Kathmandu: The Supreme Court of Nepal has issued an interim order instructing the government not to use the term 'Janayuddha' (People's War) in official documents. The decision, made by the Constitutional Bench on December 11, was certified by the court on Thursday.



The order follows a writ petition filed by Gyanendra Raj Aran, challenging the inclusion of the term "People's War" in budget statements of the federal and Madhesh provincial governments. The petitioner argued that the term contradicts the Constitution, particularly its preamble and Article 42(5).



The bench, comprising Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut and Justices Sapana Pradhan Malla, Kumar Regmi, Hari Prasad Phuyal, and Manoj Kumar Sharma, ruled that the term is inconsistent with constitutional principles and directed its removal.

Supreme Court issues interim order barring use of 'Janayuddha' term

Kathmandu: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has urged the global adoption of a feminism-oriented foreign policy to foster equality and protect the rights of marginalized groups, particularly the LGBTQI+ community.



In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on Wednesday, Dr. Rana highlighted the potential of such a policy to drive inclusivity, justice, and global reconciliation. She made the remarks during her address at the Equal Rights Coalition Conference in Berlin, Germany, on Tuesday.



"A feminist foreign policy confronts patriarchal systems of power and exclusion," Dr. Rana explained. "It prioritizes inclusion, empathy, and equality, advancing human security and ensuring that diplomatic relations are grounded in fairness for all."



Dr. Rana framed feminist foreign policy as a tool for reconciliation and inclusivity, emphasizing its role in defending the rights of sexual and gender minorities (SGM). She called for a renewed global commitment to feminist policies that respect and protect the sensitivities of these communities, advocating for a world rooted in justice and equality.



The Minister also stressed that meaningful change cannot be achieved through surface-level reforms. "It’s essential that policies embrace true equality, which can help shift societal values and norms," she stated.



In addition, Dr. Rana praised Nepal's efforts in championing SGM rights, noting the country’s role as a leader in South Asia. Reflecting on her participation in a panel titled Pathways to LGBTQI+ Inclusion in National Laws and Policies, she highlighted Nepal’s trailblazing progress, especially following the 2007 Supreme Court ruling that legally recognized the SGM community and ordered the revision of discriminatory laws. This decision made Nepal the first country in South Asia to legalize same-sex marriage.



Through her remarks at the conference, Dr. Rana underscored Nepal’s position as a regional leader in LGBTQI+ rights and reiterated the importance of international collaboration to ensure the protection and inclusion of marginalized groups worldwide.

Foreign Minister calls for feminism-oriented foreign policy to promote equality

Kathmandu: Minister for Home Affairs, Ramesh Lekhak, has assured that the government will ensure consensus from all political parties to amend the Constitution, emphasizing the importance of this amendment for strengthening Nepal’s federal democratic republic and promoting inclusion. Speaking at a press meet organized by the Nepal Press Union, Chitwan chapter, today, Lekhak stated that while preliminary discussions have already begun, the constitutional amendment will not be solely determined by two political parties.



"The amendment process will involve broad consensus, not just the views of the Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN (UML)," he said, referring to the two largest parties in Parliament. He added that the government’s primary aim is to promote political stability, curb corruption, strengthen good governance, foster economic growth, and expedite development.



In his address, Lekhak reaffirmed that the current political alliance between the NC and UML, which formed the coalition government, remains intact and will continue until the next general election in 2084 BS. He dismissed any speculation about rifts within the alliance, stating that the coalition is committed to achieving long-term stability.



On another front, Minister Lekhak emphasized the government’s commitment to safeguarding human rights. He specifically addressed the ongoing legal proceedings involving Rabi Lamichhane, the chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, clarifying that the government holds no 'revenge' motive in the case. "The investigation is a legal matter, and it is not appropriate to question the legal proceedings," Lekhak said.



Meanwhile, Nepali Congress Spokesperson Prakash Sharan Mahat, speaking at a separate press meet organized by the NPU in Parsa today, advised the government to carefully consider the need for foreign loans. Mahat, who previously served as Finance Minister, highlighted the financial challenges Nepal faces in repaying loans taken after the COVID-19 pandemic.



"The government should only seek external loans based on genuine need," Mahat urged, stressing the importance of prioritizing investments in productive sectors to support economic growth. He also cautioned against taking on "unnecessary loans" from neighboring countries, urging a strategic approach to borrowing in order to avoid exacerbating the nation’s debt burden.

Home Minister Lekhak assures consensus on constitutional amendment

Kathmandu: The Government of Nepal has announced a ban on commercial helicopter flights in the Sagarmatha National Park, effective from January 1, 2025 (17 Poush 2081). The decision was made following a meeting between the park authorities, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, the Central Region Management Committee, and local stakeholders.



