Storm Dylan hits ahead of Hogmanay celebrations

Preparations are continuing for Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh despite the arrival of Storm Dylan. Police said weather-related debris had resulted in the temporary closure of Princes Street to pedestrians, with access to Waverley Station affected. A yellow warning for high winds remains in place across much of Scotland after gusts in excess of 70mph were recorded.

Up to 150,000 people are expected in the Scottish capital for Hogmanay, with proceedings kicking off at 19:00. Princes Street was temporarily shut by police to pedestrians between North Bridge and Waverley Bridge. It is understood parts of a stage were blown over in the strong winds. The closure included the Princes Street entrance to and from the main train station, Waverley. North BridgeImage copyrightGOOGLE Image caption. Police have closed Princes Street between North Bridge and Waverley Bridge to remove weather-related debris. Scottish Power said the high winds had caused substantial damage to their network with power outages affecting customers in Bathgate, West Lothian, and in Carluke and Larkhall in Lanarkshire as well as in Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute. Torchlight procession held in Edinburgh. The Met Office said a gust of wind measuring 76mph was recorded at Port Ellen on Islay.
 A yellow warning for wind across the southern half of Scotland, including, Strathclyde, Central, Tayside, Lothian, Fife and south west Scotland, is expected to remain in place until 15:00.The storm has caused disruption to the travel network with ferry services from Oban, Tarbert and Lismore affected. Rail services between Edinburgh, Helensburgh and Glasgow Central and Largs were also disrupted for a time.

Foreign aid to be shifted to support UK policy, Johnson says

The UK's aid budget will be shifted to projects that promote its interests, the foreign secretary has said. Boris Johnson said the money will be "more sensibly distributed" to support foreign policy aims such as denying safe havens to Islamist terrorists. His comments came as Penny Mordaunt, the international development secretary, said the UK will provide a £21m boost to an emergency aid fund.
The UK currently spends £13bn on aid each year. Speaking to the Times newspaper, Mr Johnson said "the old jam jars are being smashed" and money would be diverted to support UK foreign combating terrorists in Africa. It would also go to help refugees in Yemen and Rohingya Muslims fleeing across the Burmese border into Bangladesh, he added. Reality Check: How much does the UK spend on overseas aid? Where does UK aid go and why? The government is committed to spending 0.7% of national income on overseas aid but some politicians oppose such spending. Mr Johnson said the UK would gain more control of its aid spending after Brexit. About £1bn of the money the UK pays to the EU budget counts as part of the foreign aid budget.

The EU spends that money on humanitarian aid and on emergency responses to world crises, as well as on projects in countries close to the EU and those hoping to join in the future.

source; www.bbc.com

The best science long reads of 2017 (part two)

From investigating the songbird trade in South-East Asia to hanging out with a man who keeps some very poisonous company, here's a second festive selection of the best science and environment long reads this year. You can read part one here. Sold for a song. By Victoria Gill

Songbird Lush green blankets of vegetation drape over Java's steep mountains. But these dense rain forests - on Indonesia's most crowded island - are rapidly falling silent. Songbirds that used to give the mountains a unique melody are being caught and sold. Read the feature Weather forecasting's post-1987 revolution. By David Shukman SupercomputerImage copyrightMET OFFICE
On 15 October 1987, a BBC weather forecast, drawing on Met Office guidance, dismissed any suggestion that Britain might be hit by a hurricane. That night, the country was battered by high winds, leaving 18 people dead. For the 30th anniversary of the event, David Shukman looked at how technology has transformed weather forecasting in the time since the Great Storm.

source; www.bbc.com

Everest Premier League: Warriors lift title

Dec 31, 2017-Biratnagar Warriors snatched victory from the jaws of defeat to edge Bhairahawa Gladiators by one run to win the Everest Premier League (EPL) Twenty20 title at the TU Stadium on Saturday.

In one of the most entertaining finals in domestic cricket attended by a record audience of almost 20,000, Warriors marked an incredible turnaround to win the game in the final ball. Electing to bat first, Paras Khadka’s team notched up a challenging 149-7 in 20 overs. The game was virtually out of their grasp when Gladiators needed just 11 runs in the last two overs with in-form batsmen Aarif Sheikh and Rohit Kumar Paudel at the crease. But Khadka bowled cleverly in the penultimate over to turn the match on its head before Gladiators fell just one run short finishing at 148-9 in 20 overs. Warriors collected a cash purse of Rs 2.1 million - the highest cash purse in domestic cricket - and Gladiators got Rs 800,000.  The game was hanging in balance when Gladiators were 44-1 at the end of seven overs. Warriors’ Hong Kong recruit Anshuman Rath came in to bowl the eighth over for a spell of bowling that was rarely seen in Nepali cricket.  Rath failed to grip the ball properly and bowled too short deliveries in the entire over leaking 36 runs, a record for an over at the TU Stadium. Skipper Sharad Vesawkar alone hit four sixes and a boundary in that over taking 11 balls to complete it. Infuriated by Rath’s wayward bowling, spectators hurled water bottles at the ground forcing a brief halt.

Courtesy Rath’s bowling, Vesawkar and Pratham Salunke (30) forged a 68-run partnership for the second wicket as Gladiators began to take control of the game. Although they lost Vesawkar and Pradeep Airee (six), Gladiators were racing towards victory needing just 11 runs in the last two overs. nBut Khadka removed Aarif (27) and Rohit (seven) in the 19th over conceding just two runs. Needing nine runs from the last six balls, Krishna Karki (five) greeted spinner Anil Sah with a four in the final over. But Sah bowled Karki the next ball as Gladiators required five to win from four.  After a dot in the third, new man Bhuwan Karki was run out and Sah removed Puneet Mehra for a golden duck in the fifth ball leaving Gladiators with five to score from the last ball. Bhupendra Thapa could only manage three  as Warriors celebrated a sensational comeback win.  Vesawkar, who top scored for his side with 52 in a 39-ball innings that also included four boundaries, hailed the final despite losing the game. “The final was played like a final and was very interesting till the end. The guys put in effort but unfortunately we panicked in the closing stages. There are youngsters in the team but the way how they played in the tournament has actually made me really proud,” said Vesawkar.

Khadka was all praise of his boys. “It was a fabulous game of cricket. Hats off to our boys for doing so good. We had played as a good team throughout the tournament and will take this title. Anil was exceptional today in the closing overs,” said Khadka.
.



source; kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

Volunteers could guard some UK borders, Home Office says

Volunteers could be used to guard some of the UK's borders, the Home Office has said. The plans under consideration are for "Border Force Special Volunteers" to be used at small air and sea ports. A Home Office spokesman said it was "considering the potential benefits" and looking at how they are used by police forces.

But the union which represents Border Force staff said it was risking the country's security "on the cheap". It comes after recent reports have raised concerns over "poor" coverage of some minor harbours and landing places. The Border Force carries out immigration and customs controls for people and goods entering the UK. But an assessment by the Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, published in July, said there were long periods of non-attendance by Border Force at some locations as well as a shortage of staff able to use specialist scanners. It looked at 62 normally unmanned ports on the east coast and found that Border Force officers had not visited 27 of the sites between April 2015 to June 2016. Chief Inspector David Bolt's report also revealed the number of clandestine migrants detected at the ports had almost doubled in 12 months rising from 233 to 423.

Another report by David Anderson QC, former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, said there were similar issues with smaller south and east coast ports, marinas and landing places, adding it was "conceivable" they might be an option for returning foreign fighters or other terrorists.

Nepal bans solo climbers from Mount Everest under new rules

Nepal has banned solo climbers from scaling its mountains, including Mount Everest, in a bid to reduce accidents. The new safety regulations also prohibit double amputee and blind climbers from attempting to reach the summit of the world's highest peak without a valid medical certificate.

