The parliamentary session starting from Chaitra 19 is the first after the Falgun 21 elections. In this session, the House of Representatives will elect the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
 

Kathmandu —  

Monday's meeting of the Council of Ministers has decided to recommend to President Ram Chandra Poudel to convene a session of the Federal Parliament. 

According to government spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel, a decision has been made to recommend convening sessions of the National Assembly and the House of Representatives of the federal parliament to be held at 2 pm on Chaitra 19. 

The Cabinet meeting was held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers at 4 pm on Monday. The first session of the House of Representatives after the election is about to be held. In this session, the House of Representatives will elect the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. According to the provisions of the constitution, the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker must be held within 15 days of the first session after the election. 

The report prepared by the committee formed by the then Prime Minister Sushila Karki on December 21, called for making necessary legal arrangements to reduce the number of ministries in the province to seven.

Kathmandu - The good governance roadmap prepared by the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has called for limiting the number of ministries in the provinces to seven to reduce administrative costs.

Based on the essence of the constitution and an objective analysis of the workload, it has been asked to make necessary legal arrangements to keep the number of provincial ministries within 7. The report prepared by the committee formed by the then Prime Minister Sushila Karki on 14 Poush has asked to make necessary legal arrangements to reduce the number of ministries in the province to 7. The committee led by Secretary to the Prime Minister's Office, Govinda Bahadur Karki, has prepared the Good Governance Road Map-2082.

The Immigration Department blacklisted Bhatta on Monday based on a letter from the Money Laundering Investigation Department.

Kathmandu — Controversial businessman Deepak Bhatta has been blacklisted by the Immigration Department as a detailed investigation into money laundering offences intensifies. The Immigration Department blacklisted Bhatta on Monday based on a letter from the Money Laundering Investigation Department. Two officials from the Money Laundering Investigation Department and the Immigration Department confirmed that Bhatta had been blacklisted. 

"Bhatt has been blacklisted as a detailed investigation into money laundering has begun," an official said. "Bhatt has been blacklisted in view of the possibility of his absconding. Now, if he has to go abroad, he will have to seek government approval."

Bhatta has been banned from traveling abroad after being blacklisted by the immigration authorities. People on the immigration blacklist are not allowed to travel abroad without prior approval from the relevant investigating agency or the Government of Nepal.

Ashiq Hussain Sheikh, Doha, Qatar – Saptari Sewa Samaj Qatar has provided financial assistance of 31,300 (thirty-one thousand three hundred) Nepalese rupees to support the treatment of Yasmin Khatun, who is battling a serious health problem.

After receiving information that the patients were facing difficulties in raising treatment expenses, the organization's chairman Anwarul Haque initiated a special initiative to collect the funds. The program to hand over the collected funds was recently completed.

The handover ceremony was attended by the organization's office bearers, members and representatives of the local Nepali community. In his address on the occasion, Chairman Haque said, "It is our social responsibility to fulfill our responsibility towards the citizens of our homeland even while living abroad. Supporting each other in times of crisis is the true human value." He said that the main objective of the society is to serve humanity and contribute to the well-being of the community.

It is believed that the financial assistance provided to Yasmin Khatun will provide immediate relief in her treatment. The society officials expressed their commitment to continue such initiatives to increase mutual support and unity within the community.

Saptari Service Society Qatar: Organization Introduction and Contribution

Saptari Sewa Samaj Qatar is an active social organization in Qatar, whose main objective is to promote a sense of unity, cooperation, and goodwill among Nepalis living abroad.

Since its inception, the organization has been continuously contributing to areas such as health, education, cultural programs, disaster relief, and emergency financial assistance. The organization aims to bring positive change in society through programs such as improving the living standards of Nepali expatriates, developing leadership among youth, and empowering women.

The members of the organization have been continuously working to spread a sense of cooperation, mutual respect, and social responsibility within the community. Providing immediate financial, social, and moral support to families and individuals in crisis is a special area of ​​​​work of this organization.

The organization has pledged to continue such humanitarian work while remaining active in social responsibility in the future. This has further strengthened the efforts to strengthen social harmony and unity within the Nepali diaspora community.

Dolore qui tenetur m.

Gyan Bahadur Shahi, a member of the House of Representatives elected from Jumla and leader of the RPP parliamentary party, has submitted a nine-point letter to Prime Minister Balendra Shah.

