Trinetra Dainik

BERLIN, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel has invited new U.S. President Joe Biden to visit Germany during their first official phone call after Biden's inauguration, the German government said on Monday night. Merkel congratulated Biden on his inauguration, and declared Germany's willingness to take on responsibilities in dealing with international tasks together with its European and transatlantic partners, according to a statement of the German federal government. Both leaders agreed that more international efforts were needed to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, the German chancellor welcomed the halt of the U.S. process of withdrawing from the World Health Organization. Merkel and Biden also talked about foreign policies, particularly on Afghanistan and Iran, as well as trade and climate policies. Merkel welcomed the U.S. decision to return to the Paris climate agreement. Merkel invited Biden to visit Germany as soon as the pandemi...

BEIJING, Jan 26, 2021 (AFP) - Two Chinese miners who were dramatically rescued after being trapped underground for two weeks described on Tuesday their joy and relief at being free. Eleven men out of a group of 22 were pulled out alive by rescue workers on Sunday after a January 10 mine blast in east China's Shandong province entombed them hundreds of metres underground.  "I feel like I am reborn," one of the miners, surnamed Du, was quoted as saying by state broadcaster CGTN Tuesday, wearing pyjamas as he spoke to reporters from his hospital bed.  "We had no food to eat for the first nine days," he added. "There are no words to describe the feeling (of being rescued). So relieved." Du was part of a group of 11 miners who first made managed to make contact with rescuers on January 17 by sending up a note though a long shaft drilled down into the rock. They were then sent food and medicine and phones to communicate. "We knew clearly how...

MOSCOW, Jan 26, 2021 (AFP) - Russia said Tuesday it was up to Washington to take the first steps if US President Joe Biden wants to salvage the landmark Iran nuclear deal. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov urged Washington to lift sanctions on Tehran and save the historic agreement during his first talks with his Iranian counterpart since Biden's election victory raised hopes for the fate of the deal. Lavrov said that Russia and Iran "share the same position" on the preservation of the 2015 accord, urging the United States to lift sanctions as a condition for Iran's return to compliance. "This in turn will provide the preconditions for the implementation of all requirements of the nuclear deal by the Islamic Republic of Iran," he told journalists. The talks in Moscow came days after Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif urged the United States to make the "fundamental choice" to end its sanctions regime and reverse the "failed pol...

ROME, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has met with President Sergio Mattarella to hand in his resignation, the Italian government said in a statement after a cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Conte "has expressed ... his intention to ... submit his resignation", the statement said. Mattarella has confirmed Conte's resignation. "Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has offered his resignation," Mattarella's office said in a statement. "The President of the Republic has reserved the right to decide and has invited the government to remain in office for the time being to take care of day-to-day business," the statement said. It is now up to Mattarella to sound out Italy's political forces in order to form a new government to guide the country through the end of the current legislature's natural five-year term in March 2023. Mattarella's statement said he will begin consultations with Italy's various political lea...

BERLIN, Jan 26, 2021 (AFP) - Germany is considering almost completely halting flights into the country to slow the spread of more infectious strains of the coronavirus, Interior Minister Horst Seehofer said Tuesday. "The danger from the numerous virus mutations forces us to consider drastic measures," Seehofer told the Bild newspaper.  "That includes significantly stricter border checks, especially at the borders of high-risk areas, but also reducing air travel to Germany to almost zero, as Israel is currently doing," he added. The emergence of new virus variants in Britain and South Africa, deemed more infectious than the original strain, has fuelled concern at a time when many nations are struggling to rein in the pandemic. A slower than expected rollout of vaccines had added to the worries. Although Germany coped relatively well with the first coronavirus wave last spring, it has been hit hard by a second wave in recent months. The country renewed res...

KAMPALA, Jan 26, 2021 (AFP) - Ugandan soldiers stood down their positions around the residence of opposition leader Bobi Wine on Tuesday, a day after a court ordered an end to the confinement of the presidential runner-up. Wine, a popstar-turned-MP whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, had been under de-facto house arrest at his home outside the capital Kampala since he returned from voting in January 14's election. For 11 days heavily armed soldiers and police officers surrounding the property had prevented members of Wine's household, including his wife Barbie, from leaving their compound, as well as denying access to visitors. But security forces withdrew from around Wine's house on Tuesday, allowing the opposition leader to convene with newly-elected MPs from his National Unity Platform (NUP) for the first time since the vote he says was rigged. "I was put under illegal detention in my own house because General Museveni did not win," he said, referring...