A tourism official said the law had been revised to make mountaineering safer and to decrease deaths. A record number of climbers have tried to climb Everest this year. But among the record-breaking attempts, there has been the familiar tally of casualties. The death toll so far this season stands at six, including 85-year-old Min Bahadur Sherchan, who died attempting to reclaim his title as the world's oldest person to reach the top. World-renowned Swiss climber Ueli Steck, who was known as the "Swiss Machine", also died during a solo climb to a peak neighbouring Everest.
The government's decision to ban double amputees and visually impaired climbers was criticised by some, but was later clarified to prohibit only those without medical dispensation.

soruce; www.bbc.com

Will ask Dahal to part ways from left alliance: Koirala

Dec 31, 2017-Nepali Congress General Secretary Shashank Koirala has said that he would take initiative in breaking CPN (Maoist Centre)’s ties from the left alliance.

Speaking during a programme organised by Kaski chapter of the NC, leader Koirala said that party leaders from Kathmandu had urged him to talk with CPN (MC) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal on breaking ties with alliance partner CPN-UML. “It would be beneficial for NC in terms of the party’s future strategy if CPN (MC) breaks off with CPN-UML,” said leader Koirala, “I have made up my mind to hold talks with Dahal as per the requests of party leaders.” Likewise, leader Koirala said that the party would also assess the loss it suffered during the recent elections through a central committee meeting within a week or ten days. He further said that although party President Sher Bahadur Deuba was at fault for the election debacle, every member of the party should take the blame equally adding that distribution of tickets during the election was one of the party’s main weaknesses.

Similarly, Koirala acknowledged that the party organisation built by BP Koirala had fallen from its original position saying that party’s sister wing’s are also not up to par. Leader Koirala further said that the NC should now play the role of a constructive opposition. “The nation cannot progress by pointing out the mistakes of the left alliance, he said, “Sitting as opposition is not a light responsibility and we should have a positive attitude.”


Published: 31-12-2017 16:48



source; kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

PM urges not to doubt NC, says eager to hand over power

Dec 30, 2017-Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has reiterated his desire to hand over power to the next government.

Speaking at a programme to mark Tamu Lhosar festival in Kathmandu on Saturday, Deuba said he doesn't wish to continue his stay in power as claimed by other parties. He thanked president for endorsing the ordinance on National Assembly and easing the process for power hand over.

He urged everyone not to doubt on his party Nepali Congress saying it had successfully carried out a historic task of conducting the election following the promulgation of constitution.


Published: 30-12-2017 19:52



source; kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

Melamchi: 8.3km tunnel works over

Dec 31, 2017-In a major breakthrough, the Melamchi Water Supply Project has completed digging of the 8.3-km tunnel along the Ambathan-Gyalthum stretch.   The tunnel work was completed on Friday midnight after two controlled explosions, project’s Information Officer Rajendra Panta said on Saturday. The walls of the tunnel are being plastered after the breakthrough, he added. 
The remaining 443 metres of tunnel construction works between Gyalthum and Sindhu will be completed in two months, Ramchandra Devkota, executive director of the Melamchi Water Supply Board, told the Post.     “This is a major achievement for us. If we keep up this pace, we can supply water in Kathmandu Valley within four months,” Devkota added.  The project had completed the 9.5km tunnel works between Sindu and Sundarjijal last year. Subsequently, the MWSP had said it would pump water from the Melamchi river into the Valley by Dashain. But it was not to be, as the project was forced to extend its completion deadline to March 26, 2018. The tunnel works were originally scheduled to be completed in September 2016.  Once the tunnel works are completed, it would take just two days to train water from Ambathan Muhan in Helambu down 27.5 metres to Sundarijal, according to project officials. The MWSP has already built nine service reservoir tanks (SRTS) in the Valley for the water distribution. The MWSP is considered to be the most viable long-term alternative to ease the chronic water shortage situation in the Valley. The project is designed to divert about 170 million litres of fresh water each day to the Valley from the Melamchi river in Sindhupalchok district

The Melamchi venture has been categorised as one of Nepal’s 21 national pride projects—a concept introduced during the prime ministership of Baburam Bhattarai in 2012 in an attempt to accelerate the construction of schemes considered vital for Nepal’s development. The tunnel works being constructed with 80 percent financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is likely to cost around Rs11 billion.


Published: 31-12-2017 07:52

source; kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

Attempts to foil left alliance won’t work, says Oli

Dec 31, 2017-Insisting that the new government would be formed under the left alliance, Chairman of CPN-UML KP Sharma Oli and CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal said that all attempts to drive a wedge between the two parties would be foiled.

The statements of the top leaders of the left parties come at a time when there were rumours that CPN (Maoist Centre) could join hands with the Nepali Congress to form a new government and that the UML chief was trying to rope in Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum-Nepal to form the government, bypassing electoral ally. “Efforts are on to break the left alliance, but none of them will work,” said Oli, while addressing the launching of UML Vice-chairman Bamdev Gautam’s book ‘Nepal Nawanirman Mahaabhiyan’ at the City Hall on Saturday. Indicating at NC’s apparent proposal to Dahal to become prime minister for five years, Oli said, “Was this proposal brought to show NC’s affection to him or developing the country?”  Dismissing NC’s proposal as a plot to foil the merger, Oli said people have given a serious responsibility to the left alliance endorsing the joint election manifesto of the two parties. Bamdev Gautam’s wishes of swiftly rebuilding Nepal would be fulfilled as the left alliance would form governments in six out of seven provinces, Oli added.  While the leaders of the two left parties have started discussions on ideological issues whether to adopt People’s Multi-party Democracy or Maoism as the new party’s guiding principle, Oli has said ideological issues would be discussed separately later.  “Policies will be formulated as per the need of the hour,” he said.

Addressing another programme later in the day, Maoist supremo Dahal echoed Oli, saying that the two parties were preparing for a merger ahead of the government formation process. “The new government formation process may take around a month. So, we are making preparations for the party merger before forming the government,” Dahal said.


Published: 31-12-2017 07:53

source; kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

The professor, his wife and the photo everyone is talking about

A photograph of a Scottish academic with his Ghanaian wife has provoked a conversation on social media about interracial relationships.

On 26 December, the Honorary Consul for Ethiopia in Scotland, Professor John Struthers, shared an image on Twitter of himself and his wife Justina attending the Queen's garden party in Edinburgh in July. The image shows Professor Struthers, wearing a kilt, standing beside his wife in a dress made from traditional Ghanaian Kente cloth, and was accompanied with a post about fighting racism.

"I thought I would share. We've had disapproving looks, 'We are full', 'Is that your wife?' and many more actions questioning our relationship over the last 40-plus years," he tweeted. "We haven't wavered! The best way of fighting racism is living your life, standing tall and educating. Diversity"

source; www.bbc.com

Prez approves ordinance on upper house

Dec 30, 2017-President Bidya Devi Bhandari authenticated the much-awaited ordinance on National Assembly election on Friday, removing a hurdle to electing the upper house.

According to President’s aide Bhesh Raj Adhikari, Bhandari signed the ordinance shortly after holding a meeting with Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN-UML leader Subas Nembang. The head of state had told PM Deuba on Friday morning that she would authenticate the ordinance to fulfil her responsibility as the disputes over electing the Assembly had not been resolved in consensus among the parties. President Bhandari had been holding consultations on the ordinance with political leaders and legal experts. The ordinance was put on hold mainly due to a dispute between the governing Nepali Congress and the largest party CPN-UML over the poll modality. The stalemate has delayed the process to form a new government three weeks after the historic parliamentary and provincial assembly elections.According to Article 86 of the constitution, the National Assembly has 59 members. An electoral college consisting of provincial assembly members and chiefs and deputy chiefs of the local federal units will pick 56 members. The President nominates three additional members, including one woman on the recommendation of the government.