In a letter sent to all helicopter companies on Wednesday, the Sagarmatha National Park informed them of the new regulation, which prohibits commercial helicopter operations in the park area, except for emergencies, rescue operations, and transportation of goods. The move aims to preserve the park's natural environment and minimize the impact of tourism-related activities.



The decision comes after growing concerns about the environmental and ecological impact of frequent helicopter flights, which have been a common mode of transport for trekkers and mountaineers in the region. The new restrictions will help mitigate these concerns while still allowing flights for essential services like rescue and cargo transport.



The Sagarmatha National Park, home to Mount Everest, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major attraction for both local and international visitors.

Nepal govt bans commercial helicopter flights in Sagarmatha National Park

Kathmandu: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a corruption case against Chhabilal Kunwar, an Inspector with the Armed Police Force (APF), over allegations of using a fraudulent educational certificate to secure a government job.



Kunwar, who previously served at the APF’s No-29 Battalion Headquarters in Dang, resigned following the initiation of the investigation. The CIAA has accused him of submitting a fake educational qualification certificate to land his job. According to CIAA Spokesperson Narahari Ghimire, Kunwar presented a document claiming that he had passed the high school level examination under the Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (Board of High School and Intermediate Education, UP).



The corruption case, which has been filed at the Special Court, accuses Kunwar of securing his position in the government service and obtaining promotions and other benefits based on the fraudulent certificate.

CIAA files corruption case against APF Inspector over fake education certificate

Kathmandu: Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration, Raj Kumar Gupta, announced that discussions have officially begun on amending the Civil Service Act, a long-pending issue in Nepal's legislature. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Gupta revealed that the State Affairs Committee under the House of Representatives has initiated deliberations on the proposed amendments, which have been in discussion since Sunday.



Gupta noted that a total of 1,583 amendment proposals have been registered for the bill, indicating the complexity and depth of the discussions. "Given the large number of proposals, this bill requires regular and thorough discussions," he said.



The Civil Service Act amendment bill, which has been pending for nearly nine years, is now expected to be tabled in the upcoming parliamentary session. The government is keen to advance the bill, which aims to address various concerns related to Nepal's civil service structure and functioning.



Source: Rashtriya Samachar Samiti

Discussion begins on amending Civil Service Act, Minister Gupta says

Kathmandu: Two key security agencies under Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs, Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force, have warned that they cannot maintain peace and security without urgent procurement of essential weapons, vehicles, and training equipment. The heads of these agencies made the statement during a discussion on police performance held at the Ministry of Home Affairs on November 29.



Nepal Police IGP Basanta Bahadur Kunwar emphasized that the police force faces critical shortages in ammunition and training equipment, which hampers their ability to respond to protests, demonstrations, and other security challenges. Similarly, Armed Police Force IGP Raju Aryal highlighted the challenges in securing the Nepal-India border, noting that inadequate weaponry and vehicles leave personnel vulnerable to attacks.



Both IGPs urged the government to change its policy on procurement, citing an ongoing crisis due to the lack of resources for over eight years. The police have also raised concerns over outdated vehicles and equipment, with many units waiting for new supplies for years. The Nepal Police has particularly struggled with crowd control tools, such as shields and tear gas canisters, which are often outdated and ineffective in handling public unrest.



In response, National Planning Commission Vice Chairman Shivraj Adhikari suggested that the government allow security forces to purchase essential equipment, even if it requires adjusting the national budget. Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi acknowledged the shortage, stressing the need for essential equipment to maintain peace and security.



Despite Cabinet approval in 2022 for the purchase of shotguns and pistols, procurement has yet to occur, leaving the police force with inadequate resources. Sources at Nepal Police Headquarters revealed that expired tear gas, which poses health risks, is still being used to control crowds due to the lack of new supplies.



The security agencies have called for immediate action to address these gaps, warning that the lack of proper equipment could undermine efforts to ensure public safety and border security.

Nepal Police and Armed Police Force warn of security risks due to equipment shortages

Kathmandu: The Election Commission has announced that it will begin voter registration across all provinces and districts starting this Sunday. The process had been postponed following the completion of the by-elections, but with the results now finalized, the Commission is set to resume regular voter list registration and updates, according to spokesperson Nita Pokharel Aryal.



To register, individuals must provide their citizenship, and if their registered address on the citizenship differs from their current residence, they will need to present proof of marriage or residence change. The Commission has also stated that voter registration can be done online via its website, allowing citizens to register even from districts outside their current locality.



