Stansted Airport fire forces cancellation of flights

All departing flights from Stansted Airport have been cancelled until midnight after a bus caught fire outside the terminal.

Witnesses reported seeing thick smoke as the blaze "completely destroyed" the shuttle bus, parked in a waiting area.

The fire also caused smoke damage to "much of the front of the terminal building," firefighters said.

Bosses at the Essex airport apologised and advised passengers to re-book their flights with their airlines.

On Friday evening, the airport said no injuries had been reported and that the fire - which was extinguished at about 17:00 BST - had been caused by an engine electrical fault on the bus.

"The fire has since been put out and we're working on returning to normal operations," a spokesperson added.

Later, however, the airport tweeted to announce the cancellation of all outgoing flights.

source:www.bbc.com

Australia ball-tampering: David Warner 'resigned' to not playing for country again

Batsman David Warner says he is "resigned to the fact" he may never play for Australia again after his part in the ball-tampering scandal.

Warner and Steve Smith were given year-long bans by Cricket Australia after the incident against South Africa.

The 31-year-old apologised on Saturday, saying he took "full responsibility for my part in what happened."

He added: "I have only ever wanted to bring glory to my country through playing cricket."

Smith and Cameron Bancroft, who received a nine-month ban for his role in the plan to tamper with the ball by using sandpaper, had earlier apologised for their part in what happened.

Reading from a statement, an emotional Warner told a news conference: "To all Australians, cricket fans or not, I apologise for my actions and I am sorry for the impact those actions have had on our country's reputation.

"It is heartbreaking to know I will not be taking the field with teammates I love and respect and that I have let down.

"It is something I will regret for as long as I live."

Listen again: 5 live's cricket special

source:www.bbc.com

Australia ball-tampering: David Warner 'resigned' to not playing for country again

Batsman David Warner says he is "resigned to the fact" he may never play for Australia again after his part in the ball-tampering scandal.

Warner and Steve Smith were given year-long bans by Cricket Australia after the incident against South Africa.

The 31-year-old apologised on Saturday, saying he took "full responsibility for my part in what happened."

He added: "I have only ever wanted to bring glory to my country through playing cricket."

Smith and Cameron Bancroft, who received a nine-month ban for his role in the plan to tamper with the ball, also apologised for their part in what happened, while coach Darren Lehmann will step down after the fourth Test against South Africa, which began on Friday.

Reading from a statement, an emotional Warner said: "To all Australians, cricket fans or not, I apologise for my actions and I am sorry for the impact those actions have had on our country's reputation.

"It is heartbreaking to know I will not be taking the field with teammates I love and respect and that I have let down.

"It is something I will regret for as long as I live."

North Korea sanctions: UN blacklists shipping firms

The UN Security Council has blacklisted 27 ships, 21 shipping companies and one individual for aiding North Korea in its effort to evade sanctions.

The measures were proposed by the US last month as part of a crackdown on the maritime smuggling of North Korean commodities such as oil and coal.

Sanctioned oil tankers and cargo vessels are banned from ports worldwide and businesses face an asset freeze.

It is the UN's largest ever package of designated penalties against Pyongyang.

North Korea is already under a range of international and US sanctions over its nuclear programme and missile tests.

The US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, said the latest measures were a "clear sign that the international community was united" in its efforts to increase pressure on the North Korean regime.

source:www.bbc.com

Spy poisoning: Russia escalates spy row with new expulsions

Russia has announced further measures against UK diplomats while at the same time declaring tit-for-tat expulsions of officials from 23 other countries.

It has told the British ambassador to cut staffing to the size of the Russian mission in the UK.

Moscow has rejected UK accusations that it is behind the nerve agent attack on an ex-spy and his daughter in the UK.

However, some 150 Russians have since been expelled by mainly Western countries.

Russia initially hit back at the UK, but then announced 60 US expulsions. On Friday it called in a string of foreign ambassadors with news that their own countries' measures were being matched.

Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia collapsed in Salisbury, England, on 4 March. Mr Skripal remains in a critical but stable condition. Yulia's condition is said to be improving.

source:www.bbc.com

Gaza-Israel border: Clashes 'leave 16 Palestinians dead and hundreds injured'

Palestinian officials say at least 16 people have been killed by Israeli forces and hundreds more wounded during protests at the Gaza-Israeli border.

Thousands had marched to the border at the start of a six-week protest, dubbed the Great March of Return.

The Israeli military said soldiers had opened fire after rioting.

UN Security Council members meeting in New York have called for an investigation into the violence.

Palestinians have pitched five camps near the border for the protest. They are demanding that refugees be allowed to return to homes that are now in Israel.

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Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas urged the UN Security Council to help provide "protection for our Palestinian people".

"I... place full responsibility on the Israeli authorities for the loss of the martyrs who were killed today," he said.

What happened at the border?
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said there were about 17,000 Palestinians in five locations near the border fence. It said it had "enforced a closed military zone" in the area surrounding Gaza.

Although most protesters stayed in the encampments, some groups of youths ignored organisers' calls to stay away from the fence and headed closer to Israeli positions.

Image copyrightAFP
Image caption
Israeli soldiers maintained a close watch on the border protests
The IDF said troops were "firing towards the main instigators" to break up rioting that included petrol bombs and stones being thrown at the fence.

A spokesman said all those who were killed had been trying to breach or damage the border fence, the Jerusalem Post reports.

Israel said it had targeted sites of the Hamas militant group.

Israel deployed tanks and snipers. Witnesses said a drone had been used in at least one location to drop tear gas.

Will the protests lead to a military escalation?
By Rushdi Abu Alouf, BBC News, Gaza

The death toll from Friday's rally is the largest since the last Israeli war on Gaza in the summer of 2014. Since then Gaza has seen a long period of calm but difficult economic conditions and the Israeli blockade may be the final chapter in the four-year truce between Hamas and Israel.

Despite the call for peaceful demonstrations, the confrontations involving angry Palestinian youths were not surprising. Young men have been demonstrating near the border with Israel on numerous occasions, but this time Israel's response was exaggerated.

Tomorrow, the Palestinians will bury their dead and head back to the border with Israel to throw stones at the soldiers. The important question that remains is to what extent will peaceful demonstrations succeed in stopping an impending war, or will the protests lead to military escalation?