Palm Beach (Florida) [US], January 26 : (ANI): Former US President Donald Trump on Monday established an official post-presidency office in Palm Beach County setting up a vehicle for future public appearances and statements. "The Office of the Former President" will manage Trump's correspondence, public statements, appearance and official activities, according to a press release from the office. "Today, the 45th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump formally opened the Office of the Former President," the statement said. It added, "The Office will be responsible for managing President Trump's correspondence, public statements, appearances and official activities to advance the interests of the US and to carry the agenda of the Trump administration." "President Trump will always and forever be a champion for the American people," it further said. The Hill reported that the title of the office could fuel speculation that Trump may...

WASHINGTON, January 26 : (AFP) - The US Senate on Monday voted by a wide margin to confirm Janet Yellen as the first woman to lead the Treasury Department, giving her a key role in Congress negotiations over a huge Covid-19 economic relief package. Yellen is not new to the role of trailblazer, as she also was the first woman to lead the Federal Reserve, from 2014 to 2018, and previously the White House Council of Economic Advisors. Her immediate job in the first weeks of the new administration will be to help win Congress approval for President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion rescue package to secure US economic recovery from the Covid-19 crisis. That will entail convincing skeptical lawmakers that the benefit of more spending outweighs concerns about the country's soaring debt level. "Neither the President-elect, nor I, propose this relief package without an appreciation for the country's debt burden," Yellen told the Senate Finance Committee at her confirmation hearin...

BEIJING, January 26 : (Xinhua) -- China and New Zealand on Tuesday signed a protocol on upgrading their 12-year-old free trade agreement (FTA), which is expected to bring more benefits to the peoples of the two countries. Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao and his New Zealand counterpart signed the protocol via video link. In 2008, China signed an FTA with New Zealand, the first FTA between China and a developed country. The two sides announced the conclusion of their three-year negotiations on the upgrade in November 2019. On the basis of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, China will further expand its opening-up in sectors including aviation, education, finance, elderly care, and passenger transport to New Zealand to boost the trade of services. For the trade of goods, the upgraded FTA will see both countries open their markets for certain wood and paper products and optimize trade rules such as rules of origin, technical barriers to trade and customs facilitation...

Washington [US], January 26 : (ANI): Passengers flying into the United States would require to show proof of testing negative for COVID-19 at least three days prior to the departure. The US Department of State said that a proof of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding. This order applies to both foreign nationals and US citizens. "The U.S. Department of State and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) remind all travelers that beginning tomorrow, January 26, all air passengers two years of age or older arriving to the United States must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test or proof of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding," read a release from the State Department. Those who don't will be denied boarding, it added. "If you plan to travel internationally, you will need to get tested no more than 3 days before you travel by air into the United States and show your negative result to the airline before you board your flight, or be prepared to show ...

New Delhi [India], January 26 : (ANI): Kisan tractor rally, against the new central agriculture laws, at the Singhu Border was stopped by the police from moving towards Ring Road in the national capital. Speaking to ANI at the Singhu Border, Satnam Singh Pannu of Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, said, "We have to move towards Ring Road but police is stopping us. We have given them 45 minutes to speak to their seniors. We are carrying out a peaceful parade. The route they are asking us to follow wasn't agreed upon." "They have cooperated with us and we are cooperating with them. It is our request that they continue to follow the route they are currently on", said SS Yadav, Joint Commissioner of Police at Singhu Border. Meanwhile, farmers on Tuesday broke police barricade at Tikri border and Karnal bypass as their tractor rally against the new agriculture laws entered Delhi on Republic Day. Police used tear gas shells after scuffles between protestors and police...

Kathmandu, Jan 26 (RSS): The Nepali team of 10 mountaineers, who created a new world record, of successfully climbing the world's second highest mountain K2 were welcomed back home in a grand manner. The 10 Nepali mountaineers are the first ever to reach atop the 8,611 meters high K2 in Pakistan during the winter season.  The team includes Nirmal Purja 'nimsdai', Migma David Sherpa, Mingma Tenjing Sherpa, Gyalzen Sherpa, Prem Chiri Sherpa, Dawa Sherpa, Kilu Sherpa, Mingma G, Dawa Tenjing Sherpa and Sona Sherpa.  After a rousing welcome at the Tribhuvan International Airport this morning, they were paraded with a motorcycle rally to reach to Nepal Tourism Board via Tinkune, Naya Baneswar, Maitighar, Bhadrakali, Sundhara, Kantipur and Thamel. They will be felicitated at the NTB at the joint auspices of the Department of Tourism, Mountaineering Association of Nepal and other tourism organizations. The team is also scheduled to be honoured by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at a s...

