Interim constitution amended

Kathmandu, 29 Jan.: Parliament Thursday approved a bill to amend the interim constitution for the seventh time by a two-third majority with the support of Maoists, Nepali Congress and UML.
Altogether 499 of 503 members in the 601-member parliament voted for the amendment while four voted against the amendment to reactivate the vice-presidency.
The three largest parties in parliament had issued whips to legislators to be present for voting to enable the bill’s passage by a two-third majority.
Through the amendment, the president, vice-president and prime minister can now take their oaths of office and secrecy in their mother tongue.
Vice-president Parmananda Jha refused to take his oath in Nepali as directed by the supreme court.
Four amendment proposals were rejected,
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HLPM meets

Kathmandu, 29 Jan.: The high-level political mechanism (HLPM) meets Friday after its terms of reference and code of conduct were finalized.
The peace process, constitution drafting and the prolonged political
deadlock will be discussed at the residence of NC President Girija Prasad Koirala who is the mechanism’s coordinator.
Other members are Maoist Chairman Prachanda and UML Chairman Jhalanatah Khanal while Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal is
an invited member.
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British army chief coming

Kathmandu, 29 Jan.: British Army Chief Sir David Richards arrives 4 February on a visit, army sources said.
He will hold talks with Army Chief Gen Chatraman Singh Gurung.
Richards arrives at a time when India has resumed supplies of non-lethal materials to Nepal Army.
Supplies were suspended after King Gyanendra imposed direct rule five years ago.
United Kingdom followed India is spanning ties with Nepal Army five years ago.
He will discuss Nepal-UK defence cooperation with the army chief
And political leadershisp.
Recruitment of Gurkhas in British army and pensions for them will
also be discussed.
Nepal has formally asked British government to give equal treatment to
Gurkhas in the British army.
A British court recently rules against equal pay.
The Nepali regulars of the British army get only 1/20th of the salary
given to other British soldiers.
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Myanmar foreign minister arriving

Kathmandu, 29 Jan.: Myanmar Foreign Minister Nyan Win arrives on a four-day visit 5 February to participate in celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Myanmar.
He will hold discussions with Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal and Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala.
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Sujata sacks principal personal secretary

Kathmandu, 29 Jan.: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala Thursday sacked her principal private secretary Bharat Sapkota.
This was stated in a statement of her office.
The dismissal came 24 hours after newspaper reports said
Sapkota was involved in racketeering.
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TRADE, COMMERCE, ECONOMY

Nabil Bank records Rs 63,3 million profit

Kathmandu, 29Jan. Nabil Bank recorded a Rs 63.3 million
profit in Q2 of the cuurent fiscal year ending 14 Jan.
The bank earned a Rs. 42.9 profit in corresponding period
the previous year.
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SPORTS

SAG Games kicks off Friday in Dhaka

Kathmandu, 29 Jan.: The 11th South Asian Games (SAG) kicks off in Dhaka Friday.
Altogether 283 Nepali players are participating in 23 disciplines.
Eight nations are participating in the sports jamboree.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“Even before finalizing its term of reference, the High Level Political Mechanism seems to have worked wonders. Look at the way it has rejuvenated Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala.
He reminded Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal that eight
months into office he has not done enough toward rafting the
constitution.”

(Maila Baje, People’s Review, 29 Jan.)