FORMER KING SAYS HE DIDN'T EXPECT PRESENT DISMAL SITUATION

MAOIST TEACHERS SHUT DOWN SCHOOLS

Kathmandu, 8 July: Saihchik Gatantrik Manch, affiliated with Maoists, closed down schools for one day Friday.
Maoist teachers were exerting pressure on government to fulfill past commitments for increased salary and perks.
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SIGNATURE CAMPAIGN TO OUST RAM CHANDRA PAUDEL

Kathmandu, 8 July: A signature campaign has been launched by a section led by senior NC leader Sher Bahadur Deuba to oust Ram Chandra Paudel as leader of the party’s parliamentary party, Naya Patrika reports.
Fifty NC lawmakers have signed a document so far and it’s expected 70 signatures will be collected.
There are 113 lawmakers in the party.
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GOVT. POLICY, PROGRAMME APPROVED BY MAJORITY

Kathmandu, 7 July: Parliament Thursday approved by majority voice vote government’s policies presented by President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav who was thanked by the legislature for announcing it in the legislature.
Amendment proposals of 16 parties, including main opposition NC, four Madeshbadi parties and even ruling UCPN (Maoist), were rejected by voice vote.
Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal didn’t withdraw controversial reference to the Maoist people’s war in the president’s address,
UML of Premier Khanal voted for the policy and programme even though a standing committee earlier asked the premier to withdraw the reference.
The passage paves the way for the presentation of the 2011/12 annual budget 14 July.
Delayed presentation the last three consecutive years has adversely impacted the economy.
NC General Secretary Prakash Man Singh said party won’t obstruct budget presentation this year.
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FORMER KING DECRIES LACK OF PROGRESS IN 5 YEARS

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 7 July: Former King Gyanendra Thursday, in a frank assessment the country’s situation five years after he restored a dead parliament following extreme international pressure and a popular 19-day movement, said he fails to ‘understand the lack of progress’ that should have ensued
He even said he hadn’t foreseen such a situation.
“A little over five years have passed since I addressed the nation on April 24, 2066; nevertheless, I fail to understand the lack of progress that should have been palpable for the people of Nepal to reap the benefits from my good intentions and sacrifice.
“My only wish is to ensure that Nepal’s future and destiny is decided by the Nepalese themselves.
“On the contrary, during the past five years, the aspirations of all self-respecting Nepalese, that of our ancestors and of my own, have been totally ignored.
“These issues, I believe, must be addressed to immediately without delay.”
He didn’t pin responsibility on anyone for the country’s current dismal plight.
The former king talked with reporters at his Nirmal Niwas residence on his 65th birthday
Thousands of well-wishers greeted him from 11 in the morning until three in the afternoon.
“The crowd was the biggest in three years despite the rain,” an official at Nirmal Niwas said.
He made a brief remark in Nepali
Shah said the country’s sovereignty and indivisibility should be compromised.
“May the sovereignty and indivisibility of our nation never be compromised and may the Nepalese people always live together in peace and harmony.
“Yet, more importantly, I believe that our shared concern should focus on the future of this great country,” he said in a patriotic note.
“Let’s pray for the peace and prosperity of Nepali people. Let’s not be pessimistic You can’t expect moonlight during the paddy transplanting season,” the former king said in an impromptu remark, in reply to a question.
“….three years ago, I chose to leave the Narayanhiti Royal Palace and search for a new role for myself, following the footsteps of my ancestors’ tradition of respecting popular will,” the former king said in a two-page seven-point prepared statement in Nepali and English
Recalling he left the palace 11 June 2008, the last Shah king who was enthroned twice before his father, King Mahendra and brother, King Birendra, said he was committed to safeguarding the country’s independence and integrity,
“ … I had told journalists gathered there how much my love for my motherland was and how I would be forever committed to safeguarding her independence and integrity in whatever way I could.
“At the same time, I had also expressed my wish to remain in the country and contribute towards the nation’s greater good and for the stability of peace.
“Today, three years later, I take this opportunity to reiterate my sincere commitment to the sentiments I had expressed then and feel that I have not deviated from carrying out my responsibilities towards the nation.
“I reiterate what I said then-that Nepal should remain peaceful, independent and prosperous, ensuring the greater good and progress of all Nepalese with respect of their rights.”
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FOUR MEMBERS OF FAMILY FOUND DEAD