Kathmandu, Jan 26 (RSS): On the occasion of the Republic Day of India, President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli have sent separate messages of felicitations to President of India Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi respectively. In her message, President Bhandari has extended best wishes for personal health and happiness of the President of India as well as for the peace and prosperity of the people of India. The President has also expressed confidence that the age-old and multidimensional relations between Nepal and India would be further strengthened in the days to come, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here today. Likewise, in his message to Prime Minister Modi, Prime Minister Oli has expressed his best wishes for the continued peace, progress and prosperity of the people of India. The Prime Minister has also stated that Nepal and India enjoy deep and diverse relations marked by friendship, equality, cooperati...

Damauli, Jan 26 (RSS): The Byas municipality has expedited preparations for the 4th Byas ultra-marathon to be held here on January 26, marking the Martyrs Day. Athletes from across the country are registering themselves for the 44 km race, said spokesperson of the Municipality Mohan Kumar Shrestha. The name registration will continue until January 27 and an orientation shall be organized for the athletes on January 28.  Meanwhile, all preparations for the mega event of the municipality have been completed. Check points have been set up in eight different locations to monitoring the enforcement of the rules by the runners. The ultra-marathon starts from Manhukot Siddhamargh and ends at Pulimarang after passing through Alaiche, Bhorletar, Kalesti, Baniyahidi and Bahun Pokhara. The municipality has also increased the prize money for this year's event. The winner will pocket Rs. 85,077 in cash while the second and third will walk home with Rs. 65,077 and Rs. 55,077 respectively. The fi...

Karnali, Jan 26 (RSS): Covishield, the vaccine against COVID-19 has arrived in Karnali province from the central government on Monday night. A total of 24,000 vile of the vaccine were transported to Karnali via the Nepalgunj cold store, after it was received from Kathmandu. The provincial health directorate is initiating the vaccination programme from tomorrow. A total of 12 hospitals in Karnali have been designated as the vaccination centres, said Director of the directorate Dr Rabin Khadka. These include eight district hospitals and the provincial hospital in Birendranagar, Mehelkuna hospital, Surkhet, the Karnali Institute of Health Sciences, Jumla, Chaurjahari community hospital, West Rukum. Arrangement has been made to airlift the vaccine to the mountain districts of Karnali namely Humla, Jumla, Mugu and Dolpa and to other districts via road from the provincial headquarters, Birendranagar. The vaccine will be administered in the two doses, and the second after 28 days of the first...

Galkot, Jan 26 (RSS): Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as Elephantiasis has stood as a health challenge again in Baglung. Just before the start of the 12th phase of Elephantiasis prevention campaign, the disease was found in Narayanthan of Balewa and Kushisera of Jaimini of the district.  The disease was believed to have been prevented in 6 years of campaign. But a sample test carried out recently for the prevention campaign found eight people carrying the infection, according to Health Office, Baglung.  Eight people in Naransthan and two people in Jaimi were found carrying the disease that leads to enlargement of limbs and body parts due to tissue swelling. Three of the people in Naransthan have experienced a reoccurrence of the tropical disease. Tests for Elephantiasis bacteria were carried out in 300 people in Narayansthan and 300 in Kushmisera.  Even though the campaign to wipe of Elephantiasis from Nepal is in the final phase, it has not been possible in seven di...

COLOMBO, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka fully reopened its borders to tourists and international arrivals from all countries on Thursday. An Oman Air flight carrying 50 Sri Lankans arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Colombo early Thursday. Speaking to media in the commercial capital Colombo, Minister of Tourism Prasanna Ranatunga thanked President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa for reviving the COVID-19-affected tourism industry which employs three million people. Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairperson Kimarli Fernando said that the tourism ministry has formulated detailed safety protocols and procedures in consultation with the health ministry and the presidential task force on COVID-19. "With all these measures, processes and protocols sat in place, Sri Lanka is ready and Sri Lanka is open to welcome back our visitors," Fernando said. Sri Lankan tourism has created an online information portal and a 24-hou...

NEW DELHI, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- India's COVID-19 tally rose to 10,625,428 on Friday as 14,545 new cases were registered during the past 24 hours, said the latest data from the federal health ministry.    According to the official data, the death toll mounted to 153,032 as 163 COVID-19 patients died since Thursday morning.    There are still 188,688 active cases in the country, while 10,283,708 people have been discharged so far from hospitals after medical treatment. It was the first time on Wednesday, in nearly seven months, when the number of the active COVID-19 cases in the country fell below the 200,000-mark.    Last Saturday was a crucial day in India's fight against the pandemic as the nationwide vaccination drive was kicked off during the day. So far nearly 1 million people have been administered the vaccine doses across the country.    Meanwhile, the federal government has ramped up COVID-19 testing facilities across the country, even as ov...

