closed-list will be made public on October 20 and applications against the candidates may be registered on October 21. On November 4 the EC will notify if any candidate’s name has been removed from the list.Candidates wanting to withdraw their names can do so on November 6. The EC will then publish the final closed-list and grant election symbols to the candidates on November 7.No more changes, says CEC:Chief Election Commissioner Bhoj Raj Pokhrel today told political parties and the government that the EC cannot make any more changes in the election programme.“This is the last (time)... that we are rescheduling the election programme. We had to do so considering national interests and the peace process. The EC alone cannot make changes in the programme if any such request is made again,” Pokhrel told a press conference.“We decided to change the programme because the future of the Nepali people directly depends on this election,” he said.He also said that the government is now making efforts to see to it that the law and order situation is improved.Pokhrel said the EC expects support from all concerned including “the government, all Nepali people, political parties, media and other stakeholders of society, friendly countries and international organisations.”Asked what will happen if the election is to be held under the fully proportional representation system as demanded by the Maoists, he said the process will be a longer one as amendments have to be made in the Interim Constitution and other related laws.

2007-09-10T20:01:00.000-07:00

latest updated......
sep-11-07 Congress leaders dismiss Kishunji's views as outdated
Following the statement by senior Congress leader Krishna Prasad Bhattarai expressing displeasure at NC's drive for republic, leaders of both NC and NC-Democratic have dismissed it as 'outdated.'
On Sunday, Kishunji had urged the Congress to be guided by lessons of the past and collective thoughts for future and not by anything else including republicanism. He appealed for unity and reconciliation to achieve safe landing of the transition.
Terming his statement as a 'personal' observation, vice president of NC Sushil Koirala said it will not affect the moves by NC to formally adopt the line of federal republic through the Mahasamiti meeting.
Furthermore, Minister for Peace and Reconstruction and general secretary of NC, Ram Chandra Poudel said, "That is his old viewpoint. But NC will not abandon republic."
Another congress leader Narahari Acharya had said that justification of reconciliation with the King had ended. "Late BP had talked about reconciliation with the monarchy at a specific point of time. But the circumstances have changed now. It is more important to have unity and reconciliation with communist forces at this juncture," he said.
Even leaders of NC-Democratic have said that Kishunji's remarks will not affect the moves for unification.

sep-9-07 One student killed, over 20 hurt in Rupandehi jeep accident
A student was killed and nearly two dozen others injured when a jeep carrying students met with an accident at Devdaha area in Rupandehi district Sunday afternoon.
The overcrowded jeep overturned on the road, killing Tulsiram Chapagain, 14. The students were on their way to Butwal to attend the district convention of the Maoist-affiliated All Nepal National Independent Students Union - Revolutionary (ANNISU-R), reports said.
The injured students have been admitted at the Lumbini Zonal Hospital in Butwal for treatment.

sep 10-07
Saroj Mulmi, Niraj Thapa selected for 3rd Asian Indoor Games
Saroj Mulmi and Niraj Thapa have been selected for 3rd Asian Indoor Games as both entered the finals of National Snooker Championship being held at the Satdobato Sports Complex, Lalitpur.
Mulmi defeated Rajan Lama 5-4 in the nail biting show while Niraj Thapa registered 5-2 win over Buddha Lama to get a chance to compete in Macau. The final between them will be played on Thursday.
Nepal Billiards, Snooker and Pool Association will take both finalists to Macau to compete in the 3rd Asian Indoor Games being held in the last week of October

2007-08-21T20:23:00.000-07:00

Parliament session prolongs.(kathmandu)
Although the eight parties had agreed to prorogue the session of the parliament on August 20, subsequent differences among them have stalled the process.
The Maoists want the parliament to announce the republic right away and has, therefore, been against ending the current session.
The Unified Marxist Leninist (UML) has indicated that the session can be suspended for three weeks but not ended.
The frequent meeting between the Speaker and the chief whips of the parliamentary parties could not reach to any understanding on this issue.

Maoist protest programmes draw worries from different quarters
Leaders of the various political parties and lawmakers today said the announcement of the protest programmes by the CPN (Maoist) would hamper the holding the constituent assembly election on time.
Speaking at an interaction programme organised by the Reporters' Club in the capital on Tuesday, vice president of Nepali Congress Democratic (NC-D) Gopal Man Shrestha questioned the intention of the Maoists who have announced "people's action" ahead of the polls.
He claimed the Maoists were not sincere towards the polls and that their activities would create hurdles in holding polls in a free and fair manner.
However, Maoist leader Chandra Prasad Gajurel defended his party's decisions saying the agitations were not intended to disrupt the polls rather to make it successful. He said their programmes were targeted against those who are against the polls.
Speaking at the same programme, People's Front Nepal chairman and former Deputy Prime Minister Amik Sherchan asked Maoist chairman Prachanda to clarify the meaning of initiating 'people's action' ahead of the polls.
Timely CA election is the only way out: Speaker Nemwang
Speaker of the legislature parliament Subas Nemwang has said there is nobetter way to institutionalise the achievement of the people's movement thanby holding the constituent assembly election on time.
Speaking at interaction organised by the parliamentary committee for state restructuring in the capital Tuesday, speaker Nemwang also advised the government to move ahead by addressing the valid demands of various agitating groups including Madhesis and Janajatis.
Saying that the people have gained many things through the great sacrifices they made in last year's people's movement, speaker Nemwang asserted that it could only be guaranteed by holding the constituent assembly election successfully.
NTC-(ktm)
Nepal Telecom has been providing 3rd Generation Mobile service since May 17 , 2007. Customers can enjoy various multimedia sevices with this type of mobile
Nepal Telecom has revised the distance charges for GSM Mobile (Pre-Paid & Post-Paid) and CDMA to Re 1/- from Shrawan 01, 2064 (July 17, 2007).
Dail 1606 from your fixed line phone to get monthly bill amount and total pending amount of that number.