Kathmandu, 7 July: Four members of a family were found dead
dead in their home in Thanagaun VDC in Udaipur Thursday.
Bruised bodies of Keshar Bahadur Magar, 45, his 40-year-old wife and 10 and six-year-old daughters were recovered from the home.
Murder is suspected.
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FORMER WRESTLER SHOT DEAD

Kathmandu, 7 July: Former wrestler Upendra Das Balragi was shot dead by an unidentified group in Gaur, Rautahat, Thursday.
He was vice-president of Nepal Wrestling Association and an assistant coach.
Balragi was a bronze medalist of the 1999 SAF Games in the 19969 kg. weight category
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MAHANTA THAKUR HOSPITALIZED

Kathmandu, 7 July: Mahanta Thakur, Chairman of TMLP, was admitted to Sahid Gangalal National Heart Center Thursday following chest pain.
His condition was stable, according to a doctor treating him.
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PER CAPITA INCOME UP

Kathmandu, 7 July: Per capita income of a Nepali has increased to Rs 46,020 in 2010/11 compared to Rs. 40,027 years the previous year, according to Economic Progress Report 2011.
The report was presented in parliament Thursday by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bharat Mohan Adhikari.
GDP growth was only 3.5 percent—the lowest in South Asia.
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PETROL TRANSPORTERS WITHDRAW STRIKE

Kathmandu, 7 July: Transporters of POL products Thursday withdrew a prolonged strike that created fuel shortages following a five-point agreement with Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC).
Nepal Petroleum Transporters Federation and Central Region Tanker Association reached a deal with NOC.
Fifty tankers will now operate on Raxaul-Kathmandu route and 10 on Raxaul-Amlekhjung route.
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WORLD BANK ASSIST

Kathmandu, 7 July: World Bank Thursday extended a $ 43 million loan /grant for modernization of Rani-Jamara-Kularuiya irrigation project in Kailali.
Altogether 23.6 million is in loan and $19.4 million in grant.
The project will help irrigate 14,300 hectares of farmland.
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WOMAN KILLED IN ROCK FALL

Kathmandu, 7 July: A woman was killed in a rock fall at a village in Tanahu Thursday.
Three others survived, Radio Nepal said.
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BIG DRUG HAUL FROM CAPITAL’S OUTSKIRT

Kathmandu, 7 July: Police arrested three Nepalis and 101 kg hash was hauled following a raid at at Nagdhunga in the capital’s outskirt Thursday.
Police estimated the market value drug at Rs. 2.2 million.
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GOVT. GIVES ACHARYA BALKRISHNA CLEAN CHIT

Kathmandu, 7 July: Home ministry Thursday gave Acharya Balkrishna, a top Nepali aide of Indian yoga Guru Ramdeb a clean chit
Acharya was charged by leaders of India’s ruling Indian
National Congress party for criminal activities.
“The general public is informed Acharya Balkrishna isn’t involved in any criminal activities in Nepal,” a home ministry statement said.
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SIX PASSENGERS, CREW SURVIVE CHOPPER CRASH

Kathmandu, 6 July: All six passengers and crew survived Wednesday when a Fishtail Air helicopter made an emergency landing survived at Badalkot VDC-2 in Kalikot.
The chopper was flying for Nepalgunj after takeoff from Gamgadi in Mugu famed for its Rara lake.
Two Japanese tourists were among the survivors.
The helicopter’s tail rotor was slightly damaged; it was piloted by an Australian.
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GAURAB SHUMSHERE JB RANA NEXT ARMY CHIEF

Kathmandu, 6 July: Maj. Gen. Gaurab Shumshere JB Rana was Wednesday promoted to Lt. General and appointed Chief of Staff of Nepal Army (NA).
With his promotion, Lt. Gen. Rana a clear chain of command has been established in NA.
He’s in line to succeed Army Chief Chatraman Singh Gurung who retires September 2012.
Army headquarters had also recommended promotion of Maj. Gen. Nepal Bhusan Chand; the cabinet took no decision on the recommendation.
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COURT ORDER TO ARREST ABSCONDING UML YOUTH LEADER