JALALABAD, Afghanistan, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- A total of 16 militants have been confirmed dead as Afghan forces stormed Taliban hideouts in Khogiani and Shirzad districts of the eastern Nangarhar province on Thursday, said a statement of the provincial government released here Friday.    The operations, according to the statement, were conducted late Thursday night in Akram Khil area of Khogiani district and Hashim Khil area of Shirzad district and in total left 16 dead including five group commanders.    Two hideouts and two checkpoints of the militants were also destroyed during the raids, the statement asserted.    The Taliban outfit has yet to make comments. 

WASHINGTON, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- Mitch McConnell, the U.S. Senate Republican leader, on Thursday proposed that former President Donald Trump's impeachment trial be delayed until mid-February so as to give him enough time to prepare a defense.    On a conference call with Republican senators, McConnell suggested "Trump should have at least as much time as the president had in previous trials, which means he would like to postpone the proceeding until the second week of February," The Hill reported.    "It would have been the 10th or 11th [of February] or somewhere in there," said Senator Mike Braun, who was on the call.    McConnell on Thursday said he hadn't heard back from Democrats on postponing the trial.    "Not yet, we're going to continue to talk about it," he said.    "At this time of strong political passions, Senate Republicans believe it is absolutely imperative that we do not allow a half-baked process to short-circuit the due ...

Kathmandu, Jan 22 (RSS): As in the past, Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has decided to conduct weeklong Martyrs Day from tomorrow. As per the programme schedule, the Day will be launched with a condolence gathering devoted to martyr Shukra Raj Shastri at Kharibot, Teku at 8:00 am on January 23.   Similarly, the condolence gathering devoted to martyr Dharmabhakta Mathema will take place at Kalopul, Kathmandu on January 26, and to martyrs Ganga Lal Shrestha and Dasharath Chand at Shova Bhagawati on January 28. On the concluding day, January 29, a morning rally along with martyr's images and bands of Nepal Police and Armed Police Force and march-past will begin from Shanti Batika and end at Martyrs Garden Lainchaur. The programme there would be attended by Prime Minister, Ministers, high level government officials and people's representatives. The Martyrs Day main celebration committee coordinator is KMC Mayor Bidya Sundar Shakya. The Martyrs Day is being marked with weeklong ...

Makwanpur, Jan 22 (RSS): The seventh meeting of the Bagmati Province is resuming at 1:00 pm today. The Province Assembly secretariat informed that the meeting being held today would initiate general discussion on no-confidence motion filed against Chief Minister Dormani Poudel. Province Assembly Speaker Sanukumar Shrestha had held discussion with CM Poudel and parliamentary leaders of ruling NCP and forged agreement last night to resume the meeting today, according to Province Assembly Secretariat Secretary Krishna Hari Khadka. ---

Lamjung, Jan 22 (RSS): A high level team comprising Chief Minister of Gandaki Province Prithvi Gurung, Vice-Chairman of the National Planning Commission Dr Pushpa Kandel, expert on infrastructure at Prime Minister's Office Gajendra Thapaliya and others conducted the monitoring of disputed location along the Mid-Hill Highway in the district on Thursday. The team reached Thakrebensi section at Sundar Bazaar Municipality-7 and 5 and Bhorletar and Ram Bazaar sections of Madhya Nepal Municipality-6.  Following the inspection, CM Gurung said the detailed project report (DPR) would be made for the disputed 8-km road falling into Sundar Bazaar within this fiscal year. "The bottlenecks on road construction need to be wiped out. The roadway will be begun without affecting people. For it, cooperation is needed from all sectors," he said. The CM further mentioned that most of the houses at Sundar Bazaar will be saved along the Mid-Hill Highway. Government is committed not to impact n...

Gandaki, Jan 22 (RSS): Speakers at a programme here have stressed the need to have common view among private sectors on industrial development in Pokhara. The speakers had such view at a programme organized by Pokhara Industrial Estate Association, and Pokhara Industrial Estate Management Kaski here on Thursday.  On the occasion, Chairman of Pokhara Chamber of Industry and Commerce Narayan Koirala said the government failed to properly categorize industry, agriculture and settlement area, which he argued, had created problems. The industries were made in the open places without facilities in the past, he said, adding that the open spaces around the industries were gradually populated after the industries provided jobs to people.  He further stated that the industrial sector has contributed much to the development in Pokhara. Koirala expressed commitment to work in collaboration with the stakeholders in case of the proposed new industry at Kotre of Pokhara.  Similarly, Chi...

