Nepal's poverty reduction hinges on remittances: UN expert

Nepal has succeeded in reducing multidimensional poverty by 12.7 per cent between 2014 and 2019, and its Human Development Index has improved, as have indicators related to health and education, the UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Olivier De Schutter, said on Thursday after conducting an 11-day official mission to the country. “But significant gaps remain,” the UN expert added.

Ghodaghodi bustling with winter migratory birds

The Ghodaghodi Wetland of Kailali, which is listed in the World Ramsar Area, is currently bustling with winter migratory birds. Bird activity has increased after visitors from Siberia, Mongolia and other places came here to avoid the winter. The sight of the water birds playing has made the area mesmerizing at this time. This wetland is rich in biodiversity, with over 360 species of birds.

Govt asks public schools to give proposal for physical facilities

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) has called for applications from the public schools across the country for the expansion of physical facilities there under President Educational Reform Programme. Under the programme, all public schools can submit proposals by December 23 through a local level to participate in the programme.

Traditional mills disappearing

With the arrival of modern machines, traditional technology like traditional mills is fast vanishing from the rural areas of Sindhuli. Teacher Lekh Bahadur Basnet of Golanjor Rural Municipality–5 remembers a time when such mills, colloquially called Kol, were an absolute necessity for each house. “You could not grind sugarcanes, lemons and mustard seeds without them,” he said, adding, “But now, newer and easier alternatives are available and as a result, the present generation prefer not...

NC’s 14th general convention starting today

The 14th general convention of the ruling Nepali Congress is beginning here on Friday. The convention will elect a new leadership of the party for a term of four years. Prime Minister and NC president Sher Bahadur Deuba will inaugurate the general convention at Bhrikutimandap at 2 pm on Friday.

Exemplary Rebuilding

It is a matter of pride that Nepal has made a remarkable progress in the post-quake reconstruction despite a myriad of challenges. The government had set up the National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) on December 25, 2015 following the big earthquake to give an impetus to the reconstruction campaign. The NRA was entrusted with the responsibilities of rebuilding private houses, heritages, educational institutions, health facilities, bridges and other vital infrastruct

Media As Human Rights Watchdog

Media are the frontline defenders of human rights. Though there were instances in which the media outlets were misused for spreading misinformation and reinforcing discrimination, the major thrust of professional journalism is to protect people's rights. The overarching news factor is about the general people. Hence, the news is people. News is about the miseries and plights of the common people. It is about ensuring their access to all the basic needs, including social justice.

Democracy Summit: Manufacturing Consent?

A propaganda system will consistently portray people abused in enemy states as worthy victims, whereas those treated with equal or greater severity by its own government or clients will be unworthy,” write Noam Chomsky and Edward S. Herman in their book “Manufacturing Consent.” The great rising power at present is China; the natural reaction for the US would be to see the end of its rise, as President Joe Biden had claimed “will not happen under my watch.” The US will readily employ...

Democracy Or Mobocracy?

It was the first week of October 2019 when an undergraduate student in Bangladesh named Abrar Fahad had made a post on Facebook. The post criticised Sheikh Hasina’s government for signing its river water sharing treaty with India. And just this one post was enough to take away Fahad’s life.

Democracy must deliver on people’s aspirations: PM

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba Thursday participated in the Leader’s Summit for Democracy hosted virtually by Joe Biden, the President of the United States. Speaking in the Summit, Prime Minister Deuba shared Nepal’s experiences in the journey of democracy and democratic transformation.