Hamas, the militant group that has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007, does not recognise Israel's right to exist but last year said it was ready to accept an interim Palestinian state limited to Gaza and the West Bank.

source:www.bbc.com

Anfa sets date for fresh Bhaktapur FA elections

The All Nepal Football Association (Anfa) on Wednesday set April 10 deadline for election of Bhaktapur District Football Association (FA), one of the two districts that forced the football governing body to call off its March 28 general assembly for indefinitely period.
“We have directed Bhaktapur FA to conduct their elections by April 10 as per the elections directives which require at least 12-day prior notice,” said Anfa president Narendra Shrestha. The controversy surrounding Bhaktapur and Makawanpur FAs have forced Anfa to call of their elections after they filed writ petition at the Patan High Court against Anfa.
The two FAs have claimed that they were deprived of their rights to participate in the Anfa elections. The High Court had issued interim stay order on March 22 and summoned Anfa for discussion within two weeks. Anfa have already set April 7 deadline for Makawanpur FA to conduct their elections.   
Three clubs of Bhaktapur had jointly field writ petition at the Bhaktapur court seeking their rights to election. The court had issued interim order to stay the elections. Later Bhaktapur FA also filed similar writ petition against Anfa at the Patan High Court which ultimately led Anfa to call off its elections on Sunday.
But on disgruntled clubs withdrew the court case on Tuesday and submitted the documents to Anfa paving the way for football governing body to hold the district elections. “Once those districts send the representatives for central elections we will immediately go to the High Court to vacate the case,” said Anfa president Shrestha.
Shrestha also said that the election process of central executive committee, which has been now postponed fourth time in three months, is likely at the end of April. “The election committee has asked for 15 days to hold the election once the court’s issue is solved,” added Shrestha.
Karma Tsering Sherpa, one of the two presidential candidates, said it was a positive sign that Anfa finally set the date for Bhaktapur FA elections. “It is essential to hold elections of in those districts in fair manner at the earliest so as to escape from possible suspension from Asian Football Confederation and Fifa,” Sherpa said. “It seems that Anfa is still trying to delay the election process,” said Sherpa.
Mani Kunwar, backed by president Shrestha and the disgraced former president Ganesh Thapa, leads the other faction. The Anfa general assembly have 77 votes—one each from 45 district FAs and one each from 14 ‘A’ division clubs. The ‘B’ Division clubs have nine and ‘C’ division five votes while four committees—players, coaches, referee and women commission—have one voting rights each.

Published: 29-03-2018 10:20


source:www.kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

Kwiks Basketball League playoffs: Army, GGIC clash for title

Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) and Golden Gate International College (GGIC) set a mouth watering title clash of the Kwiks Basketball League brushing aside their opponents in the playoffs on Wednesday.
In the first playoff at the Army club headquarters in Bhadrakali, TAC hammered Himalayan Hounds 104-79 with Ashish Basnet dropping in 22 points and six rebounds. At the GGIC basketball court, the hosts overwhelmed Bishal Milan Kendra (BMK) 113-79 to post the biggest team total till date.  The final and the third placed playoff are scheduled for Saturday at the National Sports Council covered hall.
GGIC’s crushing victory was the impressive of all after the team studded with current and former national team stars came into the match having beaten by BMK in both the matches of the double round robin league. But former national team skipper Bipendra Maharjan made sure his side set up a rematch with TAC as the veteran dropped in 37 points, nine assists and four rebounds.
BMK thought that GGIC’s nine-point (29-20) lead in the first quarter was well within their reach but the hosts left them with a mountain to climb after second period which they took 32-11 for a whooping lead of 30 points. A closely contested third quarter saw both teams converting their frequent three-point attempts. However, GGIC retained the 30-point lead after the third quarter was tied at 29-29.
The hosts also led the final quarter 23-19 as BMK were denied a place in the final. Rajiv Joshi made a huge impact rolling in three 3-pointers in his 33 points, backed up with six assists, four rebounds and four steals. Anish Shahi Thakuri netted 16 points and took 18 rebounds, while Bikram Dangol had three 3-pointers in his 14.
Lanky BMK post player Bibek Shrestha returned with a double-double scoring 17 points and taking 11 rebounds. Binit Jung Rana scored 16 point and Sandeep Poudel took 13 rebounds with Bikash Gurung also getting 13 points.
In the morning match, Armymen laid the foundation with a 29-11 lead in the first quarter. Hounds gave a good fight in the second period but TAC still took it 19-17 for a 20-point lead going into the second half. Hounds had a good opening in the third quarter but after they lost one of their key players Saurav Shrestha to technical foul, the visitors lost the momentum.
TAC managed to race away in the third quarter with a 29-23 lead. A closely-contested final period saw both teams score 28 points apiece. Sadish Pradhan top scored in the game with 23 points and Rabin Khatri had 18 points. Both the players had two 3-pointers apiece. Siddhartha Maharjan also scored 13 points for the Armymen.
Mabindra Bhandari gave a double-double scoring 22 points with two 3-pointers. He also took 12 rebounds. Shrestha netted 14 points before going out for showing dissent over referee’s decision. Nischal Tandukar contributed 13 points.
The tournament, organised by Play for Deprived Children Nepal, is Nepal’s first ever national-level double round robin league home and away basketball tournament. The champions will get Rs 200,000 and the runners-up will take home Rs 100,000. The third placed team will get Rs 50,000.

Published: 29-03-2018 10:20



source:www.kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

Smart traffic lights go on trial run in city

Mar 28, 2018-The Department of Roads (DoR), in association with Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) and Metropolitan Traffic Police Division (MTPD), has installed smart traffic lights at New Baneshwor and Maharajgunj and started trials on Tuesday.

DoR Spokesperson Mukti Gautam said the trails would go on for two months. If they succeed, we shall install the same smart technology all over.

“We tried to bring the international technology. We tried to reinstall traffic lights with the assistance of Asian Development Bank but it was very expensive, so we selected Nepali bidders,” he said.

Around Rs700 million is necessary to install smart traffic lights if we opt for international bidders. “We can install all traffic lights within the valley for only Rs 70 million with Nepali technology,” said Gautam.

A remote control system will operate the intelligent traffic lights at New Baneshwor.

Sensors will control the lights at Maharajgunj. CCTV cameras will monitor the traffic flow and automatically set the time duration for lights.

“The timing of red and green lights will automatically set with the camera’s sensor based on the flow of traffic in Maharajgunj. In New Baneshwor, the timing can be set up with remote control,” said Siddi Ansari, manufacturer of the smart lights.

The DoA installed the smart traffic lights in New Baneshwor at the cost Rs1.4 million. The KMC spent Rs 2.7 million to install the lights at Maharajgunj.

With this technology, the traffic police are very optimistic about controlling the increasing traffic flow in the valley.

“Once it is successful, these traffic lights will be installed in 35 different points in the valley,” said MTPD chief and Deputy Inspector General Sarbendra Khanal, who inaugurated the traffic lights in New Baneshwor and Maharajgunj on Tuesday.  He said the new technology would help reduce traffic hassles in the valley as traffic jam at one junction directly affects another junction.

Smart traffic lights will reduce the work of traffic police officers who have to stand for hours and suffer the increasing pollution in the valley. At present 1,400 traffic police officers supervise traffic throughout Kathmandu, according to MTPD.

