Nepal, Norway sign agreement

Kathmandu, 31 March: Nepal and Norway signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) Monday in Oslo to promote peace, hydro power development and education.
The MOU was signed on the second day of PM Prachanda’s Norway visit.
Norway will invest in the hydro power sector in Nepal.
Prachanda met with King Harald Monday.
The prime minister begins a visit of Finland Wednesday.
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Madhav Kumar Nepal appointed senior CPN-UML leader

Kathmandu, 31 March: Madhav Kumar Nepal has been appointed senior CPN-UML leader by the party’s central committee Monday.
The committee appointed Chairman Jhalanath Khanal, Nepal, KP Sharma Oli, Ashok Rai, Bamdeb Gautam, Bidya Bhandari, Bishnu Paudel, Ishwor Pokhrel, Shanker Pokhrel, Yubaraj Geywali and Amrit Bohara to the standing committee.
The central committee meeting that began 25 March ended Monday.
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British Minister for International Development arrives

Kathmandu, 31 March: Britain’s Minister for International Development Mike Foster arrived Tuesday for a three-day visit to launch his country’s country plan for Nepal.
The plan is being launched Thursday.
He will inspect a Maoist cantonment in Kailali.
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Valley received rainfall for second consecutive day

Kathmandu, 31 March: To the relief of residents, the Valley received rain for the second consecutive day Monday.
The five-month dry spell was broken Sunday.
Plants died and water had been rationed.
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Govt. invokes essential service act

Kathmandu, 31 March: Government has invoked an essential
service act banning strike in import, transport and distribution sectors of petroleum products.
Government has also decided to purchase oil tankers.
Petroleum dealers and importers went on a strike creating a shortage after government decided to ban old tankers.
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Justices begin meeting

Kathmandu, 31 March: Justices of the supreme and other courts began a two-day meet in the capital Tuesday.
The meeting is expected to pass a resolution on protection of interestsof judiciary.
The justices are meeting at a time when the supreme court has come under Maoist attack for a decision to reinstate eight brigadiers whose
services were terminated by the defence ministry.
Dr Baburm Bhattarai has demanded justices should be elected,
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RPP- Nepal roots for monarchy

Kathmandu, 31 March: RPP-Nepal Tuesday submitted a proposal to the constitution drafting committee for monarchy and a Hindu state.
The proposal was submitted by party chairman Kamal Thapa.
The party said monarchy should be an institution for national unity.
Nepali Congress also submitted a proposal for a parliamentary
system of government.
Maoists have proposed a presidential system of government.
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Nepali workers going to carry pickle with hemp

Kathmandu, 31 March: Nepali embassy in UAE has asked Nepalis traveling to the gulf not to carry with them pickle with bhang [hemp].
The embassy issued the request after two Nepalis were arrested with such pickle.
UAE bans products laced with narcotics.
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Nepali student dies in USA

Kathmandu, 31 March: Nepali student Rahul Hamal,23, died Froday while undergoing treatment at a hospital in New Jersey, the Nepali community in USA announced.
The community has asked for donations to return Hamal’s body home
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Name of ambassador designate to France doesn’t tally

Kathmandu, 31 March: A controversy has surfaced after the appointment of Ram Karki as ambassador to France, Annapurna Post reports.
In a CV to the foreign ministry, Karki has said his is Surendra
Karki.
Foreign ministry is preparing to ask the cabinet to change the
name.
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Bamdeb Gautam starts recruitment in intelligence department

Kathmandu, 31 March: Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Bamdeb Gautam has started a recruitment drive in the national investigation department, Kantipur reports.
He has started to recruit people of his choice against the recommendation of a high-level task force.
Gautam himself had proposed to modernize security agencies.
Thirty-seven persons have been appointed without competition.
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Details of seized assets sought

Kathmandu, 31 March: Nepali Congress has appointed
Balkrishna Khad coordinator of a committee to seek details of assets seized by Maoists.
Government hasn’t provided details demanded by a parliamentary committee.
The home ministry Friday again sought details from districts.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“Congress isn’t considering joining government.”

(Girija Prasad Koirala, Annapurna Post, 31 March)

“This development [Maoist criticism of judiciary] is very unfortunate. The judiciary should not figure in street protests. I condemn the burning of effigies of justices.”

(Attorney General Raghav Lal Vaidya, The HimalayanTimes, 31 March)

“Maoists do not have the right to dishonour the supremacy of the judiciary”

(Former Nepal Bar Association President Sambhu Thapa, The Himalayan Times, 31 March)

‘There’s no alternative to this government.”

(Minister Ganesh Shah, Annapurna Post, 31 March)

“This flower pot is also against a republic. Ouch! It hurts”

“Cartoon in Kantipur, Dr Baburam Bhattarai after his leg accidentally hit a flower pot, 31 March)
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