Kathmandu - Gyan Bahadur Shahi, a member of the House of Representatives elected from Jumla and leader of the RPP parliamentary party, has submitted a nine-point letter to Prime Minister Balendra Shah.

Prime Minister Shah had called all the MPs elected to the House of Representatives from Karnali Province for a meeting of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers for discussion. In that meeting, the development plans of Karnali Province and the needs there were discussed. At that program, RPP MP Shahi submitted a 9-point letter of work to be done for the development of Karnali.  

Prime Minister Shah had clearly stated to the lawmakers elected to the House of Representatives from Karnali Province that the government is committed to the sustainable and inclusive development of Karnali Province. Prime Minister Shah had told the lawmakers that he would provide necessary policy and structural support. During the meeting with the lawmakers, detailed discussions were held on the overall development of Karnali Province, expansion of infrastructure, improvement of the education and health sectors, employment creation and proper utilization of local resources, the participating lawmakers informed.

The memorandum submitted by RPP MP Shahi to Prime Minister Shah is as follows:

Preparations are underway for the disciplinary committee to take action after Purna Bahadur Khadka, in his capacity as the 'acting president', issued a statement using the party's letterhead.

The second cabinet meeting is scheduled to be held on Monday after the government was formed under the leadership of senior RSP leader Balendra Shah.

Kathmandu - A meeting of the Council of Ministers has been called. This is the second cabinet meeting to be held on Monday after the government was formed under the leadership of senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Balendra Shah. 

According to sources in the Prime Minister's Office, a cabinet meeting has been called for Monday at 4 pm. The meeting has been called at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar. 

The first meeting of the Council of Ministers was held on Chaitra 13. On the same day, 14 ministers took oath along with Prime Minister Shah. 

The first meeting of the Council of Ministers approved 100 agenda items related to governance reforms. 

A US lawmaker is calling on King Charles to meet the survivors of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein when the monarch visits the US.

While not officially confirmed, the King and Queen Camilla are reportedly planning a visit at the end of April.

Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna, who co-sponsored a law that compelled the US justice department to release the Epstein files last year, is calling on the King to privately meet victims to hear from them directly about "how powerful individuals and institutions failed them".

"As you are aware, this is not solely an American matter," Khanna wrote in a letter to the King on Monday.

At a program organized to congratulate the newly elected MPs on Monday, he urged them to fulfill their role in Parliament by keeping the party's history, ideals, and the interests of the people at the center.

Kathmandu - Outgoing former Vice President of the Nepali Congress, Purna Bahadur Khadka, has urged the lawmakers to play an effective role despite the Congress's low presence in Parliament after the elections. 

At a program organized to congratulate the newly elected MPs on Monday, he urged them to play their role in the parliament by keeping the party's history, ideals and the interests of the people at the center. He said that they can enter the parliament because the issue of constitutional amendment has been raised. He also urged the party's MPs not to compromise on nationality, self-respect and fundamental rights of the constitution. He said that although they have also raised the issue of constitutional amendment, no progress has been made on it. 

"The issue of constitutional amendment is also being prepared to enter the parliament. Although we had agreed to make constitutional amendment the main issue when forming the previous government, we could not move forward in that direction," he said. "Those issues will still come to the fore. In that, we have focused on our ideals, principles, our values, our country's nationality, our self-respect, and the fundamental rights of our constitution, which are focused on making the Nepali people sovereign and empowered. Without compromising on those core issues, we will be with you jointly outside and inside the parliament on behalf of the Nepali Congress when the constitutional amendment process moves forward based on our experience to date. You will play your role by keeping the party's ideas, history, and ideals at the center, and by keeping the interests of the nation and the people at the center."

King Charles and Queen Camilla will meet US President Donald Trump in late April, as a state visit to the United States has been confirmed by Buckingham Palace.

On the way back, the King will pay a visit to Bermuda, a British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic.

The US trip has been expected for some time, but such visits are carried out on behalf of the UK government - and an official announcement appeared to have been waiting for a gap in the political tensions over the Iran war.

Details of the itinerary in the US have still to be released, but it will include Washington, in what will be the first UK state visit to the US since Queen Elizabeth II's visit in 2007.

The visit will include a state dinner at the White House and the King will deliver an address to Congress.