Other places that are notorious for traffic jam and lack traffic lights are Thapathali, Durbarmarg, Tinkune, Putalisadak, Singh Durbar, Tripureshwor, Thapathali, Kalimati, Chabahil, Gaushala, Kalanki and Koteshwor.


source:www.kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

Israel to recruit more Nepali caregivers

The government of Israel has shown positive intent towards receiving more Nepali migrant workers as caregivers from this year.
Officials from Israel Embassy in Kathmandu hinted the Middle Eastern country might accept 500 new caregivers from Nepal in 2018 during a meeting with officials from the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE).
DoFE Spokesperson Mohan Adhikari said the meeting with Israel Embassy was fruitful.
“Israeli officials said they would release a demand for 500 Nepali workers for the year 2018. This means more Nepalis would clinch jobs in Israel which is one of the most sought after foreign employment destinations among Nepalis,” said Adhikari.
Israeli officials have put forth some conditions before allocating the proposed number of jobs for Nepalis in the Jewish state.
They told Nepali officials to upgrade caregivers’ training and curriculum. This is mandatory for prospective job seekers in Israel. They also sought revision of the existing service charges workers pay before securing employment in Israel.
“They suggested upgrading the curriculum of the training provided by centres that we shall oversee. We cannot assure Israeli officials about revising service charges since the government deals with such matters,” said Adhikari.
If allocated as per the first round of discussion, the Israeli government would receive the largest number of Nepali workers in the last nine years.
Israel stopped hiring Nepali caregivers through recruitment agencies in April 2009. They cited huge irregularities in the recruitment system and exploitation of migrant workers by recruiting agencies.
Hiring of Nepali caregivers resumed after both countries adopted the Government-to-Government (G2G) recruitment system in August 2009.
As per the agreement, Nepali caregivers would not pay more than Rs65,000 for a job in Israel. During the pilot-phase of the system, Israel would receive 300 Nepali caregivers.
According to Adhikari, prospective migrant workers will not have to pay for any other service except the mandatory medical examination, employment application fee, police report, insurance, welfare fund and operating cost.

source:www.kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

Police intervene in ‘save heritage’ rally

At least eight people were injured in the Capital on Wednesday when security personnel intervened in a rally that was taken out by the residents from different parts of Kathmandu Valley to protest what they call an illegal takeover of private properties and heritage areas by the state in the name of infrastructure development projects.
Hundreds of people, including the residents of Khokana, had gathered at the Maitighar Mandala to protest against the proposed Kathmandu-Tarai Expressway, Outer Ring Road Development Project, Bagmati Corridor, satellite city, high-tension power line project and the ongoing road expansion in different parts of the Kathmandu Valley. After the gathering concluded at Maitighar Mandala, the crowd marched towards New Baneshwor.
It was then when security personnel intervened to stop the rally from advancing towards the prohibited zone. Batons were swung, tear gas shells were discharged,  water canons were fired and arrests were made. Thirteen protesters were apprehended from the melee.
The protesters later accused the state of suppressing their peaceful rally by use of excessive force.
The rally had brought together several campaigning groups from different parts of the Valley unhappy with the government’s development projects that could potentially displace many Newar families from their native land and in the process wipe out their centuries-long heritage.
Heritage conservationists, political activists, culture experts, trade union representatives, among others, had joined the rally to express their solidarity with the cause.
Addressing the gathering at Maitighar Mandala earlier in the day, Nepali Congress leader Tirtha Man Dongol said: “These development projects are part of a big conspiracy against the Newar community and their cultural heritages. The state is trying to displace the communities that have been already living there for centuries.”
Foreign affairs expert Hiranya Lal Shrestha said, “If development means destroying culture and heritage, then we are happy with gravel roads. Foreign tourists come here to see these traditions and monuments, not for the concrete buildings and shiny roads.” Locals of Khokana have long been protesting against these development projects. They say they were neither taken on board nor were paid enough compensation when the state acquired their land. Their biggest concern is the projects that could threaten many religious sites and heritages that are part of their identity.
The protesters accused the government of spreading “Bulldozer Terror” on indigenous communities and their heritage sites.

source:www.kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

Writ at SC challenges legality of oath taken by President Bhandari

The Supreme Court registered a writ petititon on Wednesday, challenging the legality of the oath taken by President Bidhya Devi Bhandari from former chief justice Gopal Prasad Parajuli.
Advocates Hem Mani Subedi and Narayan Kharel registered the writ at the apex court. The hearing on the writ will begin on Thursday. Noting constitutional provision requiring the President to take the oath of office and secrecy from an officiating chief justice, the writ argues that it is unconstitutional for President Bhandari to take oath from CJ Parajuli whose tenure had expired on August 5 last year according to the letter issued by the Judicial Council.
Former CJ Parajuli had administered the oath of office and secrecy to President Bhandari at Sheetal Niwas on March 14.
“The administering of oath by a person having no right has let the people down and seriously violated the principle of rule of law. The March 14 swearing-in of President Bhandari is against the constitution,” the writ states, demanding an interim order prohibiting the President from taking part in any activities without taking oath from an officiating Chief Justice.
The writ has named President Bhandari; President’s Office Sheetal Niwas; Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli; PM and Cabinet Office; Speaker of the House of Representatives Krishna Bahadur Mahara; chairman of the National Assembly; retired CJ Parajuli; leader of the opposition party; and Constitutional Council Secretariat as defendants.
The writ also demands that the court nullify the oath taken by Bhandari from Parajuli and issue a mandamus order in the name of PM, House Speaker, National Assembly Chairman and Constitutional Council Office, while directing the government to appoint a new CJ soon.

source:www.kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

‘Economy top agenda’ during Oli’s India visit

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s visit to India will focus on economic agenda, according to his close aide. PM Oli is slated to embark on a three-day visit to India on April 6—his first since taking office on February 16.
“The talks will mainly focus on development projects. The government has already started finalising the agenda for the visit,” said Rajan Bhattarai, CPN-UML leader and a member of the Eminent Persons Group on Nepal-India relations.
“The bilateral talks will focus on the ongoing Indian-funded projects in Nepal,” Bhattarai said, talking to the media at the Reporters’ Club Nepal in the Capital on Wednesday. According to him, the talks will centre around infrastructure development, electricity, water resources and agriculture.
“We have already informed this to India,” he said.
Integrated check posts at Birgunj and Biratnagar, railway links from Jogbani to Biratnagar, Tarai road project, guesthouse for pilgrims at Pashupatinath Temple complex, and Hetauda Polytechnic are some of the ongoing Indian-funded projects in Nepal.

source:www.kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

Government trims public holidays by 22 days

The government has reduced the number of public holidays by 22 days. A Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Wednesday took the decision on the recommendation of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA).
State Minister for Communications and Information Technology Gokul Baskota said there would be 89 public holidays next year, down from 104. Of the total, 67 public holidays will be applicable for all the civil servants while 22 will be given to the ones representing specific religion or culture. The increase in working days of civil servants will help in realising the government’s vision of achieving higher economic growth rate, Baskota told the media. Nepal is among the countries having a high number of public holidays. According to Administrative expert Kashi Raj Dahal, the government decision conforms to Administrative Reform Advice 2070 (BS) that suggested cutting the number of public holidays.
According to sources, MoHA had proposed removing Republic Day, Democracy Day, Civil Service Day, National Unity Day, Martyrs Day and Democracy Day holidays. Recommendations also included removing religious holidays like Ghatasthapana, Kojagrat Purnima, Ram Nawami, Krishna Janmastami and partial holidays on the occasion of Janai Purnima and Rishi Panchami. The government has not announced the occasions removed from the list of public holidays. 

“The reduction in public holidays is commendable. This will increase efficiency of bureaucracy as well as benefit the public,” Dahal said. Dahal headed the committee that prepared the Administrative Reform Advice 2070. He said the number of religious holidays is more than required.
Most developed economies in the world have two-day weekend. This concept of two-day weekend is not practical for a country like Nepal, he said.
“The concept of two-day weekend was implemented in Kathmandu valley. It was revoked later as it was not practical for a country like Nepal,” Dahal said, adding that the countries offering two-day weekend holiday generally have longer working hours in comparison to Nepal where the government offices function from 10 am to 5 pm.

source:www.kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

Prez Bhandari set to make first address to Federal Parliament today

Mar 29, 2018-President Bidya Devi Bhandari is set to make her first address to a joint meeting of the Federal Parliament on Thursday.