The UML, which has become the largest party from the parliamentary and provincial elections, had taken its stance against the ordinance, opposing the modality of electing the Assembly—the single transferable vote system. While the NC and the Madhes-based parties supported the STV system, the CPN (Maoist Centre), which shares the Cabinet with PM Deuba and has formed an alliance with the UML, took the middle path. Soon after the presidential move, the UML, which is poised to form the next government, termed the ordinance and its contents as “unconstitutional”. The party accused the Congress and PM Deuba of building pressure on Bhandari to approve it.


Published: 30-12-2017 08:00


source; kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

Shrestha wins 39th title

Dec 30, 2017-Amateur golfers Sukra Bahadur Rai and Tanka Bahadur Karki fell agonisingly short of a pro title as Nepal No 1 Shivaram pip the duo by a stroke to clinch the Surya Nepal Eastern Open golf tournament at the par-70 Nirvana Country Club in Dharan on Friday.

The duo was left heartbroken especially Karki, who had two strokes lead over Shivaram coming into the third and final round on Friday. Shivaram carded two-under 68 for a total of seven-under 203 to edge the amateur duo by a stroke. Karki and Rai finished in a tie for second overall with a total score of six-under 204. Karki shot one-over 71 and Rai carded one-under 69 on Friday. Shivaram received a winner’s cheque of Rs 115,000 in the fourth event of the Surya Nepal Golf Tour 2017-18. The title battle went to the wire, decided on the final hole with Shivaram making the most of his professional experience to secure his 39th career title. Shivaram and Karki were seven-under 203 while Rai was two stroke back at five-under 205 going into the 18th hole. Shivaram and Karki both drove the ball on the left of the fairway while Rai found the green. Shivaram went for the hole and ended up finding the bunker whereas Karki played safe just short of the green. Rai had a chance for an eagle putt which he missed but still settled for a birdie. Karki missed the par putt from eight feet meaning Shivaram sealed the title with a par putt from six feet.

Rai settled for the amateur category title on count back as his score for last 36 holes was at four-under compared to Karki’s two-under. As Rai and Karki were ineligible for cash rewards being amateurs, Sanjay Lama, who shot a 72, and Jayaram Shrestha, who carded 68, shared the second prize at one-under 209. Both earned Rs 63,500 each. Shiva Kumar Majhi finished fourth among the pros with the total score of one-over 211 after carding two-over 72 on Friday. Majhi received Rs 42,000. Sabin Sapkota (69) and Bhuwan Nagarkoti (73) finished tied for fifth at two-over 212 and received 34,500 each.  Dhana Bahadur Thapa, who carded an even-par 70, was seventh at three-over 213 and earned Rs 29,000. Deepak Magar carded three-over 73 to end up in  eighth at four-over 214 and received Rs 26,000. Surya Prasad Sharma, Deoraj Pakhrin and Suman Rai finished tied on ninth at five-over 215 and received Rs 22,000 each. The Pro-am event is scheduled for Saturday in which 15 pros and 45 amateurs will take part.

In all, 27 golfers from the 61-man original field had made it to the final round of the tournament that offered Rs 630,000 in total prize money.


Published: 30-12-2017 08:44


source; kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

PM Deuba's best wishes on Lhosar

Dec 30, 2017-Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba wished for happiness, peace, good health and prosperity to the Gurung community living in the country and abroad on the occasion of the Tamu Lhosar festival on Saturday.

In a message of best wishes, the PM said that such unique festivals have a great importance in our multiethnic, multilingual, multi religious and geographically diverse country. The PM has wished for inspiration for making a prosperous country through tolerance among all Nepalis on the occasion of this festival. Meanwhile, CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has also extended best wishes to all Nepalis at home and abroad on the occasion of Tamu Lhosar, the great festival of Gurung community. In a press statement issued today, Oli has wished for good health and progress for the entire Gurung community members on the occasion of this New Year. Enjoying the festival of a community by the members of other community is the unique characteristics of Nepalis, reads the statement.

Chairman Oli has also expressed the commitment to advance the country towards stability and development in accordance with the responsibility given to the left alliance by the people from the recent elections. RSS


Published: 30-12-2017 11:41


soruce; kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

Australia rugby star Karmichael Hunt faces drugs charge

Australian rugby union star Karmichael Hunt has been charged with possessing drugs after police arrested him in Brisbane, reports say. The Wallabies player was detained on Saturday, along with another man, after being found with a white powder, broadcaster ABC reported.

Rugby Australia said it had launched an investigation into the incident. In 2015, Hunt received a six-week suspension and a A$30,000 ($23,400; £17,300) fine for cocaine possession. ABC said Hunt, 31, had been granted bail and was due to appear at Brisbane Magistrates Court on 29 January. In a statement, Rugby Australia (RA) said it had been "made aware of an incident involving Wallabies and Queensland Reds back Karmichael Hunt in Brisbane". "Rugby Australia takes all matters relating to the off-field behaviour of its players seriously and has commenced an investigation into the incident in conjunction with the Queensland Rugby Union," it added.

A former rugby league and Australian Rules football player, Hunt made his Wallabies debut against Fiji in June and signed a two-year contract extension with Rugby Australia last month.

source; www.bbc.com

The US says "the world is watching" how Iranian authorities respond to anti-government protests that have broken out in several cities. A White House statement said Iranians were fed up with "the regime's corruption and its squandering of the nation's wealth to fund terrorism". Thousands of people are said to have joined the protests. Meanwhile, authorities have urged supporters to turn out for nationwide demonstrations on Saturday.
The rallies will commemorate the 2009 demonstrations held in support of the then conservative government of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.Those demonstrations were in response to protests by reformists over a disputed election which returned him to power. The BBC's Persian Service says thousands of people are likely to be bussed into a rally in the capital Tehran. What was the US response ."The Iranian government should respect their people's rights, including their right to express themselves. The world is watching," White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said on Twitter. The tweet later appeared on President Donald Trump's Twitter account. The US State Department urged all nations "to publicly support the Iranian people and their demands for basic rights and an end to corruption". What is Iran saying about the protests. First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri has suggested that government opponents are behind the protests, according to comments reported by state broadcaster IRIB. He said: "Some incidents in the country these days are on the pretext of economic problems, but it seems there is something else behind them. They think by doing this they harm the government, but it will be others who ride the wave."bSocial media image of protest in Kermanshah. Image caption. Footage posted on social media showed street protests in Kermanshah Earlier, Fars news agency reported that protesters in Kermanshah had destroyed some public property and were dispersed. The governor-general of Tehran said that any such gatherings would be firmly dealt with by the police, who are out in force on the main roads. Hassan Rouhani, the president who moved left. Iranians urge Rouhani not to disappoint. Officials in Mashhad said the protest was organised by "counter-revolutionary elements", and video online showed police using water cannon.



How did the demonstrations begin?

The protests started in the north-eastern city of Mashhad - the country's second most-populous - on Thursday. People there took to the streets to express anger at the government over high prices, and vented their fury against President Hassan Rouhani. Fifty-two people were arrested for chanting "harsh slogans". The protests spread to other cities on Friday, with thousands turning out in Kermanshah, Rasht, Isfahan and Qom. In Tehran, social media footage showed a heavy police presence. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani presents his budget for 2018-2019 on December 10, 2017Image copyrightAFP Image caption President Hassan Rouhani is blamed by many for the poor state of the economy Some developed into broader demonstrations against the authorities, calling for the release of political prisoners and an end to police beatings. It was the biggest display of public dissent since huge pro-reform rallies in 2009.What is behind the unrest? The protests were initially against economic conditions and corruption but appear to have turned political.  Slogans have been chanted against not just Mr Rouhani but Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and clerical rule in general.