Kathmandu, 6 July: A Morang district court single bench Wednesday ordered police to arrest absconding UML youth leader Parshuram Basnet and present him in court in seven days.
Basnet is wanted for a murderous assault on Biratnagar journalist Khilnath Dhakal on 5 June.
The court denied bail to UML youth leaders Rohit Koirala and Manoj Rai and remanded them to seven-day judicial custody.
They have also been charged for the assault.
Some leaders of UML, leading the communist majority government have been accused of protecting Basnet as Maoist Home Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara admitted publicly political parties are protecting criminal elements.
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PROMOTER OF UNITY LIFE INSURANCE ARRESTED

Kathmandu, 6 July: Bishwanath Gautam, one of five promoters of Unity Life Insurance, was arrested in the capital Wednesday by Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police.
He was absconding for more nearly one year.
The company has been charged for duping thousands of customers
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CONSTITUTIONAL COUNCIL MEET AGAIN INCONCLUSIVE

Kathmandu, 6 July: A meeting of constitutional council was again inconclusive.
The council will meet again Wednesday 13 July to appoint chiefs of constitutional four bodies lying vacant for a long time.
The effective functioning of the bodies has been adversely affected without appointments.
CIAA, Public Service Commission, Election Commission and
Main political parties are pushing appointments of their candidates.
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PM ADDRESS PARLIAMENT THURSDAY

Kathmandu, 6 July: Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal will
reply to points raised by lawmakers in parliament
on government’s policies and programmes Thursday. 7 July.
The three-day debate concludes the same day.
The annual budget 2011/12 will be presented 14 July.
This was notified to parliament secretariat Wednesday by government.
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BUDGET DISCUSSION CONTINUES

Kathmandu, 6 July: Discussions on government’s policies and programmes to be financed by the new annual budget 2011/12 from mid-July continued in parliament for the second day Wednesday.
The three-day discussion commenced Tuesday start unhindered.
Sixteen parties, including main opposition NC and even the ruling UCPN (Maoist) presented 93 amendment proposals
The delayed budget presentation for three consecutive years has adversely affected the national economy.
It’s not clear yet if the NC will obstruct budget presentation this year.
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MAOIST OFFICE BEARERS DECIDE TO FORM GOVT.,UNDER THEIR LEADERSHIP

Kathmandu, 6 July: A meeting of office bearers of UCPN (Maoist) Tuesday decided to from a government under the party’s leadership.
The meeting decided to initiate dialogue with other
parties, including main opposition, for a government change, Vice-chairman Narayan Kazi Shrestha said. after the meeting
Maoists 2 February joined the UML-led government of Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal.
The office bearers concluded more internal homework is needed to resolve internal disputes bedeviling the factionalized party
Meetings of the standing and central committees have repeatedly been postponed because of intra-party differences.
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SQUAD FOR U-19 WC QUALIFYING MATCH SELECTED

Kathmandu, 6 July: Final 14 players have been selected for the ICC U-19 World Qualifying matches being hosted by Ireland 28 July to 9 August.
Rahul BK, Bhuwan Karki, Subash Khakurel, Avinash Karna, Krishna Karki, Faizlur Rehaman ,Rajesh Pulami, Sagar Pun, Pradeep Ayer, Naresh Budhayer, Rupesh Shrivastav, Subendra Pandey,and Nischal Pandey have been selected by Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN).
Prithu Baskota is captain.
Amrit Shrestha, Amit Shrestha, Amit Dhala; and Jeetendra Mukhiya are reserves.
Besides Nepal, Afghanistan, Scotland, Kenya, Vanuatu, Canada., Namibia, Ireland Papua New Guinea and USA are in the grouping.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“There are some in the government and party working against me. It looks like a planned move to achieve political objectives through criminal intentions.”

(UML leader KP Oli in withdrawal of government vehicle and security arrangements, Kantipur, 6 July)
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ARMY CHIEF RECOMMENDS PROMPTIONS OF TWO TOP ARMY OFFICERS

Kathmandu, 6 July: Army Chief Chatraman Singh Gurung has recommended the promotions and appointments of Maj. Generals Gaurab SJB Rana and Nepal Bhusan Chand as Lt. Generals, Nagarik
The positions were vacant after the retirement of Lt. Gen Paban Jung Thapa and Toran Jung Bahadur Singh.
There’s a charge the appointments were delayed this time.
President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, Defence Minister Bishnu Paudel and members of parliament’s state affairs committee had taken interest on the issue.
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SUPREME COURT INTERVENES TO STOP AIGP RANA FROM ASSUMING RESPONSIBILITIES

