FDB calls for scripts for story bank

The Film Development Board (FDB) has issued a call for scripts for original and artistic films. According to the Board, the objective of the call is to develop, promote and preserve indigenous films as well as to promote original, historical, artistic, social, cultural and informative films and films based on national identity. The FDB has stated that it will co-produce some of the received scripts and provide required expertise for the writing.

Art exhibition on girls begins

On the occasion of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, a virtual exhibition of art works created by young people has been launched by Plan International, an INGO, under its global campaign titled “Girls Get Equal”. The exhibition features 150 different works portraying girls’ and children’s issues, views, experiences and stories -- and calls for action for gender equality. Prior to the exhibition, in October, Plan International Nepal had organised virtual art workshops for...

Tensions rise over masks as virus grips smaller US cities

Arguments over mask requirements and other restrictions have turned ugly in recent days as the deadly coronavirus surge across the U.S. engulfs small and medium-size cities that once seemed safely removed from the outbreak.

Sagarmatha Rises Higher

Nepal is now in the global spotlight once again with the announcement of the new height of Sagarmatha (Mount Everest). As per the fresh announcement of the findings of the joint measurement efforts made by Nepal and China, the height of the world's tallest mountain is now 8,848.86m (29,31.69ft). Before unveiling the new findings of the measurement, the accepted height of Sagarmatha was 8,848m (29,028ft). But China's previous official measurement was 8,844.43m. It means that there was no uniformity...

Freeing TU From Politics

Tribhuvan University Vice Chancellor Dr. Dharma Kant Bastola admitted, the other day, the fact that the party politics has deeply been engrained in the body politic of TU. It has posed difficulties for him to carry out necessary improvements in the structure and functions of the university. In an extensive interview given to a national daily, he disclosed that he was trying to persuade the political leaders to refrain from using both teachers and students for political ends to ensure that academic...

Stop The Biopiracy

Advances in gene manipulation and digitalisation have made working with genetic sequences easier. However, new questions arise, for instance with regard to access to resources. A multilateral fund could ensure countries of origin get a share of the profits. Gaining access to genetic resources – for instance from plants or corals – used to require a physical transfer of material. Many relevant resources come from very species-rich countries in the global South. The Nagoya Protocol, an international...

The story of pioneering Kiwi cultivation in Nepal

The Kiwi fruit has become very popular among Nepalis in recent years, so much so that it has been branded the king of fruits. And if Kiwi is indeed the king of fruits then the Queen Mother resides safely in the house of Shyam Bahadur Khadka in Simpani, Bhimeshwor Municipality - 6 in Dolakha. This 33-year-old Hayward Kiwi plant is the first Kiwi plant of Nepal and it is still producing 70 to 80 kilograms of fruit every season, helping Khadka earn up to Rs. 20,000. A Swiss civil engineer JF Messi...

Relatives suspect foul play in accident death

Relatives of a woman, who lost her life in a car accident in Bhaktapur last Saturday night, have suspected that she may have been killed in a planned manner. Even four days after the woman's death, her relatives have been refusing to perform an autopsy of the body demanding a fair investigation. Riya Shrestha, 30, of Dhumbarahi in Kathmandu was killed in a car accident on December 5.

SEE and Grade 12 exams uncertain this year

As concerned authorities have been unable to decide whether or not to hold this year’s Secondary Education Examination (SEE) and grade 12 examination, uncertainty has started surrounding them. In previous years, all examinees used to submit their examinations forms by this time, but this year the authorities have not yet initiated any process for that, as classes have not been resumed due to COVID-19 pandemic. The examinations of grade 10 and grade 12 are conducted by the National Examination...

Press pass, online renewal from post offices now

Press accreditation certificates of media persons working across the country and online news portal renewals will now be done from the post offices in the districts. The government has delegated such authority to the district post office with the objective of making the service provided by the centre easier and simpler, informed Minister for Communication and Information Technology Parbat Gurung on Wednesday.