Demonstrators were reportedly heard yelling slogans like "The people are begging, the clerics act like God". Protests have even been held in Qom, a holy city home to powerful clerics. There is also anger at Iran's interventions abroad. In Mashhad, some chanted "not Gaza, not Lebanon, my life for Iran", a referenc



source; www.bbc.com

New govt 7 weeks away?

Dec 30, 2017-The process to form a new government will begin only after at least 45 days as  the Election Commission would take a minimum of a month to hold the National Assembly polls.
Chief Election Commissioner Ayodhee Prasad Yadav said on Friday that it could take more than a month to elect the upper house after the polling day is announced.

The poll authority urged Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba on Friday to appoint provincial chiefs at the earliest. “CEC Yadav informed the prime minister that election of the National Assembly is not possible without administering the oath to the [newly elected] provincial assembly members,” the EC said in a statement. In a meeting with PM Deuba, EC officials urged the government to declare the date of election at the earliest. The poll body on Thursday invited the political parties to register for the vote within 15 days. PM Deuba responded that the date would be announced within a couple of days, EC Spokesman Dinesh Kumar Ghimire said. According to the ordinance endorsed by the President on Friday, the government declares the date for upper house election in consultation with the EC once the electoral college is ready. The electoral college comprises 1,506 chiefs and deputy chiefs of 753 local federal units and 550 members of the seven provincial assemblies. The EC is mulling over using electronic voting machines for the polls. The EC had given the parties until Friday to submit the names of candidates from their closed lists for proportional representation (PR) seats of the provincial assemblies. EC officials said the parties would get three more days to correct the lists if they failed to meet the defined criteria of representation. The EC is said to be preparing regulations and directives for the election.  “We are waiting for the government to appoint the provincial chiefs so that the EC can declare the final results of the provincial assembly [election],” said election Commissioner Ila Sharma.After announcing the results of the provincial assemblies, the commission would present them to the provincial chiefs within a week.

Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Yagya Bahadur Thapa said the government was preparing to name the provincial chiefs soon. Prime Minister Deuba is said to be holding consultations with the top leaders of major parties for the purpose. After the poll results are out, the EC allots PR seats to the parties in the House of Representatives. The parties will then send the names of their candidates from the closed lists for election as members of the lower house on their proportional representation quotas.The process to form a new government begins only after the lower house convenes. A long wait for a new pm

source; kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

UK stock markets close at a record high

UK stock markets climbed to new highs on the final day of trading for 2017. Both the FTSE 100 index of leading blue chip companies and the FTSE 250 reached new records at the close of trading. US stock markets have also hit new peaks over the year, helped in part by Donald Trump's sweeping tax reforms. Stephen Eckett, author of the annual Harriman Stock Market Almanac, said: "All the dangers that were anticipated with a Trump administration haven't materialised." The FTSE 100 finished up 7.6% at 7,687.77 compared with the last day of trading in 2016.

Meanwhile, the FTSE 250 ended 14.7% ahead at 20,726.26 compared with the end of last year. Mr Eckett said: "It has been a little bit of a surprise to many people that markets were are strong as they were this year." George Salmon, an equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said the FTSE 100 had been lifted by natural resource giants such as Shell and BP which have benefitted from a rise in oil prices. Brent crude fell as low as $45 per barrel in June but is now trading at $66.34. The fall in sterling since Brexit has also boosted earnings since many of the FTSE 100 companies have large operations abroad, said Linda Yueh, a professor of economics at London Business School. " A lot of the rise in the FTSE 100 is because of the weak pound," she said.

New Year Honours 2018: Barry Gibb, Ringo Starr and Darcey Bussell head list

Bee Gees singer Barry Gibb and Beatles drummer Ringo Starr have been knighted, and Strictly judge Darcey Bussell made a dame, in the New Year Honours. Ex-Deputy PM Nick Clegg and War Horse novelist Michael Morpurgo also receive knighthoods, and author Jilly Cooper and TV chef Rick Stein become CBEs. Among five honours for the World Cup-winning England Women cricket team is an OBE for captain Heather Knight. Ex-astronaut Helen Sharman joins the Order of St Michael and St George.

Alexandra Shulman, who recently stood down as editor of British Vogue after 25 years; actors Hugh Laurie and Susan Hampshire, and leading artificial intelligence researcher Demis Hassabis are made CBEs. Author and historian Lady Antonia Fraser and broadcaster Lord Melvyn Bragg join the elite Companions of Honour. And there is an OBE for ITV's This Morning presenter Eamonn Holmes, who said "2018 will be my 38th year as a broadcaster and I can't think of a better way of marking that". There are 1,123 people named on the main honours list issued by the Cabinet Office, with 70% of the recipients recognised for work in their communities in a voluntary or paid capacity. Twelve famous faces on the lis Wiley and Hugh Laurie among entertainment honours Space science recognised MBE for autism 'instruction manual' author Organ donation campaigner, 18, receives BEM AI chief Demis Hassabis becomes a CBE The lists in full. They include two people aged 101 - Lt Col Mordaunt Cohen from north-west London is made an MBE for his services to World War Two education, and Helena Jones receives a British Empire Medal for services to young people and the community in Brecon. Officials said future lists would see honours for "inspirational action" by people following the Grenfell Tower fire and the terror attacks in London and Manchester. 'As much theirs as mine. Singer-songwriter Sir Barry said he was "humbled and very proud" by his knighthood for services to music and charity. Made a CBE in 2002 alongside his late brothers and bandmates, Maurice and Robin, Sir Barry said: "It is as much theirs as it is mine. The magic, the glow, and the rush will last me the rest of my life." The Bee Gees grew up in Manchester and tasted chart success in the 1960s, before going on to record the best-selling Saturday Night Fever soundtrack in 1977.
Robin, Maurice and Barry Gibb in 1983Image copyrightPA Image caption. Sir Barry Gibb paid tribute to his late brothers. Sir Ringo's honour for services to music - given under his real name, Richard Starkey - was leaked before the announcement. It comes 20 years after Paul McCartney was knighted and adds to the 1965 MBE received by all four Beatles. The Los Angeles-based musician said: "It's great! It's an honour and a pleasure to be considered and acknowledged for my music and my charity work, both of which I love. Peace and love." The Cavern Club in his hometown of Liverpool, where the Fab Four started life, described the knighthood as "long overdue".

Former Royal Ballet principal Dame Darcey, who has forged a new career on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing since retiring from the stage, said she was "truly humbled". She dedicated her damehood for services to dance to "all the dance organisations that I am so fortunate to be part of". Sharman receives one of the highest honours, 26 years after she became the first British astronaut with her journey to the Soviet Mir Space Station. That achievement saw her become an OBE in 1993 and her new CMG is for services to education in science and technology. Elsewhere, there is a CBE for Prof Michele Dougherty from Imperial College, London, a member of the Cassini mission to Saturn. Godfather of Grime Cricketer Heather Knight said she was "blown away" by her OBE, which follows England's World Cup victory over India at Lord's in July. The team's head coach Mark Robinson becomes an OBE, and player of the tournament Tammy Beaumont and player of the final Anya Shrubsole are made MBEs. Director of women's cricket Clare Connor becomes a CBE. England Women cricket team celebrate World Cup win at Lord'sImage copyrightPA. Image caption
Heather knight lifted the World Cup trophy at Lord's in July. Other sporting honours include OBEs for British and Irish Lions rugby captain Sam Warburton and former Scotland rugby captain Ian McLauchlan, and an MBE for Paralympian athlete Stefanie Reid. The trainer of the Queen's racehorses, Nicky Henderson, is made a Royal Victorian Order Lieutenant.  The list also recognises sculptor Richard Long (knighthood), Ambassador Theatre Group co-founder Rosemary Squire (damehood), actress and director Julia McKenzie (CBE) and playwright Peter Nichols (CBE). There are OBEs for author Deborah Moggach and Soft Cell singer Marc Almond, and an MBE for film actor James Cosmo. The "godfather of Grime" Richard Cowie, aka Wiley, said of his MBE for services to music: "It feels like the school grade I wanted and didn't get but now I'm finally there." Grace Ladoja, who manages another grime star, Skepta, receives the same honour. There are MBEs for BBC radio presenters Linda McAuley, who hosts Radio Ulster consumer show On Your Behalf and is recognised for services to consumers, and BBC London's Eddie Nestor for services to radio and charity. Bus maker Nick Clegg, who lost his Sheffield Hallam seat in the general election, is knighted for political and public service alongside several former and serving MPs, while fellow Lib Dem Jo Swinson is made a CBE. Cheryl Gillan, Nick CleggImage copyrightPA
Image caption MP Cheryl Gillan and former Deputy PM Nick Clegg make the list
Conservative MPs Graham Brady - the chairman of the influential backbench 1922 Committee - Geoffrey Clifton-Brown and Christopher Chope are knighted, and Cheryl Gillan made a dame. Labour MPs Mark Hendrick and Commons Deputy Speaker Lindsay Hoyle are knighted. There is a knighthood for services to social sciences and politics for the University of Strathclyde's Prof John Curtice, a familiar face on television for his election polling analysis. Rick Stein, the restaurateur turned TV presenter, is honoured for services to the economy. Elsewhere, there is an an OBE for PR consultant Lynne Franks for services to business, fashion and women's empowerment, and tech investor Ken Olisa - named Britain's most influential black person in 2015 - is knighted for services to business and philanthropy.