Kathmandu, 5 July: Supreme Court Justice Prem Sharma Tuesday issued an interim order stopping promoted AIGP Kuber Singh Rana from assuming responsibilities until 12 July.
With the promotion 22 June, Rana also took over responsibilities as Kathmandu Metropolitan Police Commissioner.
Two advocates filed a writ petition at the apex court 27 June charging Rana for rights abuses during the 10-year Maoist insurgency.
Rana has been accused for abduction and murder in Dhanusha where he was posted at SP.
The bench asked summoned defendants—the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Office of the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Home Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara and Nepal Police Headquarters for hearing on 11 July.
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ONE KILLED, FIVE MISSING AS BUS PLUNGES INTO TRISULI RIVER

Kathmandu, 5 July: One passenger died and five wet missing Tuesday morning when a bus heading for the capital from Katahari in Okhaldunga plunged into Trisuli river at Benighat in neighbouring Dhading.
Thirty-four injured passengers were pulled out of the vehicle
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SECURITY OFFICIALS PUT ON HIGH ALERT

Kathmandu, 5 July: Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara Tuesday put security officials on high after 31 August when the three-month extend tenure of the constituent assembly (CA) ends.
A constitution has to be drafted and promulgated in less than two Almost no progress has been recorded in concluding the peace process and drafting a constitution after the CA extension 29 May.
Mahara asked security officials to remain on high alert at a security meeting of western region officials in Pokhara Tuesday.
The two-day meet concludes Wednesday.
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CHINESE TEAM IN TOWN

Kathmandu, 5 July: A six-member Chinese team led by Qu Wanxing, Vice-minister of Supervision and Vice-Director of National Bureau of Corruption Prevention, arrived Tuesday on a three-day visit.
Nepal’s anti-graft body CIAA is hosting the delegation.
The delegation will hold discussions with Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, Speaker Subash Nemwang and other top leaders and officials and exchange experiences
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STRIKE BANNED

Kathmandu, 5 July: Government is banning strikes by companies transporting POL products by imposing the essential service act, Kantipur reports.
Ministry of supply and commerce wrote to the home ministry Monday.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“Regarding more than 20 cases related to murder, rape, disappearance and other criminal cases, the government has been protecting the perpetrators, and it wants to make National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) a paralyzed institution. We are surprised as to why the government is obstructing our investigation.”

(NHRC Chairman Kedar Nath Upadhaya, The Himalayan Times, 5 July)
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LANDSLIDE BURIES ALIVE SIX MEMBERS OF FAMILY

Kathmandu, 4 July: Six members of a family were buried alive
Monday by a landslide at Thumku-7 in Kaski.
Two wives of Chandra Bahadur, daughter-in-law, two granddaughters and a grandson were buried alive.
Chandra Bahadur survived.
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UML LAWMAKER ARRESTED ANOTHER ABSCONDING IN FRESH PASSPORT SCAM

Kathmandu, 4 July: UML lawmaker Narad Muni Rana was arrested by Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police Monday from the capital amid charges he sold his diplomatic passport to a person who entered Austraila.
Another lawmaker Shiva Pujan Roy Yadav of MJF is absconding.
Rana is the third lawmaker charges for misusing a diplomatic passport.
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PRESIDENT UNVEILS GOVT.’S POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES

Kathmandu, 3 July: President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav
Sunday announced in parliament the communist-majority government’s policies and programmes to be financed by an annual budget 2011/12
Government has prioritized investment in infrastructure, including the energy sector.
Delayed budgets presented in the last three years because of differences between political parties have adversely affected the national economy.
It’s not certain whether main opposition will obstruct the budget this year as well.
The fiscal year begins mid-July.
NC didn’t obstruct the unveiling of the government’s policies and programmes Sunday.
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NEPALI HONOURED BY HONG KONG GOVT.

Kathmandu, 3 July: Hong Kong government has conferred the Chief Executive Award to Nepali national Kul Prasad Gurung in recognition for his contribution to the welfare of minorities.
Gurung has been living in the island for 14 years.
The award will be conferred on Chinese national day 1 October.
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ARMED MAN KILLED IN RETALIATORY POLICE FIRING

Kathmandu, 3 July: An armed man was killed in retaliatory police firing at Parwanipur in Parsa Saturday.
Police returned fire when a patrol was fired attacked.
Janatantrik Terai Madesh Mukti Morcha Sunday bombed district land revenue office in Bhairahawa.causing no damage.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“If the combatants are to renounce weapons, then a standard should be set for other security forces too. The PLA will not surrender.”