Kathmandu, Jan 22 (RSS): Inspector General of Nepal Police Shailesh Thapa Chhetri has directed the police offices to make proper security plan in view of the election sensitivity.  IGP Thapa Chhetri gave such direction at the half-year review meeting on work progress made by Chiefs of Province Police Offices for Nepal Police Work Plan, 2077 and the current fiscal year. At the event held virtually on Thursday, IGP Chhetri reminded that the Work Plan was brought to give guidance to police organization. So, cooperation and commitment from all sides is needed to realize its success.  He urged the senior officials to make effective the Province Offices to ensure success in terms of arrangement of security to the election the government has announced. On the occasion, Chief of Province Offices informed Chhetri about the management and progress of peace and security situation, development of technology-based research to curb crimes, reform in traffic management, economic disciple and...

Phungling, Jan 22 (RSS):  The people at Ghunsa village of Phattanglung Rural Municipality-6 in Taplejung district have left the settlement to avoid cold in the wake of snowfall. Seven households left the home and reached Kathmandu, while four shifted to district headquarter Phungling bazaar.  Similarly, a family has begun living at Pashupati bazaar of Ilam. A local Pema Sherma informed that 28 families were living at Ghunsa village. Now, there are only 16 families left in the village.  Ghunsa is a touristy place located at the gateway to Kanchanjungha Mountain, the third highest peak in the world. The Sherpa community is living at the village located at the altitude of 3,500 meter. The village is blanketed with snow for three months from December to February every year. The snow does not melt but continue frozen. It takes more than a month to melt ice.  The Sherpa people said they leave the settlement in order to avoid harsh life with biting snow.  There is no f...

Kathmandu, Jan 21 (RSS):  Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali has said Nepal’s commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights is total and unequivocal, and underscored that the rule of law and human rights should be evenly operational at national, regional, and international levels.  Leading the Nepali delegation to the third cycle of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Nepal held during the 37th Session of the Human Rights Council UPR Working Group on Thursday, the Foreign Minister said Nepal believes in the universality, indivisibility, interdependence, interrelatedness, and mutually reinforcing nature of human rights, including the right to development.  In the opening statement, he introduced Nepal's national report to the UPR Working Group and highlighted Nepal's efforts towards the promotion and protection of human rights, including the implementation of the recommendations accepted during the previous review, said a press release issue...

Kathmandu, Jan 21(RSS):  A total of 336 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in the past 24 hours in the country.    According to the Ministry of Health and Population, these cases were identified while conducting PCR tests on 5,030 individuals.  With this, total infected number has reached 268,646 so far in the country.   Ministry further shared that 226 infected persons have recovered in the same period.   With this, total recovery has reached 262,868 till today.  There are 3,799 are active cases of the infection across the country.  The Ministry further confirmed that four infected patients died of the infection in the past 24 hours. Total deaths caused by the infection have reached 1,979 in the country. 

Kathmandu, Jan 21 (RSS): Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has expressed gratitude to all those who participated in the peaceful demonstration today against the dissolution of house, bad governance and corruption in the country. The Party organised protest meet in 6743 wards, the lowest administrative unit, in the country. The party has been organising a series of protests against the undemocratic step of the government to dissolve the lower house. In a statement today, NC President Deuba has also thanked all those who were mobilized at the village, municipal and ward level to make the event successful.

Kathmandu, Jan 21 (RSS): Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has provided jobs to two women who survived acid attack. The NOC provided the job for one year under its corporate social responsibility. The beneficiaries are Pabitra Karki from Okhaldhunga and Basanti Pariyar from Nawalparasi. They were provided jobs since December 31. It is believed that the jobs would help sustain their living.  Karki and Pariyar who suffered worst with acid attack and were living psychosocial fear had come to NOC contact. Both of them had poor families and the physique weakened with attack. Reasoning it, they applied, seeking assistance to manage daily life and regular medicine. The NOC was also informed of their academic qualification for the jobs to match it.  NOC Spokesperson Binit Mani Upadhyay informed that the assistance would help them boost confidence to restore a socially dignified life. They get paid Rs 20,000 per month for a year.