Married couple Chrissie Rucker, founder of The White Company, and Nicholas Wheeler, of Charles Tyrwhitt Shirts, are made OBEs for services to retail. Another OBE goes to Savile Row tailor Richard James for services to fashion. William Wright, of Ballymena-based Wrightbus - the company behind the new London Routemaster double-decker - is knighted for services to the economy and bus industry. Among the recipients they highlight are teacher David Canning, who heads a cross-community project in Northern Ireland, and Aina Khan, from Hertfordshire, who works to protect women and children in unregistered marriages. Both are made OBEs. There are MBEs for Susan Coates, who has spent five decades in Girlguiding across south-west England, and Cumbria-based autism campaigner Deborah Brownson. The youngest person on the list is Lucia Mee, 18, from Antrim, who has had three liver transplants after being diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis, and receives a BEM for promoting awareness about organ donation.

North Korea: South seizes ship amid row over illegal oil transfer

South Korea has revealed it seized a Hong Kong-registered ship last month suspected of supplying oil to the North in breach of international sanctions. Officials said the Lighthouse Winmore had secretly transferred 600 tonnes of refined oil to a North Korean ship. A UN Security Council resolution bans ship-to-ship transfers of any goods destined for Pyongyang.

The revelations came as China denied claims by President Donald Trump it had allowed oil shipments to the North.North Korea crisis in 300 words. How North Korea does business under sanctions,  Can the world live with a nuclear North Korea? What happened with the Lighthouse Winmore. The ship entered Yeosu port in South Korea on 11 October to load up with refined oil and left for Taiwan four days later, Yonhap news agency reported. But instead of going to Taiwan it transferred the oil to a North Korean ship and three other vessels in international waters on 19 October, South Korean officials were quoted as saying. This defies a UN Security Council resolution imposed on 11 September. The New York Times said the transfer was captured in US satellite photos, released by the US Treasury in November, although the Lighthouse Winmore was not named by the Treasury. Graphic showing US images of ship-to-ship transfer attempt on 19 October 2017
The Lighthouse Winmore was seized when it returned to Yeosu in November and remains in South Korea, South Korean officials said.

Was China involved? There is no evidence for this, as although the Lighthouse Winmore is Hong Kong-flagged, it was leased by a Taiwanese company, Billions Bunker Group Corp. Taiwan's Presidential Office said the company that chartered the ship was not incorporated in Taiwan, but did not say whether the firm's owner or officials are Taiwanese. The Chinese government said the accusations against

source; www.bbc.com

Lekhnath memorial museum under construction in Pokhara

Dec 29, 2017-A museum to commemorate ‘Kavishiromani’ Lekhnath Poudel is being constructed at the poet’s birthplace in Lekhnath Municipality-27, in Pokhara. The construction is carried out under the initiative of Lekhnath Janmasthal Bikash Samiti.

Along with the museum, there are other constructions going on in the premises—a conference hall that will host and accomodate literary gatherings, a picnic spot, a view-tower, and a guest house capable of accommodating 12 people, among others. In the museum, specifically carved Sal woods are being used in Bhaktapure style. Many of Kavishiromani’s poems are being carved in Stambhas  (pillars) to be showcased in the vicinity. Moreover, construction of a park with a pond is also on going. Bishwaprakash Lamichanne, chairman of the Janmasthal Bikash Samiti said that this visionary project had been initiated five years ago. “Kavishiromani’s home was totally covered in wild grasses back then,” he said, “As the government didn’t care much about it, we were inspired to do something creative and hence initiated this committee and the project on our own.” The total budget for all the construction has been estimated to be around 20 million rupees. The cost for museum and park  alones has been six  million rupees. Lamichanne shared that only seven million rupees had been allocated by the government in total. The Pokhara-Lekhnath municipality donates a monthly Rs 7,500 for the museum construction.

Manoj Paudel, the secretary of the museum, shared that they had been constantly requesting the Pokhara-Lekhnath municipality for support but haven’t received any response. The museum expects to attract a range of visitors from literature lovers, writers, students to internal tourists. The entry price has been fixed at Rs 10 for students and Rs 20 for others.


Published: 29-12-2017 09:17


source; kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

Ex-king Gyanendra visits Nepalgunj

Dec 29, 2017-Former King of Nepal Gyanendra Shah has come to Nepalgunj with his family for a private visit. He is accompanied by former Queen Komal Shah and former princess Himani Shah.

Sources accompanying the former royal family in their visit said that the ex-king will visit mid and far-western Nepal in his 15-day itinerary. Ex-King Shah inaugurated a four-star hotel in Nepalgunj built with his investment on Thursday. Some royalists chanted slogans in support of the monarch during the ceremony, it is learnt. According to one of Shah’s aide Hrishi Devkota, the ex-king is scheduled to visit Banke, Bardiya and some districts of far-west Nepal. “This is their private visit. They are scheduled to visit various shrines and meet well-wishers,” said Devkota.


Published: 29-12-2017 20:06

source; kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

PM Deuba to announce date for NA election within a couple of days

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, after consultation with the Election Commission (EC), has said that date for election to the members of National Assembly (NA) will be announced  within a couple of days.

During a meeting held at the PM’s official residence in Baluwatar, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Ayodhee Prasad Yadav and EC officials had jointly urged PM Deuba to announce the date for election to the Upper House, EC spokesperson Dinesh Kumar Ghimire informed. The election body’s suggestion comes shortly after President Bidya Devi Bhandari authenticated the ordinance on National Assembly two months after it was forwarded by the Cabinet, on Friday. On the occasion, CEC Yadav said that NA election could not be held until the appointment of province chief and provincial assembly members administered oath of office and secrecy, Ghimire informed. Meanwhile, PM Deuba congratulated EC and its office bearers for conducting the parliamentary and provincial assembly elections in a free and fair manner. Meanwhile, Yadav praised and congratulated PM Deuba for his support in making the elections successful.

Election commissioners Ila Sharma, Narendra Dahal, Ishwori Prasad Paudyal and Sudhir Kumar Shah were present in the meeting.

 Published: 29-12-2017 20:06

source; kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

NC to finalise Provincial Assembly members under PR category today

Dec 29, 2017-The Nepali Congress is carrying out the final home work for deciding the list of its State Assembly members towards the proportional representation (PR) category. The meeting of the Nepali Congress Central Work Execution Committee that got underway at the Prime Minister's residence at Baluwater this morning will finalise the names of the PR members of the State Assemblies, according to the party.