(Maoist military leader Deb Gurung, The Kathmandu, Post, 3 July)
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NEPAL BEATS EAST TIMOR IN WORLD CUP QUALIFIER

Kathmandu, 2 July: Nepal beat East Timor 5-0 in the second qualifier Saturday in a qualifying match at Dasrath Rangashala for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Nepal defeated East Timor in the first qualifier 2-1.
Nepal will now Jordan 23,28 July in the next round match.
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10-MEMBER POKICE TEAM IN BEIJING

Kathmandu, 30 June: A 10-member Police team led by AIG Kalyan Kimar Timsina is in Beijing to participate in a two-week bilateral security conference sponsored by the Chinese embassy.
The team left for the Chinese capital Thursday to participate in the conference.
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PARLIAMENTARY HEARING COMMITTEE REJECTS APPPOINTMENT OF KARI KUMAR SHRESTHA AS ENVOY DESIGNATE

Kathmandu, 30 June: In a rare move, parliament’s hearing committee Wednesday rejected the appointment of career diplomat Hari Kumar Shrestha as ambassador to Bangladesh to succeed another career diplomat Pradip Khaiwada who has been recalled.
The committee didn’t conduct the hearing concluding there was procedural error in the government’s appointment of Shrestha
Khitawada continues to hold his post.
Government’s relations with the opposition has deteriorated with the recall of main opposition NC appointed Rukma Shushere Rana from New Delhi.
The opposition says the government is a caretaker and can’t make major appointments.
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$75 MILLION WORLD BANK COAL, CREDIT

Kathmandu, 30 June: World Bank Thursday extended a $75 million loan cut grant for the execution for Enhanced Vocational Education and Training Project and Urban Governance and Development Programmes: Emerging Towns Project.
The credit carries a 0.75 percent service charge repayable in 40 years with a 10-year grace period
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MAOIST, US INVESTORS’ TALKS

Kathmandu, 29 June: A team of American Chamber of Commerce India of nine companies held probing talks with a Maoist lead headed by Chairman Prachanda to probe the Maoist attitude towards foreign investment
Vice-president Dr. Baburam Bhattarai and wife Hishila Yami, projecting themselves as liberals in the largest political party, which is also communist were also in the Maoist talks team.
Foreign businesses seek a clear commitment from Maoists, the dominant party in the communist majority government of Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, on the protection of foreign investments in Nepal.
The US trade team arrived Monday for a three-day visit and also held discussions with Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal Tuesday.
“We held talks with Maoist leaders today [Tuesday] and they are eager to support foreign direct investment,’ said Aniruddha Lahiri, Vice-chairman of American Chamber of Commerce in India.
The team is in town after Nepal signed a trade and investment agreement with USA this year.
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CHARIMAYA TAMANG RECEIVES AWARD FROM HILLARY CLINTON

Kathmandu, 29 June: Charimaya Tamang of Nepal was one among 10 persons from around the world to be awarded the 11th Trafficking on Persons award from US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Washington Monday.
Sitamaya collected the award personally.
Tamang was trafficked to India when she was
Indian government freed her from a brothel and sent her back home.
She filed a case against her traffickers who were sentenced and jailed.
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WETTEST JUNE IN THREE YEARS

Kathmandu, 29 June: The Valley recoded the highest rainfall in June in three years.
Altogether 273mm rainfall has been recorded so far.
Monsoon broke over Nepal 15 June.
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NEPAL REMOVED FROM AMC/CFT DEFICIENT LIST

Kathmandu, 29 June: The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) ,a global anti-money laundering body formed by G-20, has de-listed Nepal from the list of nations that failed to comply with the planned action plan related to anti-money laundering and combating financing of terrorists (AML/CFT), The Kathmandu Post reports.
Nepal does not appear in the list of countries having strategic AML/CFT deficiencies in the FATF public statements about the outcome of its plenary meeting held in Mexico from 22 to 24 June.
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NEPAL BEAT EAST TIMOR

Kathmandu, 29 June: Nepal beat East Timor 2-1 in
Wednesday in World Qualifying match at Dashrath Ganga shala.
Anil Gurung and Jumanu Rai scored for Nepal.
The two countries play their second match Saturday.
Brazil is hosting the 2014 World Cup.
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PANEL TO MONITOR IMPLEMENTATION OF FIVE-POINT AGREEMENT