Salman Khan Arrested, Sent to Jail

Bollywood star Salman Khan was arrested by Indian police on Saturday and sent to jail after a court rejected his appeal against a five-year conviction for shooting an endangered species of gazelle.Television channels showed pictures of the muscular actor surrounded by policemen as he left the Jodhpur airport after arriving from Mumbai, as TV crews and fans jostled to get a glimpse of him. Police struggled to keep order."He has been arrested at the airport lounge and the arrest warrant was presented to him there itself," a police official said.Dozens of fans on motorcycles followed him in a police vehicle on the way to court, where he was ordered to be jailed, police officials said.The actor said earlier on Saturday he would surrender in Jodhpur after the rejection of the appeal against his 2006 conviction for killing several endangered species of antelope during hunting trips to the western state of Rajasthan in 1998.The animals are protected under Indian wildlife law.Khan was alleged to have slit the throat of the chinkara -- a type of gazelle that he shot before giving it to chefs at his deluxe hotel to cook.On Friday, a Jodhpur court rejected his appeal against the conviction, leaving him with the option of surrendering or being arrested.The court had also issued an arrest warrant against him.OTHER CASESEarlier on Saturday, Khan, wearing a tight-fitting white T-shirt and cargo pants with sunglasses, said in Mumbai he planned to surrender in Jodhpur "as a responsible citizen and somebody who abides by the law and respects the judiciary".He was accompanied by his lawyer and family members, including his actor-brother Sohail Khan. Television footage showed a worried-looking Khan talking to a tense Sohail and lawyers during the flight to Jodhpur.Known for his bad-boy image and romantic liaisons with several Bollywood leading ladies, Khan has several other cases hanging over him.He was convicted in 2006 for killing protected blackbuck antelopes during Rajasthan hunting trips, and given a one-year jail sentence.He was granted bail and has appealed against that conviction, but has also been charged with other counts of killing wildlife and of breaking gun laws.Khan is also facing trial over the death of a man sleeping on a pavement in Mumbai in 2002. Khan is suspected of drunk driving and has been charged over the man's death. The actor has denied being at the wheel.Khan is currently filming three movies costing about 1 billion rupees, according to film analyst Taran Adarsh.As the actor was taken to court, his fans were distraught."I wish he comes out fast from jail and gives us some good movies," one young man told NDTV TV news.

Anil Giri
New Delhi, August 25:;

rashant Tamang, 24, from Darjeeling has made it to the Top 4 of the popular television talent hunt show Indian Idol. With Mayang Chang being edged out of the competition, Prashant will now have to vie with Amit Paul, Emon Chatterjee and Ankita Mishra for the top spot.In an interview with The Indian Express, Prashant thanked all who had voted for him. Speaking from Dehradun, Prashant’s childhood friend Gyanendra Aryal said he has been running a pro-Prashant signature campaign in various Indian cities. Encouraged by reports of the huge number of votes Nepali people have given in his favour, Prashant intends to visit Nepal once the Indian Idol contest gets over, said Aryal who has managed to garner 1.5 lakh votes in favour of Prashant from people in Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai.Aryal expects Prashant and Amit to face each other in the final round. A pro-Prashant wave is welling up among the thousands of Nepalis living in Uttaranchal, said Aryal, adding that seeing the vast number of Nepalis of Indian origin, it was likely that Prashant would emerge the winner.In the interview with Express, Prashant described himself as a humble person who used to sing in remote corners of his native district Darjeeling, adding that he had never thought that he would become a household name one day. He said he was thankful for getting a chance in the Indian Idol contest and grateful to his family, friends and well-wishers.SMS frenzy:Roshan SanwaDarjeeling, August 25Since 4 pm today, Darjeeling municipal councillor and Tungsung resident Tenzing Khampoche was SMS-ing “Prashant safe, Chang out” to acquaintances curious to know if Prashant was still in the Indian Idol contest. Khampoche himself got the news of Prashant making it to the final round of the contest from relatives in Mumbai.People from Ilam, Jhapa, Morang and Sunsari districts of Nepal and Kathmandu are going in droves to Darjeeling to send SMS votes for him. Noted hair stylist Neil David Katuwal presented Prashant’s mother and sister with Rs 7,500 to help them SMS for Prashant.

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