As scheduled, President Bhandari will address the joint meeting of the parliament, which was constituted following the elections to the House of Representatives and National Assembly, at 4.00 pm this afternoon.

According to Parliament Secretariat Spokesperson Bharat Raj Gautam, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, House of Representatives Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara and National Assembly Chairperson Ganesh Timalsina, among others, will receive President at the conference hall.


Published: 29-03-2018 13:48



source:www.kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

GGIC, BMK, Hounds through to playoffs

Mar 25, 2018-Golden Gate International College (GGIC) knocked out Kirtipur Basketball Team with an 81-65 victory as all remaining three teams for Kwiks Basketball League playoffs were confirmed on Saturday.

GGIC, Bishal Milank Kendra (BMK) and Himalayan Hounds will now join leaders Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) in the playoffs. In the playoffs, TAC, 36 points from 12 consecutive victories, will meet the fourth-placed team with the second and third positioned meeting each other in the other match for a place in the final.

GIC have 27 points from 13 matches and they are in pole position to finish second provided they beat TAC in their last game. Hounds have 24 points and they will need a huge-margin victory over Kirtipur in their last league game to avoid a meeting with TAC. BMK, also on 27 points, are currently second on head-to-head results with GGIC.

Kirtipur needed big margin victories in their remaining three matches to stay alive in the tournament but a collective show from GGIC sunk them. Bikram Dangol posted 19 points for GGIC at his home court, while Binod Shrestha scored 16 and Rajiv Joshi had 13 poins and eight rebounds. Anish Shahi Thakuri also took 10 rebounds for GGIC.

GGIC began the day with a slim two-point (18-16) lead in the first quarter and stretched it to 16 points adding another 24 to that of 10 from Kirtipur. The visitors only managed to reduced the deficit to 15 points with a 14-13 lead in the third quarter. They gave the best performance of the day in the final period but GGIC managed to control it 26-25.

Anil Khadgi Shahi dropped in six 3-pointers in his 21 points and took eight rebounds for Kirtipur. Abhishek Singh netted 19 and Sumanga Bogati had 11 points and seven rebounds. Diveshwar Sah took 10 rebounds for the losing side who are also left to play South Siders Basketball Club.

In the second match of the day in Bishalnagar, Bikash Gurung gave second best individual performance of the tournament scoring 36 points as BMK eased to an 84-77 victory over bottom side Xavier International College. Bibek Shrestha also netted 21 points for the home team.

The closely-contested first quarter was locked on 24-24 but BMK built a seven-point lead taking the second period 23-16. Xavier remained in the game leading the third quarter 17-16 as the two teams headed into the decider with BMK leading by six points. BMK, however, made sure they don’t drop a point taking the final quarter 21-20.

Apart from the Hounds-Kirtipur clash at Shankar Dev Campus, Sunday will also see TAC welcoming South Siders with eyes firmly set on their 13th consecutive victory. South Siders are sixth with 12 points from 12 matches.

Team Budanilkantha Municipality (9 pts) and Xavier (6 pts) are seventh and eight respectively in what is Nepal’s first ever home and away double round robin league basketball event.

source:www.kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

Police set up patrols to catch speed demons on Ring Road

Mar 25, 2018-Metropolitan police have increased surveillance patrols on Ring Road following reports of hit and run and motorists exceeding speed limits.

Police have started patrolling the Koteshwor-Kalanki sector after reports of frequent accidents, noting details of vehicles and drivers in a bid to identify culprits easily in case of an incident.

Drivers of vehicles, plying the nearly 10-km stretch, have to register vehicle number, their name, time and contact number at Balkumari, Satdobato and Balkhu. Submitting details is mandatory for all the vehicles passing between 10pm and 5am.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Binod Silwal of the Metropolitan Police Range, Satdobato, police started monitoring vehicles and drivers as they found it difficult to trace those who hit and run.

Speaking to the Post, DSP Silwal said, “Some hit-and-run cases have been reported in recent months. There are no CCTV cameras installed on the stretch. We cannot track speeding vehicles and drivers as they flee immediately.

“We succeeded in identifying one driver in a hit-and-run case after two weeks. Increased monitoring will ensure that drivers drive carefully. Now we can produce evidence of vehicles involved in accidents as the time of them passing the road is recorded for verification.”

Two persons died in as many accidents at night along the Koteshwor-Kalanki stretch last month while six fatalities were recorded farther on the outskirts. Accidents have not been reported after we started keeping records of vehicles and drivers, said DSP Silwal.

There has been a public outcry for overlooking measures to keep road users safe. The main expressway has four lanes where vehicles can run at a speed of 50km per hour. However, the design does not have a separating median dividing the expressway. This would lead to fatal accidents, experts warn. Watchers have raised concerns over the negligible number  of overhead bridges and crossing points and the absence of road dividers, traffic lights and zebra crossings, whose presence improves pedestrian safety.

“There have been concerns about the engineering design that, perhaps, leads to accidents,” DSP Silwal said. “One pillion rider died when his motorbike fell into the space that divides the expressway and the service lane. Records show speeding drivers reach Koteshwor from Satdobato in five to seven minutes.”

source:www.kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

11 tonne waste removed from rivers, Ring Road

Mar 25, 2018-As much as 11 tonnes of garbage was removed from the rivers and Ring Road in the Capital on Saturday as part of the weekly cleanup campaigns.

The Bagmati Cleanup Campaign, which entered its 254th week, saw volunteers collect three tonnes of waste from the river near Guheshwori temple in the Pashupati area. Personnel from security agencies, representatives of the High-Powered Bagmati Civilization Integrated Development Committee and different social organisations took part in the clean-up drive.

Despite the festival of Ram Nawami, a huge number of locals and campaigners joined in the drive on Saturday.

One tonne of garbage was managed from the Bagmati river upstream the Guheshwori temple, said Chairman of Pudasaini Friendship Society Uttam Pudasaini.

Similarly, Rudramati cleanup campaign entered its 209th week, with volunteers collecting three tonnes of garbage and organising awareness event on the premises of Ram Mandir in Kathmandu Metropolis-32. Former Additional Inspector General of Nepal Police Bigyan Raj Sharma was among campaigners who joined the event.

Similarly, Bishnumati River Cleanup Campaign entered its 180th week and the Ring Road cleanup campaign 50th week.

Also on Saturday, one tonne of garbage was managed after the cleanup campaign at Aloknagar in Minbhawan area that entered the 50th week. Meanwhile, three tonnes of garbage was collected from the cleanup activities in Balaju area under the Ring Road cleanup campaign, coordinator of the Ring Road Cleanup Campaign Tara Bahadur Kunwar said.


source:www.kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

Lung disease rate declines in Tarai elephants

Mar 25, 2018-The incidence of tuberculosis (TB) among domesticated elephants in Tarai region has slowly declined, a senior veterinarian has said.

Speaking to the Post, Chitwan National Park (CNP) Senior Veterinary Dr Kamal Gaire said, “The rate of TB infection among elephants has come under control compared to previous years. Complete eradication of TB is not possible in a short span of time, but we have made significant progress so far in the last few years.”