Kathmandu, Jan 21 (RSS): Hearing continued over the writ petition filed at the Supreme Court against the decision of the government to dissolve the House of Representatives. Today was the fifth day of hearing on the main issue of contention. Seven advocates presented their arguments in favour of three writ petitioners today before the constitutional bench led by Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana. Putting his arguments against the decision of the government, advocate  Om Prakash Aryal said the Constitution does not have any provision for dissolution of the parliament. He also pointed out that the decision of the President to dissolve the HoR on the recommendation of the government was still not published in the national gazette. Likewise, advocate Tikaram Bhattarai also said that the constitution does not have a provision where the President can dissolve the HoR on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers.  Writ petitioners Gyanendra Aran, senior advocate G...

Kathmandu, Jan 21 (RSS):  The Nepal Communist Party (NCP) led by Prachanda-Nepal has stated that its scheduled protest programme for Friday would be peaceful.  The party’s central struggle committee, issuing a press release today, has stated that the protest would be peaceful responding to the rumors that the protest would be violent.   The committee coordinator and party spokesperson Narayan Kaji Shrestha stated that they were alert that some people were trying to divert the mind of people by spreading the rumors that the protest would be violent.   The party has mobilized 2,000 volunteers to make the protest rally and programme disciplined and peaceful, press release reads.   The party has been organizing various protest programmes against the government’s move of Parliament dissolution. 

Kathmandu, Jan 21 (RSS): The Indian government has handed over one million doses of vaccines against coronavirus.  Indian Ambassador to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra handed over the vaccines to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in a brief programme organized at PM's residence, Baluwatar on Thursday.   On the occasion, PM Oli said, "I thank PM Narendra Modi as well as the government and people of India for the generous grant of one million doses of Covid-19 vaccine to Nepal at this critical time when India is rolling out vaccination for its own people." On the occasion, Ambassador Kwatra said as a close neighbour, India is delighted to provide assistance to Nepal; and it is committed to continue health related assistance to Nepal in the days ahead.

Kathmandu, Jan 21 (RSS): The second national gathering of Press Organization Nepal has unanimously elected joint-coordinator Ganesh Basnet as the coordinator. Basnet replaces coordinator Mahesh Dahal, who was removed citing inactive in the organization responsibilities. The organization has also endorsed a new statute with a decision to have a 351-member central committee. The gathering ended with a determination to reconstitute and re-manage the organization based on inclusion at all levels, by uniting at the central, provincial, district, foundation and associate level in the new situation. It also welcomed the decision of the government to dissolve the House of Representatives and go for fresh elections. "In this regard the decision of the Supreme Court must be based on the country's stability and prosperity," it said. On a different note, the gathering decided to urge the concerned sides to enforce the minimum wage and the working journalists act in all the me...

Kathmandu, Jan 21 (RSS):  Minister for Forest and Environment Prem Bahadur Ale has directed the officials at the Ministry and line agencies to provide prompt services.   In a meeting with chiefs of different divisions under the Ministry on Thursday, Minister Ale said the services should not be obstructed by the officials. He also directed the Ministry employees to be alert as he had received some negative reports regarding the President Chure Conservation Programme of late.  The Minister however vowed, "Wrong motives and concerns in the name of Chure conservation will not be tolerated."  On the occasion, officials urged the Minister to bring the district forest officer (DFO) under the federal government as complications were surfaced while they were working under the province governments.  

Kathmandu, Jan 21 (RSS): Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali stressed the need to ensure easy and affordable access to vaccines and essential medical items in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic. Addressing the 17th Ministerial Meeting of Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) held virtually under the theme, 'New Normal and Safe and Healthy Tourism' today, Minister Gyawali underscored the close cooperation among the member states and partnership with private business for fighting Covid-19 pandemic to bring all aspects of lives, livelihoods, and economies to normalcy, including the tourism sector.  "The top priority of the government of Nepal is to protect people’s lives from the disease and hunger. Nepal has scrupulously been executing safety, health and sanitation protocols in all tourism related activities focusing to save jobs and keep the economy afloat," Minister Gyawali said, adding that development and improvement of quality of infrastructures is a key to build all m...

Kathmandu, Jan 21 (RSS): Exports have increased in the first six months of the current fiscal year 2020/21 as imports of goods declined.  As per the details of first six months released by the Department of Customs, exports have increased by six per cent as imports have declined by five per cent.  According to the details, goods worth Rs 661.24 billion were imported in six months which was less by 4.81 per cent as compared to corresponding period of previous fiscal year.  Goods worth Rs 694.69 billion were exported during the corresponding period of previous fiscal year.  Similarly, goods worth around Rs 60.80 billion were exported in six months which was an increase by 6.14 per cent as compared to corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.   Trade deficit was improved by 5.80 per cent this year, according to the details. The share of import in foreign trade is 91.58 per cent and export is 8.42 per cent.  Out of Rs 722.44 billion for...