The US marks its 250th anniversary of independence this year - and that will be a significant focus of the trip, with Buckingham Palace saying the trip will "celebrate the historic connections and the modern bilateral relationship" between the countries.

At least 19 people have died after police opened fire on Gen Z-led protests in Kathmandu and other cities on Monday. Youths took to the street in various towns including Kathmandu, Pokhara, Butwal, Bhairahawa, Bharatpur, Itahari and Damak against corruption and the recent ban on social media platforms.

About 21 kilometres from Sydney’s central business district, Long Reef is a picture-perfect expanse of white sand on the Northern Beaches. The Long Reef Aquatic Reserve is surrounded by a number of underwater shipwrecks. The Manly ferries Dee Why and Bellubera were among the numerous vessels intentionally sunk off Long Reef Aquatic Reserve in the 1970s and 1980s in order to build artificial reefs. A large south swell can create a stunning wave up to five metres on the offshore reef in the north (the Long Reef Bombora), which begins to break at around one metre. Surfers at all levels will enjoy the beach breaks created by dependable sandbanks. You have a good chance of finding a decent wave to yourself during the workday.

With reefs that break to the left and right, Long Reef offers fairly consistent surfing conditions. When there is a roaring north-easter that blows across the beach in an offshore breeze, making the waves smooth and very rideable, then is the perfect time to go out.

UML MP Rajendra Rai had told Prime Minister Shah, "Party chairman and former Prime Minister KP Oli has been arrested in retaliation. The government should release him immediately, I demand his immediate release."

KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 17

Kaski Police has submitted an investigation report with the District Government Attorney's Office against Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane in a case involving cooperative fraud, organised crime, and money laundering.

According to spokesperson of Kaski Police Basant Kumar Sharma, the police have recommended charging 51 people, including Lamichhane, former deputy inspector general of police Chhabi Lal Joshi, Ram Prasad Khanal, and Lila Pachhai, with cooperative savings embezzlement, organised crime, and money laundering.

"We submitted our investigation report, as well as supporting documents from various agencies, to the Government Attorney's Office," he said.

"We filed charges seeking punishment for cooperative fraud, organised crime, and money laundering."

Kamala Kafle, Chief of the District Attorney's Office and Attorney General, confirmed that the investigation report was submitted by the police.

"They have presented a report. There are numerous files. We will need some time to study it," she said.

Lamichhane has been in police custody for nearly 60 days after being arrested in Kathmandu and taken to Pokhara, Kaski.

On Thursday, the Kaski District Court extended the detention period for the seventh time for further investigation.

Kafle stated that they have four days from Tuesday to review the report and make a decision on the case.

She stated that no one can be detained for more than 90 days, and that the case must be filed by Friday.

A legal provision in the ongoing investigation requires that a case against Lamichhane and the other accused be filed within 90 days of the investigation's completion. The 90-day period is said to end on Saturday.

The police submitted the investigation report before the extended investigation period for the case in custody expired.

However, officials have stated that former Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Lamichhane term will be extended until a case against him is filed.

There was a legal provision that would calculate the period of investigation and detention for Lamichhane's case beginning on September 22 with the arrest of Chhabilal Joshi, another Gorkha Media director who was being investigated for the same offence.

Police investigated the defendants in response to a supplementary complaint filed on February 5. Former DIG Joshi and Pachhai were arrested on September 22 and 25, respectively.

Lamichhane was arrested at the party office in Kathmandu on October 18 and transported to Pokhara the same day. Similarly, Khanal was detained on October 25. In addition, all four are being investigated in Chitwan, Rupandehi, Parsa, and Kathmandu.

According to the parliamentary probe committee's report, funds taken from the cooperative were used for television work while Lamichhane served as the responsible executive.

Chapter 18 of the report mentions Lamichhane and states to take legal action against Lamichhane.

The committee's report stated that money from five out of seven cooperatives, including Gitendra Babu (GB) Rai, was illegally brought into Gorkha Media, the company that operates Galaxy Television, to which Lamichhane was previously affiliated.

"The company's directors or shareholders bear primary responsibility in such an organisation. The characters in the roles and responsibilities of shareholders, board members, and managing directors should not ignore their responsibility and liability for the funds received by the company," reads the report.