Saturday marked the World Tuberculosis Day.

TB was once a major health hazard for elephants domesticated by private owners and government departments.

The incidence of this lung disease has dropped significantly in elephants from CNP and Parsa National Park (PNP). Tuskers owned by entrepreneurs for tourism and recreational business show a similar decline, he said. Domesticated elephants pick up TB bacterium from humans because of close contact. TB in elephants is a zoonotic disease caused primarily by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the same bacterium responsible for pulmonary diseases in humans.

Results of a 2012 test showed 23 per cent of 200 elephants examined belonging to national parks and private businesses had TB.

“We started treatment after confirming the elephants had TB infection. Some died while others recovered well,” said Gaire. According to the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) statistics, 15 elephants died because of TB up to 2014.

Last week, another TB-infected elephant died at the PNP. While examining the sick elephant, the veterinary doctor found lesions in its lungs, confirming the cause of death was TB.

More than a decade ago in 2007, veterinarians treated 61 elephants diagnosed with TB.

Tests done in 2016 showed nine from 93 elephants examined suffered from TB, indicating a drop in the infection rate. According to Gaire, growing age, excessive work and less amount of food make elephants vulnerable to TB bacteria attack.

“Most of the elephants we have these days are young, which makes them less prone to TB infection. A preliminary analysis of one of our recent studies shows there is no rise in the incidence of TB in elephants,” said Gaire.

Wildlife experts say early diagnosis helps in controlling TB in infected animals.

Early identification and treatment of infected captive elephants also helps in eliminating the probability of passing TB to other wild elephants and their caretakers. Recently, officials found a CNP rhino infected with TB.

“Early treatment cures infected elephants,” said Gaire. “We isolate infected elephants from humans and healthy elephants so that the disease does not transmit to others. Treating one TB-infected elephant costs around Rs. 500,000.”


source:www.kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

EU’s report undermined Nepal: PM Oli

Mar 25, 2018-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the recommendations and conclusions of the report of the European Union’s Election Observation Mission (EUEOM) on the recently concluded elections of the House of Representatives and Provincial Assemblies have undermined Nepal and Nepali people.

He said so during a programme organised to present the National Election Observation Committee's Final Report of the Observation Mission in the Capital on Sunday.

“I thought the EU will revise the contents of the report, but it defended its recommendations for the Election Commission,” he said, adding, “I, as a Prime Minister of a sovereign country, say that the report must be revised.”

Saying that no one should question the election participated by 80 percent of the citizens of a nation whose 15 percent citizens are abroad, PM Oli asked, “Are the 80 percent cast their votes without any knowledge?”

Likewise, PM Oli said that no one should undermine the achievements of Nepali people in the name of observation or any other things.

ALSO READ: EU mission urges EC to maintain transparency

“The EU is seeking vengeance through this report as we have deported many who came to Nepal in the name of observation when they actually were converting people to other religions,” said Oli.

PM Oli further praised the Election Commission (EC) for doing a decent job in the recently concluded elections; though the EC did create some unnecessary disturbance at time during the process, he said.

The EUEOM in its report had claimed that representation of the well-represented group Khas-Arya arguably contravened international standards of equality, as affirmative measures are foreseen only as a means to promote equality. It also said Christians were not considered for inclusion, despite comprising 1.4 percent of the country’s population.

source:www.kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

2010 trader couple murder: Mastermind made public

Mar 25, 2018-Police on Sunday made public the alleged mastermind and shooter of 2010 murder of a trader couple in Butwal.

The accused has been identified as Arjun Gautam, of Sainamaina Dudhrachhya, Rupandehi. He had been hiding in India following the incident.

Rupandehi police arrested Gautam from Belhiya border point while he was returning Nepal from India.

The owner of Jesis Chowk-based Bishnu Bhandari Stores in Butwal Bishnu Bhandari, 24, and his wife Asha Bhandari, 28, were shot dead in broad daylight on June 23, 2010.

After the incident, Gautam decamped with Rs 518,000 from the grocery. Gautam’s elder brother Krishna Gautam, who had assisted Arjun in the crime, is still on the run, District Police Office, Rupandehi, Chief Shyam Gyawali said.

A few months after the incident, police had arrested six persons out of eight involved in the murder. Three of them have been sent behind bars with confiscation of property, while three have been released.

Following the incident, traders in Buwal had resorted to protest for a long time demanding peace and security.


Published: 25-03-2018 18:48


source:www.kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

Narayangadh-Muglin road project will complete by May 30: Minister Mahaseth

Mar 25, 2018-Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Raghubir Mahaseth, has said the ongoing Narayangadh-Muglin road widening project would be completed before monsoon.

Talking to media persons after inspecting the project in Chitwan on Sunday, Minister Mahaseth said the project would be handed over to the government by completing it within May 30.

"I don’t want to go through the past, but be assured if contractors failed to accomplish the target by that time, they have to face music," he stressed.

According to him, 18 bridges would be constructed along the road while contracts for 4 bridges have been already done.

On a different note, he took time to share the government dream of operating railway service from China to Lumbini via Kathmandu and Pokhara. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's announcement to operate railway services in the country was not just a fantasy, but it was achievable, he argued.

It may be noted that first deadline for completing Narayangadh-Muglin road project was two years from April, 2015 to date, the deadline has been extended for the fourth time and contractors must to complete it by May 30, 2018 to meet the last deadline. So far, the project records an 82 percent progress.


Published: 25-03-2018 19:46


source:www.kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

We learn nothing about nutrition, claim medical students

Medical students say they currently learn almost nothing about the way diet and lifestyle affect health - and they should be taught more.

They say what they are taught is not practical or relevant to most of the medical problems they see in GP surgeries, clinics and hospitals.

A leading GP estimated that up to 80% of his patients had conditions linked to lifestyle and diet.

These included obesity, type 2 diabetes and depression.

Why does this lack of training matter?

This year the NHS will spend more than £11bn on diabetes alone - social care costs, time off work etc, will almost double that bill.

Type 2 diabetes - the most common kind - is linked to obesity. And right now Britain is the fat man of Europe.

Training too traditional
But doctors are not being trained to deal with what medics call non-communicable diseases - and it's those kind of illnesses that are threatening to bankrupt our health system, so a new kind of training is crucial.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4's The Food Programme, Dr Rangan Chatterjee, GP and presenter of BBC One's Doctor in the House, told me: "The health landscape of the UK has dramatically changed over the last 30 or 40 years and I think the bulk of what I see as a GP now - almost 80% - is in some way driven by our collective lifestyles."

Dr Michael Mosley, presenter of BBC One's Trust Me I'm A Doctor, said, "Unfortunately it's not part of the traditional training. At medical school I learnt almost nothing about nutrition. And I have a son at medical school and it's again not part of his key curriculum.

"So I don't get the sense that there are lots of doctors out there who feel empowered to tell patients much about nutrition."

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A hotbed of the new revolution is Bristol University where, in 2017, third year medical students Ally Jaffee and Iain Broadley founded Nutritank.

It's an online organisation created for and by medical students to share nutrition science research and organises events and lectures on campus. This summer, it will welcome GP, author and podcast host Dr Rupy Aujla to Bristol to lead the first UK course in culinary medicine for medical students.