The meeting is chaired by party president and Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. Senior leader Ram Chandra Poudel, general secretary Dr Shashanka Koirala, treasurer Sita Devi Yadav among the party officials and senior central committee members are attending the meeting. The central work execution committee has 29 members. The political parties are required to submit the list of names to be appointed the State Assembly member towards the PR category of the election within the office time today as per the Election Commission's notice. Chief Secretary at the NC party office Krishna Prasad Poudel informed that the meeting is also scheduled to discuss the ordinance related to the constitution of the National Assembly which is kept on pending at the Office of the President for over two months and other contemporary political issues including the party relegating to the second position from the first position in the recently held elections.

This is the first time that the NC Central Work Execution Committee is meeting after the election to the member of House of Representatives and State Assembly. RSS


Published: 29-12-2017 12:14


source; kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

Prez authenticates NA election ordinance

Dec 29, 2017-Amid pressure from several quarters, President Bidhya Devi Bhandari on Friday authenticated the much-awaited ordinance on National Assembly election, putting the ball in the court of political parties to settle the dispute regarding the formation of upper house.

According to President’s aide Bhesh Raj Adhikari, President Bhandari signed the ordinance shortly after holding a meeting with CPN-UML leader Subas Nembang and Prime Minister and Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba.

Adhikari said that President Bhandari, in a meeting earlier this morning, told PM Deuba that she will authenticate the ordinance to fulfill her responsibility as the disputes over the modality of electing National Assembly members could not be resolved through consensus.

She made the decision to sign the document afer holding deliberations on the ordinance with political leadership and legal experts, Adhikari said.

The ordinance was put on hold at the president’s office due to the dispute between the ruling Nepali Congress and largest party CPN-UML over the modality of electing upper house members.

The stalemate over the upper house election has delayed the process to form a new government after the successful conduction of historic parliamentary and provincial assembly elections.

The Nepali Congress and Madhes-based parties have been advocating the Single Transferable Voting (STV) system for the election of National Assembly, while the CPN-UML and CPN-Maoist Centre, are pitching for adopting majoritarian system.

President Bhandari had held a series of meeting with political parties, seeking their suggestions on ways to end the deadlock.


Published: 29-12-2017 11:57



source; kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

Drunk tanks may become norm, NHS boss warns 'selfish' revellers

Drunk tanks may have to become the norm in towns and cities to keep "selfish" revellers out of A&E, the head of the NHS in England says. Simon Stevens said he would be closely monitoring how the mobile units cope on New Year's Eve before deciding whether they should become a regular feature.

Drunk tanks provide a safe place for those who have over-indulged to be checked over and sleep it off. They are often used over the festive period to stop people ending up at A&E. A number of cities have already introduced the units - also known as booze buses - all-year-round, including Newcastle, Cardiff, Manchester and Bristol. And now Mr Stevens said he may start recommending others follow suit, given an estimated 15% of attendances at A&E are due to alcohol consumption. This rises to about 70% on Friday and Saturday nights.

source; www.bbc.com

North Korea: Trump accuses China of allowing oil transfers

US President Donald Trump has said he's "very disappointed" with China following a report that it had allowed oil to be shipped into North Korea. In a tweet, Mr Trump said China had been "caught red-handed". He said there could never be "a friendly solution" to the North Korea crisis if oil was allowed to be exported to Pyongyang. China earlier denied there had been any breaking of UN oil sanctions between China and North Korea.
Last week, Beijing supported a US-drafted UN resolution that included measures to slash the North's petrol imports by up to 90%.Skip Twitter post by
Caught RED HANDED - very disappointed that China is allowing oil to go into North Korea. There will never be a friendly solution to the North Korea problem if this continues to happen! The tough new sanctions were a fresh attempt to curb Pyongyang's controversial ballistic missile tests. President's Trump latest broadside against China came after South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo reported that Chinese tankers had been secretly transferring oil at sea to North Korean vessels. Quoting South Korean government officials, it said the illegal ship-to-ship transfers had been filmed by US spy satellites about 30 times since October. US officials did not confirm the report but one state department official quoted by Reuters suggested that such transfers could still be taking place.

US state department spokesman Michael Cavey reiterated calls for all countries to cut economic ties with North Korea. "We urge China to end all economic ties with the DPRK [North Korea], including tourism and the provision of any oil or petroleum products," he said. In another development on Thursday, the UN Security Council denied international port access to four more North Korean ships suspected of carrying banned goods, AFP news agency reported. It would bring the total number of ships blocked by the UN to eight. Media captionNorth Korea said in November its latest missile was capable of reaching Washington DC
North Korea is already subject to a raft of sanctions from the US, the UN and the EU.

The latest UN measures came in response to Pyongyang's 28 November firing of a ballistic missile, which the US said was its highest yet. In a typical bellicose response, North Korea described the new sanctions as an "act of war". Mr Trump has previously threatened to "totally destroy" North Korea if it launches a nuclear attack. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has described the US president as "mentally deranged".

source; www.bbc.com

Indian man fatally stabbed in Capital

Dec 29, 2017-An Indian national was been killed in a drunken brawl at a hotel in Pingalasthan, Kathmandu, on Wednesday night.

Police said Aditya Gurung, who was working with Maiti Nepal, was fatally stabbed by a staff member of Ambadablam Hotel. Deputy Superintendent of Police Anupam Shrestha, chief of Metropolitan Police Circle in Gaushala, on Thursday said the hotel receptionist, Doni Sherpa, and four others were arrested in connection to the incident. Gurung and some of his friends had been drinking at the hotel bar on Wednesday night when the fight broke out after the hotel staff members reportedly refused them to serve more drinks. DSP Shrestha said seriously injured Gurung was taken to the Sinamangal-based Kathmandu Medical College, where the doctors declared him dead.
Gurung, who hailed from Siliguri in West Bengal state of India, was working as a basketball coach at Maiti Nepal for past several years, according to Anuradha Koirala, the founder of the organisation.
She has demanded the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the case and bring the guilty to justice. 


soruce;  kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

Pond to be restored to its original form

Dec 29, 2017-Following widespread criticism of the municipal office’s decision to use modern construction materials to rebuild the earthquake-damaged Rani Pokhari, the Kathmandu Metropolis City on Thursday decided to halt the rebuilding works and restore the Malla-era monument to its original form.

The announcement came after an 11-member expert committee led by former director general of the Department of Archaeology Bishnu Raj Karki was formed to study reconstruction of the pond spread over 62 ropanis without compromising on its original structure. Defence Minister Bhimsen Das Pradhan, former KMC mayor and newly elected provincial assembly lawmaker Keshav Sthapit, and politician Ranju Darshana have been appointed advisors to the committee, which is tasked with submitting a report within 15 days.  Thursday’s meeting also decided to halt construction works until the committee submits its report. Earlier, KMC Mayor Bidhya Sundar Shakya and his Deputy Hari Prabha Khadgi were at loggerheads over the use of concrete for building a 10-foot boundary wall on the south-eastern side of the historic pond built 350 years ago by Pratap Malla. Talking to the Post after the meeting, Shakya said there would be no dearth of resources to restore the pond’s glory by using traditional building materials. “Until I visited the project site [on Tuesday], I didn’t know concrete was used. Now the KMC will take further steps only in consultation with the Department of Archaeology, the Nepal Reconstruction Authority and other stakeholders,” said Shakya. Sailesh Shakya, a Lagan Tole local and heritage conservationist, praised the latest developments. “We take it as our win. Our persistent effort has paid off, finally,” said Shakya, calling on conservationists and local residents to watch over the activities of the metropolis. Locals and heritage conservationists had padlocked the reconstruction site on Tuesday in protest against the KMC’s “insensitive” decision. Mayor Shakya visited the site along with half a dozen city police personnel who broke the padlock the same day. According to the Ancient Monument Preservation Act, any historic building or heritage site built over a hundred years ago has to be preserved in its original form.

