KATHMANDU: The ruling communist party on Monday issued what it called its “Official Position” on the political situation in Venezuela, which some party insiders say was completely unnecessary but that it had to come as an attempt to prevent further damage to its relationship with the United States.
This is the third statement on the unfolding crisis in the Latin American nation within a span of two weeks–the first was from a top leader of the Nepal Communist Party (NCP), Puspa Kamal Dahal, on January 25 and the second from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on January 29. The Kathmandu Post has reported this news.
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The Himalayan Times English daily newspaper has given a coverage to the Nepali National Cricket Team who returned home yesterday wrapping up their UAE tour.
Nepal national cricketers today received heroes’ welcome at Tribhuvan International Airport upon arrival after a historic double – winning both one One Day International and Twenty20 International series against the United Arab Emirates in Dubai, reported The Himalayan Times under the headline ‘Triumphant cricketers return to heroes’ welcome.
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Even as the country marked World Cancer Day on Monday, hundreds of cancer patients visiting Bir hospital remain hard hit as the country’s biggest hospital has failed to install its new radiotherapy machine, which was brought to Nepal back in May, reported Republica with the headline Cancer patients suffer as Bir Hospital struggles to install US$ 4.1m ouotfit.
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Even though the government served a letter of termination to the Italian contractor of Melamchi Water Supply Project on December 20, it has continued communication with Cooperativa Muratori e Cementisti di Ravenna, as officials look clueless about how they are going to take national pride forward.
The much talked-about water project has been in limbo for more than one-and -a-half months after the staff of the Italian builder left Nepal following a midnight drama on December 16 when they were apprehended by police and later released, reported The Kathmandu Post with the headline Melamchi contract with Italian firm ends but government is still in talks.
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Parliament’s State Affairs Committee (SAC) has agreed to a provision that Non-Resident Nepalis (NRN) must come to Nepal to apply for NRN citizenship. The committee members have agreed to amend the original bill and provision that applications fro NRN citizenship shall be filed at the offices concerned under the Home Ministry. The committee has, however, failed to forge consensus on whether knowledge of the Nepali language should be made mandatory for those applying for NRN citizenship, reported Republica with the headline NO NRN citizenships through Nepali mission abroad.
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Naya Patrika Nepali daily has reported that the sale of mobile, automobile, steel, cement and alcohol has declined. According to the report, the sale of steel and cement has declined by 8 percent, mobile by 60 percent, alcohol by 25 percent while the sale of automobile has gone down by 50 percent.
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The government on Monday introduced a new bill with provisions that bar individuals from advertising. Intended to restrict people from the freedom of speech and expression, the bill sentences individuals to five years in jail along with a fine of Rs 500,000 for advertising. (Nagarik daily)
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