From one society in Bristol, Nutritank has now spread to 15 other student-led groups at universities across the country.

'It's time'
Ally Jaffee said: "There's just about a society at medical school in everything from sexual health to orthopaedics to dermatology. But there just wasn't a nutrition and lifestyle or a preventative medicine society.

"We're taught about 10 to 24 hours over five to six years in medical school on nutrition."

This month, the British Medical Journal announced it will launch a journal on the science and politics of nutrition in June 2018.

Dr Fiona Godlee, editor-in-chief of the BMJ, told me, "It's time we recognised that food and nutrition are core to health. There is a growing body of research out there that needs to be published - and we want to contribute to that effort."

source:www.bbc.com

Car bomb targets spectators at Afghanistan wrestling match

A suspected suicide bomber has killed at least 13 people and injured dozens more in a car bomb attack on a sports stadium in the Afghan province of Helmand.

The blast happened at a wrestling match at the Ghazi Muhammad Ayub Khan stadium in the region's capital Lashkar Gah.

The car was reportedly driven into a crowd outside the stadium.

A police spokesman told AFP that the blast happened by the venue's entrance gate after the match had ended.

Photographs from the scene showed badly damaged cars and thick plumes of smoke rising.

Image copyrightAZIZ AHMAD SHAFEE
Image caption
Officials say the explosion happened as spectators were leaving the stadium
"The bomber wanted to go inside the stadium but he was identified by the police and he detonated himself," Omar Zwak, spokesman for the Helmand provincial governor, told AFP.

Conflicting reports in local media suggest the death toll may be higher than so far confirmed.

The Italian NGO Emergency, which provides medical treatment, said on Twitter it had received at least four of those killed.

source:www.bbc.com

Ball-tampering: Australia launch investigation, Steve Smith remains captain for now

Cricket Australia chief executive officer James Sutherland says he is "shocked and extremely disappointed" and has begun an investigation into the ball-tampering scandal involving the Australia team on tour in South Africa.

Cameron Bancroft admitted he tampered with the ball on Saturday in Cape Town, and captain Steve Smith said he knew of the plan in advance.

Two senior CA officials will travel to South Africa to "gather relevant information", but Smith will remain as captain for now.

"Steve Smith is currently captain, we are working through a process. Once we have a clearer picture of the facts we will be able to make further comment," Sutherland said on the skipper's position.

Former Australia batsman Simon Katich told Melbourne-based radio station SEN News that CA had "no option" but to sack Smith, vice-captain David Warner and head coach Darren Lehmann, while ex-fast bowler Rodney Hogg also called for Smith to step down, for what he called "blatant cheating".

Television footage showed Bancroft, who has been charged for the incident by the International Cricket Council, take what he said was yellow tape out of his trouser pocket before rubbing the ball during the third Test at Newlands.

How Bancroft admitted to ball-tampering - and Smith knew in advance
South Africa v Australia - third Test scorecard
Smith said the team's "leadership group" had spoken about it and "thought it was a way to get an advantage" but said he would not step down.

CA's head of integrity Iain Roy and head of team performance Pat Howard will now travel to South Africa.

"We have a responsibility to take this further and to understand more about the issue," Sutherland said. "We will, over the next couple of days, get a deep understanding of what happened and why.

"We are extremely disappointed and shocked and we are dealing with this issue with utmost urgency and seriousness.

"This is a very sad day for Australian cricket and I feel like Australian cricket fans feel right now."

source:www.bbc.com

Eurovision: First winner Lys Assia dies aged 94

The first person to win the Eurovision Song Contest, Lys Assia, has died at the age of 94, competition organisers have announced.

She took the prize for Switzerland in 1956, with the song Refrain, and went on to perform in two more contests.

Lys Assia died on Saturday at the Zollikerberg Hospital in Zurich.

Eurovision described her as the "first lady" of the competition, and said it planned further tributes to her in the coming days.

Assia's triumph in the first-ever Eurovision came in Lugano, Switzerland. She finished eighth in the 1957 contest but achieved more success a year later, coming second with her song, Giorgio.

source:www.bbc.com

Singh, Sitaula seek early convention l

Mar 24, 2018-Raising serious questions over Sher Bahadur Deuba’s leadership as the party president, Nepali Congress senior leaders Krishna Prasad Sitaula and Prakash Man Singh have demanded a general convention at the earliest to decide on leadership change.

Speaking at the Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting that began in the Capital on Friday, both the leaders said the party convention should be held as soon as possible by amending the party statute through a Mahasamiti meeting. The duo also urged Deuba either to amend his working style or step down as the party chief. Deuba was elected the party president in March 2016 and has two years of his tenure remaining.

Both the leaders heavily criticised several decisions taken by Deuba as party president and as prime minister, stating that he had complete monopoly over decision-making and that his decisions were “unpopular and controversial”.

Both Singh and Sitaula, who represent two rival factions of the party, blamed then-PM Deuba’s “weak leadership” for the party’s humiliating defeat in the federal and provincial elections held in November-December last year. Singh not only asked Deuba to resign after the poll debacle but also stood against him in the Parliamentary Party election.

Presenting a written document at the meeting, Singh attributed a weak organisation, ideological and policy ambiguities and inefficient leadership as the major reasons behind the NC’s worst electoral showing ever. He also demanded a meeting of the Mahasamiti to take decisions on the party ideology, policies and programmes and organisational issues.

With Deuba preparing to appoint office bearers, Singh argued that there was no need for such appointments any more. “The appointments and formation of party departments should have taken place within two months of the general convention,” he said. In his political document, Singh said Deuba committed mistakes on the foreign policy front too.

Deuba’s participation as the NC president in a programme organised by India Foundation, a think tank close to India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, in Goa in 2016 where Deuba reportedly shared the stage with Lobsang Sangay, chief of the Dalai Lama’s government in exile, was detrimental to cordial relations with Nepal’s neighbours, according to Singh.

Senior leader Sitaula also pressed for the general convention to take decisions on leadership change while criticising both Deuba and senior leader Ram Chandra Poudel for failing to lead the party effectively.

Arbitrary distribution of election tickets and the lack of financial transparency were other reasons behind the party’s defeat, according to Sitaula. Hinting at Deuba, Sitaula said, “You could capture the party but communist forces are capturing state power.”

CWC member Narayan Khadka said factional politics must end for the party to get a fresh impetus. “Factional politics must end today if we want to rebuild the party,” he remarked.

The CWC, called four months after the elections, is expected to set the date for Mahasamiti meeting having reviewed the election results.


source:www.athmandupost.ekantipur.com

China cracks down on video parodies

China's media regulator has announced a crackdown on video parodies.

It says video websites are banned from featuring videos that "distort or spoof" classical literature or art, and videos that re-cut or re-voice radio, TV and online programmes.

Chinese bloggers regularly produce spoof videos, including some that mock state media and current events.

China's internet is tightly controlled - although social media users often try to circumvent the censors.

In a new directive, the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television said that video platforms should not allow the dissemination of videos that "had been edited to distort the original meaning".

"Recently some online productions have had very prominent problems and had an immensely bad impact on society," the regulator added.