Rani Pokhari, or Nhu Pukhu (new pond) in Nepal Bhasa, was built in 1670 AD by Pratap Malla in memory of his son, to appease his wife. The rebuilding project has already fallen behind schedule due to the controversy.


Published: 29-12-2017 08:48



souurce; kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

Congress ‘ready’ to back Dahal if he runs for PM

Dec 29, 2017-Nepali Congress (NC) leaders have said that the party is ready to support CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal as a new prime minister. If the left alliance fails to form a new government, the leaders said, the Congress party is ready to provide an alternative—to form a majority government under Dahal. Although the NC has not yet come out with an official position on the matter, parties are floating this alternative in the informal discussions of late.  The NC is convening a Central Executive Committee meeting on Friday to discuss the latest political developments. It is not sure whether the issues related to government formation will be figured out in NC’s meeting.
 NC leaders, who are keeping tabs on the development inside the left alliance, said they would prepare a strategy on the government formation accordingly. The major partners of the left alliance—CPN-UML and Maoist Centre—are struggling to reach a consensus on the power-sharing deal. “Respecting peoples’ mandate, the NC is ready to stay in the opposition. But, if the left alliance failed to form government then we are ready to do that,” said NC Central Working Committee (CWC) member Man Bahadur Biswokarma, who is close to Prime Minister and party President Sher Bahadur Deuba. “We don’t have people’s mandate to form the government, but we are ready to lend a hand to Dahal to fulfil the task.” Biswokarma, however, said that the NC was not “proactively” backing for a Maoist-led government. A few days earlier, Mahendra Yadav, another NC leader close to Deuba, had said that the party was ready to throw its weight behind Dahal for premiership. Yadav’s comments came days after Dahal said in public that NC President and Prime Minister Deuba had proposed him the post of prime minister. In a recent meeting between the two leaders, PM Deuba reportedly told Dahal that the NC was ready to support the Maoist party in writing to form a new government for five years.  While the official position in the Maoist camp has been to form the government under UML Chairman KP Oli, a certain section of the Maoist Centre leaders has signalled that the party could go for the second alternative—form the government with the NC in tow. The NC, which is the second largest party in the House of Representatives with 63 seats, together with the Maoist Centre (53) and two Madhes-based parties—Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal (17) and Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum-Nepal (16)—can attain the magical number of 138 in the 275-member House to form a new government.

 The Madhes-centric parties have been saying all along that they would support the new government on the basis of the agreement on constitution amendment.
On Wednesday, senior leader of RJP-N Manish Suman said that his party was positive on supporting Dahal to form a new government. NC executive panel meeting today The Nepali Congress (NC) has called a Central Executive Committee meeting on Friday to deliberate on the latest political situation, cross-party disputes on the formation of National Assembly and debacle in the recently concluded House of Representatives (HoR) and Provincial Assembly elections. This is the first meeting that the party is convening since the national elections in which the ruling party shrank to 23 seats out of 165 constituencies under the first-past-the-post (FPTP) category.  The 29-member central ex-co, which functions under the party’s Central Working Committee (CWC), is mandated to take major decisions. Party’s youth leaders, in particular, have been pressing the party leadership to call a CEC meeting. The CEC gathering is expected to be followed by a working committee meeting subject to the latter’s endorsement. “The meeting has been called to discuss the latest political situation and other pressing issues,” said NC Office Secretary Krishna Prasad Poudel. The party will also discuss about the names of party candidates who represent Provincial Assemblies (PA). The Election Commission has already finalised the number of PA seats for the eligible parties. The election body has requested the parties to provide their final list of candidates. Party leaders said internal homework is under way to pick provincial candidates. The dispute over the process of National Assembly election will also feature in the meeting. The NC maintains that the ordinance forwarded by the government should be endorsed by President without delay. According to CWC member Prakash Sharan Mahat, the meeting is likely to reiterate party’s position on the ordinance.

The meeting will delve into reports submitted by district committees regarding the intra-party betrayal in its bid to find the reasons behind its poor showing in the elections. NC leaders have pointed out intra-party betrayal in some districts as one of the factors for the worst election defeat in the party’s history. There are also murmurs inside the party that a Mahasamiti meeting could initiate the party rebuilding process. 


Published: 29-12-2017 09:13



source; kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

Pushpa Chaudhary appointed Health Secy

Dec 28, 2017-The government on Thursday appointed Dr Pushpa Chaudhary as the secretary at Ministry of Health.

Health Minister Dipak Bohora informed Chaudhary was appointed to the post by a Cabinet meeting on Thursday. Chaudhary was acting secretary at the ministry following retirement of her predecessor Dr Kiran Regmi. Dr Binod Man Shrestha and Dr Sushilnath Pyakurel were also in the fray for the post. Chaudhay had previously worked as Director General of Department of Health Services, Director of Paropakar Maternity Hospital, Thapathali, and Director of Family Health Division of Department of Health Services.


Published: 28-12-2017 14:45



source; kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

Gladiators in Qualifier

Dec 27, 2017-Bhairahawa Gladiators set the Everest Premier League (EPL) Qualifier clash with Paras Khadka’s Biratnagar Warriors following a four-wicket victory over bottom side Chitwan Tigers in their last league game at the TU Stadium on Tuesday.

Gladiators finished second in the six-team event with eight points from four wins in five matches set re-set the clash against Warriors, who beat them by 35 runs at the league stage. The winners of the Qualifier will reach the final and the losing side will have another shot at earning a berth to the final as they play the victors of the Eliminator match, also scheduled for Wednesday. In what turned out to be a rehearsal for the Eliminator game, Lalitpur Patriots edged Pokhara Rhinos by six wickets to officially qualify for the playoffs. With both sides all but making it to the playoffs, Rhinos rode on a half century from Sunil Dhamala to reach 132-5 in 20 overs. Patriots almost threw away a solid start before their skipper Gyanendra Malla held nerves to hand the team a victory in the last ball of the match. Following the result Patriots finished the league in third after they were tied on points with Rhinos. Patriots had a solid start when their openers Jaykishan Kolsawala and Shankar Rana began with an 84-run partnership inside 13 overs. But Rhinos hit back picking up four wickets and took the match to the last over where Patriots needed seven runs for victory. But Malla settled the nerves hitting a six off the last ball from Sushan Bhari as Patriots reached 138-4 in 20 overs.

 Malla made 27 off 17 with a six and a four. Man-of-the-match Kolsawala top scored with 56 off 45 with four boundaries and three sixes while Rana chipped in 35 off 39 ball with five boundaries. Malla’s side began the tournament as one of the favourites but are left with a big task when they meet Rhinos on Wednesday. “We are not faring well in terms for finishing the game. Today was pretty close and its good to end up on the winning side. But we have to make sure that we don’t waste such a good start in matches ahead,” said Malla. Rhinos were reduced to 26-2 in the sixth over before Dhamala and Rajesh Pulami Magar pushed the team to a respectable total with a 66-run third wicket stand. Magar was out for a run-a-ball 32 after hitting two fours and a six, while Dhamala carried the bat with a 62-ball 70. He hit five sixes and two fours. Warriors are the only unbeaten side in the tournament having beaten Gladiators by 35 runs in the league game. Gladiators skipper Sharad Vesawkar was hardly concerned after his team replied with 88-6 from 18.3 overs in chase of Tigers’ 87-9. “We did lose some wickets but we were always comfortable,” said Vesawkar without putting much thought on Wednesday’s Qualifier. “We just need to play well. We don’t want to think much about our game against Warriors because over-thinking will give us nothing,” added the captain who gave chance to his untested lower middle order against Rhinos.