Kathmandu, Jan 21 (RSS): Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said he dissolved the House of Representatives and opted to go for election to take fresh mandate of the people as political horse trading of MPs had begun once again in the country. Inaugurating the Second National Assembly of the Press Organisation Nepal here today, Nepal Communist Party (NCP) Chair Oli reiterated that the government and the party were determined to move ahead on the journey of development and prosperity by removing the obstacles. "Cultural and every kind of attacks are being made on the nation. We should all be vigilant against this. We need to forge consensus if we want to build the nation and save it," he said, adding, "We are not the ones who harbor rage, aggression and prejudice. We are the ones who wave the red flag and not the ones who wave the black flags. We are clear on our goal and march towards a bright future. We have the obligation of building the country. We need to take the p...

Kathmandu, Jan 21 (RSS): 'Implementation Protocol' has been signed between Nepal and Israel today for the implementation of 'Agreement related to temporary employment of Nepali workers in labour market of Israel'. The latter agreement was signed on September 30, 2020.  At a programme organised at the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security today, Director General at Department of Foreign Employment, Kumar Dahal, on the behalf of the government of Nepal and Israeli Ambassador to Nepal, Hanan Godar, on the behalf of government of Israel signed the protocol.   With the signing of the protocol, the Israeli labour market would be opened for Nepali youth where 500 Nepali youths would go for employment. Nepali youths would get employment as caregiver as well as in hospital, nursing home and daycare centre, according to the Ministry.  They would get service and facilities as per the labour related laws of Israel. The Nepali youths would go for employment thro...

Kathmandu, Jan 21 (RSS): One million doses of vaccines against COVID-19 has arrived in Nepal. The vaccines provided by India as grant assistance were brought by Air India flight this afternoon.  Ambassador of India to Nepal, Vinay Mohan Kwatra handed over the consignment of vaccines called ' Covishield' to Minister for health and Population Hridayesh Tripathi at the Tribhuvan International Airport. On the occasion, minister Tripathi thanked the Government of India for providing the vaccines as grant assistance even during the adverse situation. He said the vaccines would be helpful in controlling COVID-19. The vaccines doses would be stored in the Central Storage at the Department of Health Services at Teku. It is said the Covishield vaccine was 70 per cent effective in India. It can be stored at temperature of minus two degree Celsius to minus eight degrees Celsius. The first dose of the vaccines would be given to health workers, hospital cleaning staff, ambulance dr...

Kathmandu, Jan 21 (RSS): Press Organisation Nepal, close to Dahal-Nepal faction, has demanded reinstatement of House of Representatives, determining dissolving HoR was attack on the constitution.   Issuing a 19-point Kathmandu Declaration, the second National gathering of the Press organisation Nepal determined to firmly stand against the HoR dissolution.  The gathering also made determination to make alliance with all media related organisations that are in favour of constitution, protection of press and right to expression, rights of working journalists and media welfare.  Similarly, the gathering also expressed sorrow over the recent warning statement of Supreme Court mentioning the name of media over the news.  It also asked the government to bring special relief package for COVID-19 affected media persons and media houses into implementation immediately.  Coordinator of the Organisation, Maheshwor Dahal, said that the organisation also urged ...

-Birat Anupam  Itahari, Jan 21 (RSS): Today marks the 44th Anniversary of Nepal-Qatar diplomatic friendship. Nepal and Qatar established formal diplomatic ties on 21 January 1977. Ever since its formal diplomatic engagement, Nepal and Qatar friendship has grown stronger each year, says Gopal Khanal, the author of Bhurajniti which is loosely translated as 'Geopolitics' in English.  Camaraderie built during monarchy era When Nepal and Qatar started formal diplomatic relationship, Nepal was under the direct rule of the then king Birendra during the party-less Panchayat system. Likewise, Qatar was under the reign of Emir Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani. Qatar had formally supported Nepal's global proposition to establish itself as the 'Zone of Peace'.  Nepal's first embassy in Qatar was opened after two decades of diplomatic friendliness. On 11 July 2000, Nepal opened its embassy in Doha, the capital city of Qatar. It was during monarchy era. However, Qatar, on the...