China's Congress: Eye rolls and tame questions
How Chinese authorities censor your thoughts
How China will change after the NPC
Last week, a journalist was seen on TV rolling her eyes as another reporter asked a question, which appeared to have been pre-screened, at a news conference at China's National People's Congress.

A video of the incident went viral, and sparked several parody videos online, before posts on social media platforms using her name started to be censored.

source:www.bbc.com

Car bomb targets spectators at Afghanistan wrestling match

A suspected suicide bomber has killed at least 13 people and injured dozens more in a car bomb attack on a sports stadium in the Afghan province of Helmand.

The blast happened at a wrestling match at the Ghazi Muhammad Ayub Khan stadium in the region's capital Lashkar Gah.

The car was reportedly driven into a crowd outside the stadium.

A police spokesman told AFP that the blast happened by the venue's entrance gate after the match had ended.

Photographs from the scene showed badly damaged cars and thick plumes of smoke rising.

Image copyrightAZIZ AHMAD SHAFEE
Image caption
Officials say the explosion happened as spectators were leaving the stadium
"The bomber wanted to go inside the stadium but he was identified by the police and he detonated himself," Omar Zwak, spokesman for the Helmand provincial governor, told AFP.

Conflicting reports in local media suggest the death toll may be higher than so far confirmed.

The Italian NGO Emergency, which provides medical treatment, said on Twitter it had received at least four of those killed.

source:www.bbc.com

Florida school shooting: Pennsylvania students get stones

A Pennsylvania superintendent has described his unique measure to protect students from potential school shooters - arming them with buckets of stones.

Blue Mountain School District Superintendent David Helsel told state lawmakers earlier this month that some classrooms had been given river stones to throw at attackers.

He said the stone defence was intended as a last resort if evacuations failed.

The unlikely defence was revealed amid a national discussion on gun violence.

The national gun debate was re-ignited after 17 people died in a school shooting in Parkland, Florida, last month.

source:www.bbc.com

Spain Catalonia: Five separatist leaders detained

The Spanish Supreme Court in Madrid has detained five Catalan separatist leaders, including the latest candidate for regional president. They will be held without bail pending their trials.

The leaders are charged with rebellion, along with eight others, over their involvement in a push for independence.

A judge said the five were serious flight risks.

Following the ruling, protesters clashed with police in the centre of Barcelona late on Friday.

The latest detentions throw into doubt a planned second vote in the Catalan parliament on Saturday on whether to install Jordi Turull, now in prison, as regional president.

source:www.bbc.com

DR Congo to shun its own donor conference in Geneva

The Democratic Republic of Congo says it will not attend a donor conference in Geneva next month, complaining the country is being given "a bad image".

The meeting aims to raise nearly $1.7bn (£1.2bn) for what the UN has described as a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.

Acting Prime Minister Jose Makila acknowledged that the country was facing an emergency but said the UN's reaction was discouraging investors.

The UN says more than 13 million Congolese need humanitarian aid.

Nearly 4.5 million people are currently displaced in the country, having fled violence, it says.

DR Congo is rich in mineral and other resources but is affected by armed conflicts, corruption and a political crisis.

DR Congo: Too rich for its own good
A land littered with tears and mass graves
More on DR Congo
In response, the UN has declared that the humanitarian crisis facing the country is Level 3 - the body's highest-level emergency. It organised a high-level humanitarian conference for the DR Congo in Geneva on 13 April.

But Mr Makila accused the UN of overreacting and said that aid organisations were propagating a "bad image of DR Congo throughout the world".

"The Democratic Republic of Congo declines to participate in the Geneva conference," he said.

"While recognising that the country is facing an emergency situation... the activation of the top-level humanitarian emergency acts as a brake [for development]."

President Joseph Kabila has been in power in DR Congo since 2001. His second and final term officially ended in December 2016

source:www.bbc.com

SC bench seeks report for not registering complaint against Parajuli

Mar 22, 2018-The Supreme Court (SC) has directed the court administration to present a report for not registering a complaint against outgoing Chief Justice Gopal Prasad Parajuli.

A single bench of Justice Hari Krishna Karki on Thursday directed the court administration to table a report with the reason for refusing to register a complaint of Manoj Adhikari against former Chief Justice (CJ) Parajuli.

The court administration had refused to register the complaint of Adhikari citing lack of evidences.

Adhikari has been trying to file a contempt of court against Parajuli saying that former CJ Parajuli’s act of issuing a death threat to senior advocate Surendra Bhandari over phone was contempt of court.

Earlier on January 31, senior advocate Bhandari had lodged a report at District Administration Office Kathmandu demanding security saying that he received death threat from CJ Parajuli.

In his report, Bhandari, who defended Dr Govinda KC in a contempt of court case against him, stated Parajuli issued threat to him first on January 10 after hearing on the contempt of court case concluded. He claimed Parajuli again threatened him following a write-up by Bhandari in a national newspaper about Parajuli.




Published: 22-03-2018 16:11

940 students absent in SEE in Province 7

Mar 22, 2018-The Regional Education Directorate has said that 940 students did not attend the Secondary Education Examinations (SEE) in Province 7 on Thursday. The secondary level exam began across the country from today.

According to the Directorate, among the absentees, the number of students taking the exams under exempted category is more than the students under the regular category.

Under the regular category, 895 students did not sit their exams, Mohan Bahadur Kathayat of the Regional Education Directorate said. He further said that 1,045 students from the exempted category were absent in today’s exam.

Kathayat said that 49,637 students under the regular category and 3,111 students under the exempted category attended the first exam today.

Though 55,228 students filled up the form for the exams, 540 students failed to show up at the exam centers due to various reasons.

Of the absentees, the number of girl students was higher than the boys.

Out of 28,832 students from 1,049 schools, 1,045 students did not take the exam.

A total of 477 students were absent in Kailali district, 300 in Achham, 258 in Darchula, 242 in Kanchanpur, 172 in Bajura, 169 in Bajhang, 192 in Baitadi and 63 in Dadeldhura.

The Regional Education Directorate said the first exam was conducted peacefully in Province 7.




Published: 22-03-2018 17:00


source:www.kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

Women’s representation will soon be increased to 50 pc: PM Oli

Mar 22, 2018-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has claimed that the government will soon increase women’s representation to 50 percent in all the state organs.

Addressing the 3rd International Women Entrepreneurs Trade Fair organised by Federation of Women Entrepreneurs Association Nepal in Sanepa, Lalitpur, on Thursday, PM Oli said the female representation has reached 41 percent at the present.

“Initially, women had asked for 33 percent reservation,” said PM Oli, who is also the Chairman of CPN-UML adding, “If we look at the current scenario from local level  to federal parliament, the representation of women has reached 41 percent. We will soon make it 50 percent.”

Oli called on the women to believe in capacity and competition rather than reservation and protection. “Quota system will be useful for a short term. It will not work in the future,” PM Oli said. Saying that there will be some difficulties in developing competitive capacity until the women are financially empowered, Oli opined that it is necessary to pay attention towards that end.


Published: 22-03-2018 18:34



source:www.kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

Grant voter rights to non-resident Nepalis, SC tells govt

Mar 22, 2018-The Supreme Court has directed the government to ensure voting rights for the Nepali citizens living in foreign countries.