Gladiators were 22-3 and their Indian recruit Puneet Mehra along with Rohit Kumar Paudel took the team close with a 46-run stand. Gladiators did lose both the set batsmen but the match was already within their grasp. Mehra scored 30 off 29 balls with three boundaries and Paudel scored 20 off 40 with two fours. Earlier, it was Vesawkar who began the attack with the new ball and kept Tigers under pressure. The man-of-the-match took 3-12 from four overs. Dipendra Singh Airee and Yogendra Singh Karki were their top scorers with 15 runs each.


Published: 27-12-2017 10:33

source; kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

EC asks parties to register nomination for NA election

Dec 28, 2017-The Election Commission (EC) has called on political parties to file registration for the election to the National Assembly (NA) members within 15 days.

A meeting of the EC presided over by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Ayodhee Prasad Yadav has made the decision to this effect, EC spokesperson Dinesh Kumar Ghimire informed.

According to article 269 of the constitution, political parties registered at the EC should file nomination as per article 271 of the constitution and clause 48, 49 of the Act related to Political Parties-2017 for the election purpose.

With the successful conduction of election to the House of Representatives and Provincial Assemblies, the EC called on political parties to file registration for the election of the NA members for the formation of federal parliament.




Published: 28-12-2017 19:56

source; kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

KMC warns litterbugs with arrest

Dec 28, 2017-Throwing waste in public places can lead to a jail term or a fine up to Rs 100,000, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City has announced.

A Tuesday’s meeting among KMC’s Environment Division’s chief Hari Bahadur Kunwar, Chief District Officer Kedarnath Sharma, and SSP Rabindra Bahadur Dhanuk , chief at Metropolitan Police Range, decided to curb public place littering through arrests and fines. Kunwar said the metropolis will run a month-long awareness campaign against public place littering before the city starts arresting those caught in the act. Such persons, Kunwar said, will be held in KMC detention for up to 24 hours before they are submitted to police. The KMC is planning to take action against litterbugs as per the Soild Waste Management Act, 2068 (2011) that specifies a punishment of jail sentence up to three months or up to Rs 100,000 fine against those who are found guilty of polluting public places.

Kunwar said they had to take a strict measure to discourage people from befouling the city surroundings. Since the KMC alone was unable to control public place littering, it had to rally Kathmandu police and local administration for the cause, he added. 


Published: 28-12-2017 08:31



source; kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

Narayangadh–Muglin road section to be closed during night from Jan 2

Dec 28, 2017-In an effort to expedite expansion works, the Narayangadh–Muglin road section will be closed during night time from January 2. A meeting of all the stake holders and concerned authorities held on Wednesday decided to ban vehicular movement during the night from 10pm till 4am. Narayangadh–Muglin road project engineer Shiva Khanal said, “We are closing the roads for vehicular movement during the night as we are planning to complete the expansion works of the road section as soon as possible.”

According to Khanal, during the curfew period, passenger bus coming from Kathmandu will be stopped at Muglin while cargo trucks will be held off at Labortar. Likewise, passenger vehicles coming from Pokhara will stay at Benitar and trucks will stay in Abukhaireni. “We will hold passenger vehicles and trucks coming from Narayangadh as per the work situation,” said Khanal adding that 800 meters of the roadside cliff is yet to be cut for expansion. Engineer Khanal further informed that grade cutting in certain parts of the road section will take place during the night. “We will black top the road during the day,” said Khanal, “We will have to stop the traffic from half-and-hour to hour long duration and only one-way vehicular movement will be allowed during that time.”
Similarly, Chief District Officer Narayan Prasad Bhatta said that the night travel ban has been opted to complete the works in the road section as soon as possible. “We will have a trail period of 15 days and if the works move ahead as expected then we will continue it,” said Bhatta, “14 kms of the road section has been blacktopped and 67 percent of the expansion works have been completed.”

The deadline to complete the construction works at the 33.2 km Narayangadh-Muglin section was extended for the third time on July 7. As per the new deadline the construction works at the road section must be completed by February 2018.


Published: 28-12-2017 10:31



source; kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

KMC halts Rani Pokhari reconstruction works

Dec 28, 2017-The Kathmandu Metropolitan City has stopped the reconstruction works of Rani Pokhari after a series of controversy surrounded the restoration process of the Malla-era monument.A meeting held at the KMC on Thursday, where KMC Mayor Bidya Sundar Shakya, Deputy Mayor Hari Prabha Khadgi, National Reconstruction Authority secretary and Director General of Department of Archaeology were present, decided to stop the reconstruction of the historical monument.
The meeting also formed an 11-member study committee under the coordination of Former Director General of the Department of Archaeology Bishnu Raj Karki. The committee will conduct a study regarding the reconstruction of Rani Pokhari, which had sustained severe damage during the 2015 earthquake, and present its report within 15 days. Today’s meeting has also decided to halt the ongoing construction until the committee submits its report. Earlier, on Tuesday, dramatic events unfolded as KMC Mayor Shakya had reached the Rani Pokhari reconstruction site and opened the padlock put earlier in the morning by KMC Ward no 28 Chairman Bhairam Khadgi along with locals and several heritage conservationists in the presence of KMC Deputy Mayor Hari Prabha Khadgi. Locals and several heritage conservationists had padlocked the reconstruction site as a protest against insensitive decision on part of the metropolis to use concrete to build a 10-foot boundary wall on the southeastern side of the historic pond, drawing criticism from heritage conservationists and locals.

They also barred some three dozen workers, who were employed by the metropolis to carry out reconstruction works, from entering the ancient heritage site. As per the Ancient Monument Preservation Act, any historic buildings and heritage sites that are over a hundred years old have to be preserved in their original form.  Rani Pokhari, or Nhu Pukhu (new pond) in Nepal Bhasa, was built in 1670 AD by King Pratap Malla in memory of his son, to appease his wife.


Published: 28-12-2017 13:17



source; kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

Workplace robots could increase inequality, warns IPPR

The government must intervene to stop automation driving up wage inequality, a think tank has warned. The Institute for Public Policy Research said robots would not necessarily be bad for the economy. However, it warned lower-skilled jobs were much more likely to be phased out in the coming decades, and only higher-skilled workers would be able to command better wages.

The government said it was committed to making automation work for everyone. According to the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) - a centre-left think tank - automation could raise UK productivity growth by between 0.8 to 1.4% annually, and boost GDP by 10% by 2030. However, it said these gains might not be shared evenly, as on average, low-wage jobs had five times more "technical potential" to be automated than highly-paid jobs. The sectors most at risk include: transportation (where 63% of jobs could be automated. manufacturing (58%) wholesale and retail trade (65%). At the same time, the IPPR said workers capable of using advanced machines would see their incomes rise, extending the earnings gap. "Our analysis shows that jobs with the potential to be automated are associated with £290bn of wages each year," said research fellow Carys Roberts. "Much of this will be replaced through increased wages due to higher productivity and new jobs created, but a substantial portion could also be transferred from wages to profits." She added: "Within that, some people will get a pay rise, while others are trapped in low pay, low productivity sectors." 'Resilient and diverse' She said the jobs most at risk of automation were disproportionately based in poorer areas of the country, and held by women and those from ethnic minorities. "To avoid inequality rising, the government should look at ways to spread capital ownership, and make sure everyone benefits from increased automation," she said. A spokesman for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said the UK's labour market was "resilient and diverse" and that advances in technology were helping to "bring new jobs".

"The government is committed to ensuring that the UK is to able to seize the opportunities and overcome the obstacles that exist in this area," he said. "Government is working closely with industry to ensure the benefits of new technologies are felt across different sectors of the economy up and down the country, while creating new high-skill, well-paid jobs."
 
source; www.bbc.com