Alongside new registrations, the Commission will also correct errors, remove duplicate entries, and update records for deaths or changes in residency, starting this Sunday.

Election Commission to resume voter registration nationwide starting sunday

Kathmandu: Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck returned to Bhutan on Friday following a brief stopover in Kathmandu. The King, who had arrived in the Nepali capital earlier in the day, was seen off by Nepal’s Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba at Tribhuvan International Airport.



Wangchuck, who was in Nepal as part of an unofficial visit, took time to visit and offer prayers at two of Kathmandu’s most iconic religious sites—Swayambhunath (also known as the Monkey Temple) and Bauddhanath Stupa.



His visit to Nepal came after an official trip to India, and he was on his way back to Bhutan when he made the brief stop in Kathmandu.

Bhutanese King Wangchuck departs Kathmandu after brief stopover

Kathmandu: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck of Bhutan are set to arrive in Nepal on Friday for a private visit, following their official trip to India. The royal couple is expected to spend approximately three to four hours in Kathmandu.



After completing their official visit to India, the Bhutanese monarchs will fly to Nepal from New Delhi, where they are scheduled to leave at 8:00 AM on Friday. They are expected to arrive in Kathmandu at around 9:30 AM.



The King and Queen of Bhutan will be in India from December 5 to 6, where they are slated to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to a statement by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the royal couple will arrive in New Delhi at 9:10 AM (Indian Standard Time) on Thursday, December 7. Their meeting with Prime Minister Modi is scheduled for 11:30 AM on the same day.



In addition, Bhutan’s King and Queen will hold a courtesy meeting with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at 3:30 PM on Thursday at the Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi.



Following their brief visit to Nepal, the royal couple will return to Bhutan.

Bhutan’s King and Queen to arrive in Nepal for private visit on Friday

Kathmandu: Shmulik Arie Bass, the newly appointed Israeli Ambassador to Nepal, confirmed on Thursday that Bipin Joshi, a Nepali national who was abducted by Hamas militants during the October 7 attacks, is alive.



Speaking at a press conference in Kathmandu, Ambassador Bass revealed that intelligence gathered from Arab sources indicated that Joshi is still among the hostages being held by Hamas, though his exact location remains unclear.



“Arab sources have informed us that Bipin Joshi is alive. Unfortunately, we still do not know where he is or in what condition he is being held,” said Bass. “We continue to hope for his safe return to Nepal, as we do for all those still in captivity.”



The ambassador’s remarks come nearly two months after the shocking events of October 7, when Hamas militants launched a brutal attack targeting the Nova Music Festival in Israel. The attack left 10 Nepali students dead, and Joshi was one of the few to be taken hostage. His abduction has since sparked widespread concern among his family and the Nepali community at large.



Ambassador Bass acknowledged the emotional toll the situation has had on Joshi’s family, expressing empathy and solidarity. “I can only imagine the pain and uncertainty his family must be feeling. But it is also important to recognize that there are many others like Bipin who are still awaiting their release,” he remarked.



In a broader context, Bass highlighted that over 100 foreign nationals, including both Israelis and internationals, are still in the custody of Hamas. He urged the international community to remain focused on securing the release of all hostages, underscoring that the situation remains deeply complex.



In the aftermath of the October 7 attack, the Israeli government has been providing financial support to the families of the Nepali victims, just as it has to the families of Israeli citizens who lost their lives. Bass also expressed hope that, once the situation stabilizes, the 'Earn and Learn' program for Nepali students in Israel would resume.



"The Israeli government is committed to supporting the families affected, and we are hopeful that Nepali students will once again have the opportunity to learn and earn in Israel once this conflict is over," Bass concluded.



At present, Nepal has paused sending agricultural students to Israel due to the ongoing conflict, which pits Israel against both Hamas and Hezbollah. However, Bass pointed out that students from other nations, including Malawi, Congo, and Thailand, are already returning to Israel under the same program. "Israeli farm owners are eager for Nepali students to come back, and we look forward to that happening soon," he added.

Israeli Ambassador to Nepal confirms Nepali abductee Bipin Joshi is alive

Kathmandu: President Ram Chandra Paudel has successfully undergone prostate surgery at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) in Kathmandu. The surgery, which was performed on Wednesday, was a Bipolar TURP procedure, utilizing modern medical technology.



Dr. Ghanshyam Gurung, the executive director of TUTH, confirmed the successful completion of the surgery and assured the public that President Paudel’s health condition is stable.



The president had been admitted to the hospital for prostate treatment, and the procedure was carried out without complications.

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