Kathmandu, 28 June: Nearly one month after a five-point tripartite was signed enabling the three-month extension until 31 August of the constituent assembly (CA), parliament Monday formed a 17-member parliamentary team was formed Monday to oversee delayed execution of the agreement.
Speaker Subash Nemwang heads the panel while the deputy speaker if the co-chair.
Whip Post Bahadur Bogati, Girirajmani Pokhrel, Pampha Bhusal and Hishila Yami represent UCPN (Maoist) in the body: Chief Whip Bhim Acharya and Radha Geywali represent another ruling party UML.
Chief Whip Laxman Ghimere and Bimalendra Nidhi have been nominated by the main opposition NC Main opposition lawmaker Kamala Thapa represents women in the committee.
MJFL has sent Ramjanam Chaudhary to the panel while Atmaram Prasad Sah has been sent by MJFN Republican.
Sarita Giri, Pari Thapa, Prathiva Rana and Prem Bahadur Singh represent small parties.
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BAN KI-MOON INVITED TO VISIT NEPAL

Kathmandu, 28 June; UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has been invited to visit Nepal at a time convenient to him, Milan Tuladhar Foreign Affairs Advisor of the prime minister said.
Ban was invited shortly after his re-election for a second term.
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BHOTO JATRA TUESDAY

Kathmandu, 28 June: Bhoto will be displayed from atop the chariot of Rato Machindranath at Jawalakhel Tuesday afternoon ending the country’s longest festival.
The idol of Rato Machindranath will then be installed in a chariot for the journey back to Bungamati.
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FIVE MISSING AS ROPE ACROSS TRISHILI SNAPS

Kathmandu, 28 June: Five persons went missing as they fell into turbulent Trishuli river in Dhading Monday when a rope across the river snapped
The rope was used to cross the river.
Ten persons were crossing the river using the rope.
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PROMOTER OF FINANCE COMPANY ARRESTED

Kathmandu, 28 June: Amir Jung Khadka, promoter of Capital Merchant Banking and Finance, was arrested Monday by Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police for banking offence.
The finance company is the latest to by hit by a financial crunch and has sought a bailout from Nepal Rashtra Bank.
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US TRADE TEAM IN TOWN

Kathmandu, 28 June: A delegation of American Chamber of Commerce of India team arrived Monday for a three-day visit soon after Nepal and USA signed a Trade and Investment Agreement (TIFA) in Washington.
The team with representatives of nine companies will hold
talks with Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, ministers and officials to push bilateral trade.
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WB TO INVEST $41 MILLION

Kathmandu, 28 June: World Bank (WB) will invest $41 million in the 132 KV Kabeli Transmission Project in east Nepal and Strengthening Regional Cooperation for Wildlife Protection in Asia.
The Bank and the government signed an agreement Monday.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“Even though political parties have failed the peace process and constitution drafting, even a baby king won’t be born. If the country’s situation deteriorates further, I can’t say what will be born.”

(RPP Chairman Pashupati SJB Rana, Annapurna Post, 28 June)
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11th NATIONAL CENSUS 2068 CONCLUDES

Kathmandu, 27 June: The 10-day 11th national census 2068 conducted once every 10 years concludes Monday.
Census data will be reviewed against complaints from Tuesday until Sunday.
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THREE MORE NSC MEMBERS APPOINTED

Kathmandu, 27 June: Government Sunday appointed three more members to national sports council.
New nominees are: Resham Lal Lama, Man Bahadur Neupane and Deb Kumar Lama.
The apex sporting body now has nine members.
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NO SPECIAL COMMITTEE MEET AGAIN

Kathmandu, 27 June: A scheduled meeting of the special committee for integration, resettlement and supervision of 19,000 plus former Maoist combatants headed by the prime minister wasn’t held Sunday as well.
Maoist members Barsha Man Pun and Janardhan Sharma again absented themselves from the meeting without assigning any reason.
Work on completing the delayed peace process mainly by integrating and resettling former fighters has again been stalled after hopes were raised with the signing of a tripartite five-point agreement by the Big Three enabling another three-month extension of the constituent assembly for another three months after 28 May.
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RUBEL CHAUDHARY SLIPS OUT OF COUNTRY