Chitwan, Jan 21 (RSS): Two hundred and sixteen road accidents have been reported in Chitwan district in the last six months of the current fiscal year. Fifty-eight persons have died and 361 have been injured in these accidents, the District Traffic Police Office, Chitwan said. According to the Office, most of the accidents have occurred on the East-west highway. Seventy-four traffic accidents took place on this highway, killing 22 persons.  Similarly, six people were killed in the 34 accidents that took place on the Narayangadh-Muglin road section while seven people died in 12 accidents. Five persons were killed in 37 accidents occurred in Bharatpur Ring Road while 18 persons lost their lives in 58 traffic accidents occurred in other roads. Most number of accidents has taken place in the month of Mangsir in the current fiscal year. As many as 52 accidents happened in this month alone in this fiscal year. Among the 58 casualties of traffic accidents until the month of Push...

Kathmandu, Jan 21 (RSS): The top state officials have sent separate messages of felicitations on the assumption of high offices of the United States of America by the newly elected leadership there. President Bidya Devi Bhandari today sent a congratulatory message to Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr. on his assumption of the office of the 46th President of the United States.  In her message, the President has underlined the excellent state of bilateral relations between the two countries. Appreciating the US cooperation to socioeconomic development of Nepal, President Bhandari has expressed her confidence that the rich and multi-faceted Nepal-US relations will continue to deepen and expand during the tenure of President Biden.  She has extended best wishes to the new leadership for a successful tenure and also in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, Vice-President Nanda Bahadur Pun, in a congratulatory message to his US counterpart Kamala Devi Harris, has commend...

BAGHDAD, Jan 21, 2021 (AFP) - A rare twin suicide bombing killed nearly 30 people at a crowded market in central Baghdad on Thursday, Iraqi state media said, the city's deadliest attack in three years. At least 28 people were killed and another 73 wounded in the attack amid stalls hawking second-hand clothes in the Iraqi capital's Tayaran Square.  The market had been teeming with people after the lifting of nearly a year of restrictions imposed across the country in a bid to halt the spread of Covid-19.  According to an interior ministry statement, the first suicide bomber rushed into the market, claiming to feel sick.  Once a crowd of people had gathered around him, he detonated his explosives.  As people then flocked around the victims, a second attacker detonated his bomb, the ministry said. An AFP photographer at the scene said security forces had cordoned off the area, where blood-soaked clothes were strewn across the muddy streets. Paramedics were...

Pune (Maharashtra) [India], January 21 (ANI ): As many as 10 fire tenders were rushed to the Serum Institute of India (SII) in Maharashtra's Pune on Thursday where millions of doses of COVID-19 vaccine are being manufactured. According to the officials, a fire broke out at Terminal 1 gate and the fire continues to rage at the fourth and fifth floors of SEZ3 building inside Terminal Gate 1. The site where the fire broke out, is an under-construction building at SII. The vaccine and vaccine manufacturing plant are safe. Sources told ANI: "Fire in the Serum Institute of India has happened at the Manjari plant. It is not going to affect Covidshield vaccine production." However, SII has still not commented on the fire operations. It may be noted that the country's apex drugs regulator had granted restricted emergency use permission to SII's Covishield vaccine in India. Millions of vaccine doses are being manufactured by Serum Institute under technical collabora...

COLOMBO, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka fully reopened its borders to tourists and international arrivals from all countries on Thursday. An Oman Air flight carrying 50 Sri Lankans arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Colombo early Thursday. Speaking to media in the commercial capital Colombo, Minister of Tourism Prasanna Ranatunga thanked President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa for reviving the COVID-19-affected tourism industry which employs three million people. Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairperson Kimarli Fernando said that the tourism ministry has formulated detailed safety protocols and procedures in consultation with the health ministry and the presidential task force on COVID-19. "With all these measures, processes and protocols sat in place, Sri Lanka is ready and Sri Lanka is open to welcome back our visitors," Fernando said. Sri Lankan tourism has created an online information portal an...

ULAANBAATAR, Jan 21, 2021 (AFP) - Mongolia's prime minister resigned Thursday following protests and public outrage over the treatment of a coronavirus patient and her newborn baby. Landlocked Mongolia reported just a handful of Covid-19 cases last year after imposing strict border controls, but in November its first domestic transmissions caused a new wave of lockdowns and restrictions. Anger mounted this week after TV footage showed a woman who appeared to have recently given birth being moved to an infectious disease centre wearing only hospital pyjamas and plastic slippers, despite temperatures dipping to minus 25 degrees Celsius. After protests outside government buildings on Wednesday, the Mongolian politician apologised on behalf of the government and said he would stand down immediately. "Unfortunately, we made mistake during relocating that mother," admitted Prime Minister Khurelsukh Ukhnaa Thursday. "It was heartbreaking to see how she was treated...