"After the money of the cooperative's savers was irregularly transferred to Gorkha Media's account, it was discovered that they were involved in the process of spending the money and making it available to the company while the directors GB Rai and member Kumar Ramtel, as well as the then-managing director Rabi Lamichhane and director Chabilal Joshi, were partners in the c

DHANUSHA, DECEMBER 17

Chief Minister of Madhes Province, Satish Kumar Singh, has underlined the need of harsh punishment to those involved in corruption. They deserve life imprisonment, he argued.

During a province level interaction on 'corruption control and good governance' organized by the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) in Janakpurdham on Monday, CM Singh viewed life imprisonment rather than 10-year jail would be appropriate for the corrupt persons.

Present law is insufficient to curb corruption, he said, arguing that it is favouring the politicos and employees for living luxurious life.

He also stressed increase in employee's salary because low salary was one of the reasons behind inciting employees to indulge in bribe and commission seeking. He was also for enforcing the right to information (RTI) effectively to build transparent system.

KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 16

The government has announced plans to honor 35 individuals from the sports fraternity for their exceptional victories in various international competitions.

Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, shared the details while unveiling the decisions made during the Cabinet meetings held last Thursday and Friday.

Among the key resolutions, the government decided to recognize award-winning athletes, their coaches, managers, and physiotherapists who secured medals in international football, karate, and beach volleyball tournaments.

Minister Gurung, who also serves as the government spokesperson, informed that the Cabinet has granted in-principle approval to address issues and compensation related to the under-construction Nagdhunga Tunnel Project.

Other notable decisions include accepting grant assistance of USD 100 million from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the Green, Resilient, and Inclusive Development Programme, as well as a USD 170 million concessional loan and USD 15 million grant from the ADB for improving Kathmandu Valley's drinking water supply system.

The Cabinet also approved a USD 3 million grant from the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific, in addition to an USD 85 million ADB grant for irrigation modernization.

Additional decisions include the appointment of Devraj Dungana as Executive Director of the Security Print Press Centre and the nomination of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Baral and Deepak Raj Sapkota as board members of the Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre.

The government further endorsed the fourth periodic report to be submitted to the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights and approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nepal and India on water, sanitation, and hygiene development projects.

Moreover, the meeting approved the Electronic Good Governance Commission (Formation and Operation) (First Amendment) Order and guidelines for prioritizing domestically produced goods in public offices.

Lastly, the government ratified the Micro, Cottage, and Small Enterprises Promotion Policy, the Industrial and Investment Promotion Fund Operation Procedure, and the National Urban Development Policy 2081 BS.

KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 16

The government has announced plans to honor 35 individuals from the sports fraternity for their exceptional victories in various international competitions.

Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, shared the details while unveiling the decisions made during the Cabinet meetings held last Thursday and Friday.

Among the key resolutions, the government decided to recognize award-winning athletes, their coaches, managers, and physiotherapists who secured medals in international football, karate, and beach volleyball tournaments.

Minister Gurung, who also serves as the government spokesperson, informed that the Cabinet has granted in-principle approval to address issues and compensation related to the under-construction Nagdhunga Tunnel Project.

Other notable decisions include accepting grant assistance of USD 100 million from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the Green, Resilient, and Inclusive Development Programme, as well as a USD 170 million concessional loan and USD 15 million grant from the ADB for improving Kathmandu Valley's drinking water supply system.

The Cabinet also approved a USD 3 million grant from the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific, in addition to an USD 85 million ADB grant for irrigation modernization.

Additional decisions include the appointment of Devraj Dungana as Executive Director of the Security Print Press Centre and the nomination of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Baral and Deepak Raj Sapkota as board members of the Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre.

The government further endorsed the fourth periodic report to be submitted to the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights and approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nepal and India on water, sanitation, and hygiene development projects.

Moreover, the meeting approved the Electronic Good Governance Commission (Formation and Operation) (First Amendment) Order and guidelines for prioritizing domestically produced goods in public offices.

Lastly, the government ratified the Micro, Cottage, and Small Enterprises Promotion Policy, the Industrial and Investment Promotion Fund Operation Procedure, and the National Urban Development Policy 2081 BS.

A traveler took to social media to share their experience using their mobile boarding pass in order to share an important message with fellow travelers.

Titled "Always screenshot your boarding pass from the app," the user wrote in the post, "Call me paranoid, but I take that extra step just in case."

The user went on to explain that a flight attendant approached them upon seating and said they were upgraded.

KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 16

The government has announced plans to honor 35 individuals from the sports fraternity for their exceptional victories in various international competitions.

Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, shared the details while unveiling the decisions made during the Cabinet meetings held last Thursday and Friday.

Among the key resolutions, the government decided to recognize award-winning athletes, their coaches, managers, and physiotherapists who secured medals in international football, karate, and beach volleyball tournaments.

Minister Gurung, who also serves as the government spokesperson, informed that the Cabinet has granted in-principle approval to address issues and compensation related to the under-construction Nagdhunga Tunnel Project.

Other notable decisions include accepting grant assistance of USD 100 million from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the Green, Resilient, and Inclusive Development Programme, as well as a USD 170 million concessional loan and USD 15 million grant from the ADB for improving Kathmandu Valley's drinking water supply system.

The Cabinet also approved a USD 3 million grant from the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific, in addition to an USD 85 million ADB grant for irrigation modernization.

Additional decisions include the appointment of Devraj Dungana as Executive Director of the Security Print Press Centre and the nomination of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Baral and Deepak Raj Sapkota as board members of the Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre.

The government further endorsed the fourth periodic report to be submitted to the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights and approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nepal and India on water, sanitation, and hygiene development projects.

Moreover, the meeting approved the Electronic Good Governance Commission (Formation and Operation) (First Amendment) Order and guidelines for prioritizing domestically produced goods in public offices.

Lastly, the government ratified the Micro, Cottage, and Small Enterprises Promotion Policy, the Industrial and Investment Promotion Fund Operation Procedure, and the National Urban Development Policy 2081 BS.

Kathmandu - Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka's company has yet to pay more than Rs 51.9 million as rent for the building and land used by Nepal Scouts.

The stunning Ilıca Bay in Turkey is opened to visitors by the Swissôtel Resort & Spa Çeşme.

The Swissôtel Resort & Spa Çeşme, which is situated in the centre of Ilıca Bay, Turkey, is a welcome addition to the premium brand portfolio of Accor, a global leader in the hospitality industry. Inspired by the surrounding natural environment and the conviction that time and travel are genuine treasures in life, the November 1, 2023 opening of Swissôtel Resort & Spa Çeşme takes place. 

The new favourite resort of Çeşme
The newest hotel in Ilıca, one of Turkey’s most popular tourist attractions, Swissôtel Resort & Spa Çeşme, will offer distinctive experiences for anyone looking to find themselves and go on a peaceful journey. Çeşme’s new favourite resort.

The resort, which combines Swiss hospitality with the tradition of Çeşme, has 248 modern, comfortable rooms, including 18 suites, all with smart technology and beautifully planned views of the gardens and sea.

Swissôtel Resort & Spa Çeşme is distinguished by its design, which reflects with the vitality of Alpine energy and enhanced by the well-known Swiss style and service.

The conference and event spaces, which range in size from 35 square feet to 625 square feet and can accommodate groups of different sizes, offer 10 large meeting spaces designed to satisfy the needs of every occasion. The decor was inspired by the Alps’ minimalist style.

Paul Stevens Stated:
Paul Stevens, Chief Operating Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, Middle East, Africa & Türkiye at Accor, said: “We are pleased to add Swissôtel Resort & Spa Çeşme to the Accor portfolio while strengthening Swissôtel’s presence in Turkey with this fourth property. The captivating bay in Ilıca sets the stage for a serene escape where guests can recharge and experience Swiss vitality, blended with Turkish hospitality, amidst this beachfront destination.”

“We are redefining relaxation and comfort by offering a truly enriching vacation experience.” Bilal Dilek, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dilek Holding, said: “Swissôtel Resort & Spa Çeşme is a project that has been designed befitting the unique beauty of Çeşme and completed with our conviction that the opening of the hotel will add a distinctive flair to the destination. ”

Our holding is committed to the mission of investing in a better future by protecting nature with our purposeful approach to sustainability and quality service policy, and we are delighted to invest in such a rewarding project that gives back to our community.

With its magnificent views, stylish rooms and food and beverage offerings, Swissôtel Resort & Spa Çeşme ensures guests have a refined experience that is one of a kind. We are delighted to welcome our guests as we anticipate great demand throughout the year.”