Kathmandu, 27 June: Rubel Chudhary, controversial Bangladeshi son-in-law of Sujata Koirala, caught a flight for Dhaka Sunday from Tribhuvan International Airport, airport sources said.
He was on the surveillance list of police.
Chaudhary has been dragged into controversies, including the multi-million rupee Sudan scam.
He charged former Crown Prince Paras for shooting at him during dispute at a jungle safari lodge in Chitwan last year.
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NEPSE RECOVERY HALTED

Kathmandu, 27 June: Nepse index slipped a massive 17.67 points when the market closed at 343.78 points Sunday on the first day of five-day trading halting a sustained six-day recovery.
The market opened at 364.40 points Sunday and rose 373 points before share prices began to fall.
The index fell Sunday as shares were dumped to make immediate gains.
Share prices of commercial banks and hydro power projects fell.
Shares were traded for Rs. 59.2 million.
A six-day recovery of stock prices couldn’t be sustained.
The market gained 45.41 points the previous week.
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LEADERS OF BIG THREE MEET

Kathmandu, 26 June; NC Vice-president and parliamentary party leader Ram Chandra Paudel convened a meeting at his residence Sunday with Maoist Chairman Prachanda and UML leader and former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal to push the completion of the peace process and constitution drafting.
They met as a task force of three parties have made no progress
They discussed modality, number and schedule for the integration of 19,000 former Maoists in 28 cantonments and camps, leaders said.
Earlier deadlines for processes to be fixed and met after a five-point agreement extending by another three-months the tenure of the constituent assembly after 28 May have been delayed
The three leaders agreed to convene a meeting of a Pranchanda-led sub-committee discussing differences on articles for incorporation if a constitution under the main constitution drafting committee of Nilambar Acharya
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SUMMON POSTED AT RESIDENCE OF FORMER IGP OM BIKRAM RANA

Kathmandu, 26 June: A five-member team of Lalitpur district court Sunday posted a notice at the Kusundi residence of the district of former IGP Om Bikram Rana Sunday.
He refused to receive the summons Thursday.
Rana is among 34 police officers charged by CIAA in a Rs 280 million scam for purchasing defective armed personnel carriers (APCs) for Nepal Police peacekeepers with UN in Darfur, endangering their lives on the ground.
Rana has been asked to present himself at court within 15days
Two other IGPs have also been accused.
Other accused have also refused to accept summons.
CIAA has come under heavy fire for charging only police and not former home ministers and home secretaries.
Critics ask how such a big purchase can be pushed through without involvement of home ministers and home secretaries.
Top NC leaders have been criticized for protecting former home minister and general secretary Krishna Prasad Shitaula.
The APCs were defective endangering the lives of peacekeepers on the ground
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15 OF 56 SLUICE GATES OF KOSI BARRAGE OPENED

Kathmandu, 26 June: Fifteen of 56 sluice gates of Kosi barrage were opened Sunday morning to release water following heavy monsoon in the hilly catchments of Sapta Kosi river in the East overnight.
The highest river flow of 95,865 cusecs per second was recorded at 8.15 in the morning Sunday and increased to 99,082 cusecs per second two hours later
The river has started eroding spurs spreading panic in Sunsari
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A BRIDE AND GROOM MISSING IN BOAT CAPSIZE

Kathmandu, 26 June: A bride and groom of a marriage party have gone missing, including after a boat capsized on Kosi rivers at it approached Okhaldunga in Udaipur Sunday morning.
A search has been launched.
Three injured person was rescued and five swam to safety.
The boat was ferrying 50 persons
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IMPLEMENTATION OF 5-POINT GREEMENT NC PRE-CONDITION FOR BUDGET SUPPORT