A division bench of Justices Sapana Malla Pradhan and Purushottam Bhandari issued the directive in the name of government to ensure voting rights to Nepalis living outside the country.

Law, Police and Regulation Forum had filed a writ at the Supreme Court stating that those Nepali’s living abroad should not be deprived of voting rights.

Saying that the voting rights of Nepali diaspora living in various parts of the world should be guaranteed, the Forum has made Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Parliament, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Election Commission defendants.

Various organisations associated with Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) have been demanding the government grant voting rights to eligible voters living abroad.


Published: 22-03-2018 20:35



source:www.kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

Provide easy justice to service seekers: Acting CJ Joshee

Mar 22, 2018-Acting Chief Justice (CJ) Deepak Raj Joshee has directed the Tulsipur High Court and Banke District court to make judicial service easily accessible and effective.

Acting CJ Joshee, who arrived here in Nepalgunj on Thursday to attend the General Convention of Nepal Bar Association (NBA), made such directive after visiting the courts for the first time after assuming the post. He also urged the courts to make internal management effective in order to make it easier for the people to get service.  He told the courts to arrange funds for internal management either from internal sources or by seeking support from the centre.

Joshee also directed high court to implement the decision to grant leave to justices so as to ensure the presence of at least one justice at commerce bench of the court.

In a circular issued on Wednesday, the Supreme Court (SC) had informed about the decision to ensure the presence of at least one justice at the commerce bench following growing complaints about empty bench.

During the acting CJ’s visit, Tulsipur Nepalgunj High Court bench presented the progress report. The report said that District Court Banke has been striving to meet the target of justice delivery this year.



source:www.kathmandupost.ekantipur.com

A blueberry muffin 'could have day's worth of sugar'

Some blueberry muffins sold by cafes and supermarkets contain more than the recommended daily intake of sugar for adults, researchers have discovered.

An analysis by Action on Sugar and the Obesity Health Alliance in January found the cakes could contain up to eight teaspoons of sugar.

The recommended daily limit for adults is seven - for children it is less.

Health experts said the findings showed it was "all too easy" to consume "huge" amounts of sugar.

'Limit children's snacks to 100 calories'
Kids devouring 'breakfast sugar'
'Limited labelling'
Action on Sugar and the Obesity Health Alliance, which looked at 28 muffins sold in food outlets in train stations and supermarkets, found 61% of them contained six teaspoons of sugar or more - the upper daily limit for a child aged seven-to-10 years old.

They also found muffins bought at train station food retailers had 19% more sugar per portion and were 32% bigger than those bought in supermarkets.

But there was also a big variation, with muffins from Marks and Spencer containing just three teaspoons.

Caroline Cerny, from the Obesity Health Alliance, said: "We may think grabbing a blueberry muffin is a reasonably healthy option for a snack on the go compared to other cakes or a chocolate bar - yet the figures suggest otherwise.

"There is huge variation in both the size of muffins and the sugar content, and with limited nutrition labelling, it's all too easy to eat a huge amount of sugar in just one serving."

source:www.bbc.com

Westminster Bridge attack victim's sister refuses to dwell on killer

The sister of a Romanian tourist who fell into the Thames during the Westminster terror attack has said she refuses to dwell on the killer.

Andreea Cristea, 31, and boyfriend Andrei Burnaz, were driven at by Khalid Masood on London's Westminster Bridge.

A year after the attack, Magda Toi said thinking of her sister's killer only made her angry.

"I'm not interested in it because my sister is dead and no-one and nothing will bring her back," she said.

Ms Cristea, on her first trip to the UK, was hurled into the Thames as Masood sped at a crowd on Westminster Bridge on 22 March 2017.

She survived the 20ft (6m) fall from the bridge, despite being seriously injured. She died in hospital two weeks later.

Three months after her death she was buried in her home town of Constanța, Romania.

She was one of five people killed by Masood, who was shot dead by armed officers.

source:www.bbc.com

Brexit: EU leaders set to discuss transition agreement

EU leaders will gather on Thursday for a summit at which they are expected to approve the terms of a transition deal with the UK after Brexit.

The EU's Donald Tusk said on Wednesday he had recommended a draft legal text on transition, citizens' rights and other withdrawal issues to its members.

It followed Spanish concerns over how the accord would affect its demands for a say on how Brexit affects Gibraltar.

The transition is set for exit day on 29 March 2019 until the end of 2020.

Prime Minister Theresa May has said what she calls the "implementation period", in which the UK will have to adhere to EU rules, will be a bridge to a new economic and political partnership with the EU.

Under the terms of the agreement, the UK will be able to negotiate, sign and ratify its own trade deals while EU citizens arriving in the UK will enjoy the same rights and guarantees as those who arrive before Brexit.

UK and EU agree Brexit transition terms
Deal is done - but work remains
What will Brexit mean for Britain's overseas territories?
To the dismay of many Tory MPs, the UK will effectively remain in the Common Fisheries Policy until the end of 2020 while a solution to avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland has yet to be agreed, with the EU insisting on a "backstop" option of Northern Ireland remaining in the customs union and single market.

In a message on Twitter, Mr Tusk said he had urged the other 27 EU leaders to welcome, in principle, the agreement on transition and other matters at a session expected to take place on Friday.

"In practice, the transition phase will allow to delay [sic] all the negative consequences of Brexit by another 21 months," he wrote.

He told reporters he was "absolutely sure" the two sides would find a lasting solution to prevent the return of physical checks on the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Gibraltar

source:www.bbc.com

Trump set to announce China sanctions after IP probe

The Trump administration plans to announce sanctions against China on Thursday after determining that the country is encouraging the theft and transfer of intellectual property from US businesses.

The White House said the actions come after years of talks about the issue that failed to produce change.

The actions are expected to include tariffs, as well as other measures.

The plans have stoked fears of a wider trade war.

Trump: Political heir to Abe Lincoln?

The White House is reported by US media to be considering between $30bn-$60bn in tariffs as well as measures that would restrict investment.

The US may also seek to bring complaints to the World Trade Organisation, trade officials said.

America's top trade negotiator, Robert Lighthizer, told members of Congress on Wednesday the US is looking to put "maximum pressure on China and minimum pressure on US consumers".

Mr Lighthizer said protecting intellectual property is critical to the US economy.

"It's an enormously important issue," Mr Lighthizer said at the House Ways and Means hearing. "We think it is perhaps the most important thing that will have been done in terms of rebalancing trade."

What is behind the tariffs?
A US trade official, who spoke to reporters as part of a briefing, said the US has evidence that China requires firms to create local partnerships to enter the Chinese market, as a way of pressuring them into technology transfer.

The US also found evidence that China steers investments in the US to strategic industries, and conducts and supports cyber attacks.

The findings come from a review of China's practices that Mr Trump ordered in August, called a 301 investigation.

In section 301 of the trade act, the government has given itself the power to unilaterally impose sanctions against countries which it decides are not trading fairly.

Mr Trump has repeatedly railed against the massive US trade deficit with China.

Does the move have wider support in the US?
There is growing concern in America that China is seeking technology that could be deployed for military purposes.

Congress is also weighing legislation that would boost the government's power to review foreign business deals, citing the threat posed by state-backed acquisition of US firms.

But some politicians and industries, including retailers, have expressed concern about possible retaliation.

source:www.bbc.com