Photo Credit: Accor NewsRoom
Combining elegance and nature, 
the Swissôtel Resort & Spa Çeşme offers a one-of-a-kind vacation experience amidst the natural beauty of Ilıca, as well as the healing powers of the nearby thermal springs and the peace of the olive trees. Rich mineral thermal waters and premium Swiss essential oils are combined in Swissôtel’s signature brand, Pürovel Spa & Sport, to create an extraordinary spa experience that transcends physical rejuvenation. 

The resort’s spa is equipped with 10 private treatment rooms, a thermal swimming pool and indoor and outdoor pools, offering guests a revitalizing experience. Swissôtel Resort and Spa Çeşme takes pride in its exceptional sandy beaches that stand as one of the finest in Çeşme, where guests can also enjoy refreshing beverages and soak up the views from the comfort of the pristine shores at the new beach bar.

Gourmet encounters with flavours sourced from around the world.
Swissôtel Resort & Spa Çeşme presents a culinary adventure like no other, offering a diverse range of flavors from around the world. Renowned for its creative dishes, this exquisite resort invites guests to indulge in a gastronomic journey curated by master chefs.

Guests will embark on an exploration of local and international flavors, crafted to tantalize the taste buds. The carefully curated menus showcase the captivating essence of Far Eastern, Italian, and Turkish cuisines. Bellâ Tavola, with its authentic Italian flavors, sets the stage for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Guests can continue their journey with Noida, a showcase of Far Eastern culinary artistry, and savor the half-century-old delicacies of Turkish cuisine at Hamdi.

At Swissôtel Resort & Spa Çeşme, unique experiences await guests at any time of the day. The hotel boasts an array of exceptional bars, including the sophisticated Lobby Lounge and the relaxing Beach Bar.

Swissôtel Residences Çeşme; The freedom of a home, with convenient access to wellness-focused amenities.
Swissôtel Residences Çeşme, which joins other Swissôtel branded residence projects in Turkey, Qatar and Bulgaria, is the first and only branded residence project on Çeşme’s Ilıca Beach. It is located at the centre of this unique landscape, offering homeowners year-round comfort and pleasure.

With 106 luxury residences and extensive facilities dedicated for Residence Owners, this flagship development showcases the essence of Swiss hospitality through its unique architecture, natural materials, sustainability, and is underpinned by Swiss craftsmanship.

Residence Owners at Swissôtel Residences Çeşme will benefit from access to the resort’s services and facilities, while enjoying exclusive benefits from the “Accor Ownership Benefits program”, which offers a range of advantages, perks and exclusive offers including elevated status in Accor’s lifestyle loyalty program, ALL – Accor Live Limitless.

Then, there is the issue of intersectionality.

"This aspect," Gahatraj elaborated, "is very important because, like everybody else, also persons living with disabilities have a whole spectrum of identities. It is not that they consider themselves as only disable."

"What about a citizen living with a psychosocial or developmental disability who also belongs to a historically marginalised and discriminated group? What about a citizen with disability who is also a Dalit?"

This is a complex aspect that must be dealt with if we really want to break the cycle of poverty and discrimination affecting so many citizens with disabilities from marginalised groups.

"Lastly," Gahatraj shared, "we are talking about the revised Act to entail a provision to establish a Disability Commission, but we are also fully conscious that the existing like-minded commissions, established to support vulnerable groups, are not effective at all.

"The national disability community is united in demanding a new body, a sort of High Level Authority that has real power and real teeth to help with the implementation of the revised Act," he said. "Without such powers, we will, once again, fall in the very probable possibility of having a better and stronger Act on paper but no real implementation."

With United States President-elect Donald Trump set to take office on January 20, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday predicted a “degree of unpredictability” for Trump’s second term, but added that when it came to India and the US, strategic ties have only grown over time.

“The advent of the second Trump Administration is obviously a major consideration in business circles. Obviously, the only safe prediction is one of a degree of unpredictability. Different countries have had their own experiences from the first Administration and would presumably draw from that to approach the second. I can state with confidence that the strategic convergences with the United States for India have only grown deeper with time,” Jaishankar said, while addressing the Confederation of Indian Industry’s Partnership Summit in New Delhi.

Minister added that there would always be “some give and take” between the two major economies.