Kathmandu, 26 June: Main opposition NC informal central committee meeting Saturday decided to support for budget for the fiscal year 2011/12 only conditionally
The party adopted a hardened stance and decided to support the budget presented by the majority communist-government of Jhalanath Khanal only if a 5-point tripartite agreement between the two ruling parties and the main opposition is fully implemented The agreement extended the constituent assembly for three months after 28 May.
The central committee said clarified it has only supported pre-budget consultations.
The party demanded incorporation of past programmes announced by then government led by NC.
A meeting of the parliamentary party preceded the central committee meeting
Participants criticized the leadership for not effectively raising the issue of the resignation of Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal for formation of a national government.
Pre-budget discussions are currently continuing in parliament for the first time in four years.
Pre-budget discussion continues Sunday as government seeks to collect opinions of parties to be included in government’s policies and programmes to be financed by the annual budget.
NC has said publicly delayed presentation of the budget the last three years have adversely impacted national economy.
The annual budget is being presented 14 July
Central committee member Dip Kumar Upadhaya said following the meeting a parliamentary committee should be formed immediately to monitor the delayed implementation of the tripartite agreement.
Almost no progress has been recorded it its implementation even in one month.
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WEEK-LONG NATIONAL PADDY DAY BEING OBSRERVED FROM THIS YEAR

Kathmandu, 26 June? Week-long paddy day is being observed from this year beginning 12 Ashad today [Sunday]’
National Paddy was first observed on 15 Ashad the peak of the transplanting season of the country’s staple crop.
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BHOTO DISPLAY TUESDAY

Kathmandu, 26 June: Bhote will be displayed from atop Rato Machindranath chariot Tuesday 28 June ending the country’s longest festival.
The chariot was towed for its final journey to Jwalakhel from Thati tole,Mangal bazaar Saturday afternoon.
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NRB ASKS PUBLIC TO CONTINUE BANKING ACTIVITIES

Kathmandu, 26 June: In a bid to inject public’s confidence of public in the financial institutions, Nepal Rashtra Bank (NRB) Sunday asked people to continue regular banking activities with banks and financial institutions.
:”There’s broadly no problem in the banking system and the some unforeseen problems of liquidity in some institutions”: are being handled, the central bank said in a statement Sunday.
NRB is handling liquidity problem through re-financing, special re-financing packages and other schemes for troubled banks
Capital Merchant Banking and Finance Limited in the latest financial where liquidity crisis has surfaced.
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NEPSE RALLIES AFTER EXTENDED BEARISH TREND

Kathmandu, 26 June: Nepse gained 45.51 points at the end of weekly trading Thursday; the market opened at 318.99 points Sunday and closed at 364.40points Thursday
The market fell to its lowest level in six years below the 300 mark the previous week.
Recovery was sustained for six consecutive day of trading; the market last week opened only for four of five trading days
Nepse’s capitalization increased Rs54.18 billon to Rs 324.32 billion with the recovery.
Altogether 605,468 shares were traded for Rs. 165.54 million last week compared to a turnover of Rs 101.35 million through trading in 420,330 shares the previous week.

Upcoming relaxation of .conditionality by Nepal Rashtra Bank,for marginal lending and entry of Nepal Telecom, Citizens Investment Trust, Employees Provident Fund and Rashtriya Beema Sansthan in the share market helped boost the market.
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FIVE-POINT AGREEMENT UNFORTUNATE

Kathmandu, 26 June: The five-point tripartite agreement between ruling parties UCPN (Maoist) and UML and main opposition NC that extended the constituent assembly tenure for another three months after 28 May was unfortunate, RPP Chairman Kamal Thapa said in Parsa Sunday.
Thapa predicted a constitution won’t again promulgated by the extended new extended 31 August deadline
Teej is being celebrated that day.
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MEDIA GOOGLE

“Shitaulaji hasn’t acted corruptly. I know everything, A lot of our friends have made comments without understanding.”

(Former Foreign Minister and mother-in-law of Rubel Chaudhary, Kantipur, 26 June)

‘There’s a separate committee to manage the welfare fund [of Nepal Police that financed the purchase of APCs]. All decisions are taken by it. No controversies were raised then and no complaints were received There can’t be intervention without complaints.”

(Krishna Prasad Shitaula, Kantipur, 26 June)
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TIA CLOSED FOR THREE HOURS

Kathmandu, 25 June: Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) was closed for three hours Saturday after a radio communication failure.
There international flights were diverted.
Last week the airport was closed twice in one day after potholes were detected
Airport officials admitted potholes have been regularly repaired for several weeks. amid security concerns
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FIVE NEPALIS FROM PANCHTHAR BURIVED BY LANDSLIDE IN SIKKIM

Kathmandu, 25 June: Five Nepalis, including a three-month infant, from Panchthar, were buried alive by landslide triggered by heavy monsoon in neighbouring Sikkim Thursday.
Landslides killed 15 persons at various places in the Nepali-speaking dominated district.
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