Author: Onu Akter

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day (IWD) on Saturday, Nepal joins the movement with a strong focus on gender equality and empowerment. Under the theme “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” various programs and discussions are being organized nationwide to highlight the progress and challenges Nepali women continue to face. Progress in Women’s Empowerment Nepal has made significant strides in women’s empowerment, particularly after the 2006 political movement. The country’s Constitution has introduced key provisions ensuring equal rights for women. Over the past decade, women have risen to leadership positions, including the President, Speaker, and Chief Justice.…

Kathmandu– Nepal has requested India’s financial, economic, and technical insights regarding the viability of the 141-km Raxaul-Kathmandu railway line, which aims to establish a direct link between the Indian border city and the Nepalese capital. India and Nepal recently held the 9th Project Steering Committee (PSC) and the 7th Joint Working Group (JWG) meetings on February 27-28 in New Delhi. These meetings focused on reviewing the implementation of ongoing cross-border railway projects and overall bilateral cooperation in the railway sector. Concerns Over Financial Viability Sushil Babu Dhakal, Joint Secretary at Nepal’s Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transportation, who led the…

The influence of ‘legacy politics’ in the Nepali Congress is diminishing. Traditionally, descendants of prominent leaders such as BP Koirala, Mahendra Narayan Nidhi, Ganeshman Singh, and Girija Prasad Koirala have played significant roles in the party’s leadership. However, in recent years, their impact has weakened as internal party dynamics shift. The upcoming 15th General Convention highlights this transition, where political heirs struggle to maintain their influence. Many believe that while political legacy can be an asset, it is no longer the sole determinant of leadership success within the party. The Historical Impact of Legacy Politics BP Koirala, Nepal’s first elected…

KATHMANDU: Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ Chairman of the Maoist Center and leader of its parliamentary party, is set to address today’s House of Representatives (HoR) session. His speech is expected to focus on six ordinances recently issued by the government, which will be tabled for approval during the meeting. Prachanda’s address comes at a crucial time as Nepal’s political landscape continues to witness significant discussions on governance, economic policies, and legislative measures. While other senior leaders from major political parties voiced their perspectives during the winter session of Parliament on January 31, Prachanda did not take part in that round…

Kathmandu: Budhanilakantha Municipality has taken a significant step toward securing UNESCO World Heritage status for the revered Budhanilakantha Temple. The historic temple, home to the iconic reclining statue of Lord Vishnu, is a cornerstone of Nepal’s rich cultural and religious heritage. Recognizing its historical and architectural value, local authorities have initiated discussions to support its inclusion in the prestigious list. Why Budhanilakantha Temple Deserves UNESCO Recognition The Budhanilakantha Temple, located at the foothills of the Shivapuri National Park, is renowned for its massive stone-carved statue of Lord Vishnu resting on a bed of serpents. Believed to have been sculpted during…

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that accelerates skin cell production, leading to thick, scaly patches on the skin. While it is not contagious, it can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Managing psoriasis effectively involves understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options. What is Psoriasis? Psoriasis is a condition where skin cells multiply up to ten times faster than normal. This overproduction leads to an accumulation of cells on the skin’s surface, forming inflamed, red, or purplish patches covered with silvery or gray scales. The condition commonly affects areas such as the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back,…

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative joint condition, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling that can significantly impact mobility. This chronic disease primarily affects the knees, hips, spine, and hands, making everyday movements challenging for millions worldwide. What is Osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is often referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis because it results from the gradual breakdown of cartilage, the protective tissue that cushions joints. As cartilage deteriorates, bones may rub against each other, leading to pain and inflammation. While it can affect any joint, OA is most common in weight-bearing areas like the hips, knees, and spine. Types of…

The US dollar, which reached a record high in the Nepalese forex market on Tuesday, has slightly declined in value today. According to the latest exchange rates published by the Nepal Rastra Bank, the greenback has become cheaper compared to its peak price yesterday. US Dollar Loses Value After Hitting Record High On Tuesday, the US dollar soared to its highest-ever price in Nepal, with a buying rate of NPR 139.20 and a selling rate of NPR 139.80. However, as of Wednesday, the exchange rate has fallen slightly. The new rates set by the central bank show that the buying…

KATHMANDU: Nepal’s weather patterns are currently being influenced by westerly winds, bringing changes across various regions of the country. According to the Weather Forecasting Division, different provinces are experiencing varying weather conditions, with mist, fog, and potential light precipitation in some areas. Current Weather Conditions Across Nepal Westerly winds are affecting Nepal’s weather, creating a mix of partly cloudy and clear skies across different regions. The hilly regions of Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces are experiencing partial cloud cover, while the rest of the country enjoys mostly clear skies. However, the lowlands, particularly the Terai region, are witnessing dense mist…

KATHMANDU: In a significant step towards combating cervical cancer, the Ministry of Health and Population has launched a nationwide campaign providing free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations to girls aged 10 to 14. The campaign, which coincides with World Cancer Day, officially begins today and will run until February 18, 2025. A Major Public Health Initiative Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in Nepal. The government’s latest vaccination drive aims to protect young girls from the virus that causes nearly all cervical cancer cases. According to health officials, this initiative is a critical measure…