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“When we look at economic or technology domains, the case for trusted and reliable partnerships have actually increased in recent years. A lot of what lies ahead would be in fashioning terms of engagement that are perceived and recognised to be mutually beneficial. And in that regard, the more that India can bring to the table, the stronger will be our appeal,” he said.

ongtime Working People listeners will be familiar with Max and Mel’s extended work discussing the supply chain, the workers who keep that system running day in and day out, and the dangerous and exploitative working conditions that many workers labor under. Our global economy relies on these workers to stay running–and bosses around the world use this pressure as a cudgel against the workers.

In an unexpected twist, Zomato has introduced a limited-time special offer for its Zomato Gold membership, following a storm of online reactions to a recent job post by CEO Deepinder Goyal. While Goyal’s Chief of Staff vacancy caused a stir online due to its unusual requirements, Zomato is now offering customers a chance to grab a six-month Zomato Gold membership for just ₹30.

Deepinder Goyal launched a weekend Zomato Gold offer after his ₹20 lakh job posting sparked debate. (Instagram/deepigoyal)

This deal, however, is only available for this weekend, so customers will need to act fast.

The Election Commission has urged all the voters of various local levels, where the by-elections are being held on Sunday, to exercise their adult franchise in a free and fearless manner.

Issuing a press release on Saturday, the commission has urged voters to cast their votes confidently at designated polling centres from 7 am to 5 pm on Sunday. Voters are encouraged to participate in the voting by selecting their preferred candidate’s electoral symbol.

The commission has stated that all preparations for the upcoming local by-election have been completed.

To facilitate the voting process, voters can present original identification documents, such as voter identity cards, Nepali citizenship certificates, national identity cards, passports, permanent account number (PAN) cards, or driving licences, the commission said. However, it has clarified that voters must be listed in the final electoral roll published by the commission to be eligible to vote.

To ensure a smooth voting process and maintain security, the Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed Chief District Officers in the respective districts to regulate transportation outside designated polling areas. Public holidays have been declared in the concerned local units and wards to facilitate voting.

Nita Pokhrel Aryal, spokesperson for the commission, stated that polling officials and staff have been directed to perform their duties in a responsible way and ensure a fear-free environment for voters. The commission has appealed to political parties, voters, candidates, media personnel, and observers to cooperate in maintaining peace and order at polling centres.

Additionally, the commission has instructed relevant authorities to take legal action against any attempts to disrupt the electoral process and ensure its smooth completion in accordance with prevailing laws.

election-commission-urges-voters-for-participation-in-by-election-without-fear

The government has announced plans to honor 35 individuals from the sports fraternity for their exceptional victories in various international competitions.

Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, shared the details while unveiling the decisions made during the Cabinet meetings held last Thursday and Friday.

Among the key resolutions, the government decided to recognize award-winning athletes, their coaches, managers, and physiotherapists who secured medals in international football, karate, and beach volleyball tournaments.

Minister Gurung, who also serves as the government spokesperson, informed that the Cabinet has granted in-principle approval to address issues and compensation related to the under-construction Nagdhunga Tunnel Project.

Other notable decisions include accepting grant assistance of USD 100 million from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the Green, Resilient, and Inclusive Development Programme, as well as a USD 170 million concessional loan and USD 15 million grant from the ADB for improving Kathmandu Valley's drinking water supply system.

The Cabinet also approved a USD 3 million grant from the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific, in addition to an USD 85 million ADB grant for irrigation modernization.

Additional decisions include the appointment of Devraj Dungana as Executive Director of the Security Print Press Centre and the nomination of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Baral and Deepak Raj Sapkota as board members of the Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre.

The government further endorsed the fourth periodic report to be submitted to the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights and approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nepal and India on water, sanitation, and hygiene development projects.

Moreover, the meeting approved the Electronic Good Governance Commission (Formation and Operation) (First Amendment) Order and guidelines for prioritizing domestically produced goods in public offices.

Lastly, the government ratified the Micro, Cottage, and Small Enterprises Promotion Policy, the Industrial and Investment Promotion Fund Operation Procedure, and the National Urban Development Policy 2081 BS.

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He also stressed increase in employee's salary because low salary was one of the reasons behind inciting employees to indulge in bribe and commission seeking. He was also for enforcing the right to information (RTI) effectively to build transparent system.

On the occasion, Commissioner at CIAA, Jay Bahadur Chand, however, said those complaining about the unidentified complaints were against good governance. If the unidentified complaints are stopped, it would fuel corruption, according to him.