KATHMANDU: The government last week outlined 40 goals in its 16th plan, spanning from fiscal year 2081/82 to 2085/86, aimed at fostering prosperity.

Scheduled for implementation from the upcoming Shrawan, the plan was set to guide Nepal’s development over the next five years.

Among the key targets, the government aimed for an economic growth rate of 7.1 percent by the conclusion of fiscal year 2085/86, with a GDP reaching 2381 and a per capita income (PCI) of 2413 US dollars.

Over the course of these five years, the plan envisioned an average economic growth rate of 6.6 percent.

The 16th plan encompassed 40 goals, comprising 10 related to good governance, 10 focused on social justice, and 20 aimed at fostering prosperity.

Likewise, voting for the House of Representatives by-election was conducted in Ilam constituency-2 on Saturday.

The voting process proceeded peacefully across 149 polling centers. A total of 19 candidates, including seven independents, vied for the seat, necessitated by the unfortunate passing of Subash Chandra Nembang, the former HoR member from the constituency, on September 12, 2023.

In another events last week, former Minister Mohammad Aftab Alam was sentenced to life imprisonment in connection with the Rajapur bomb incident.

The District Court of Rautahat issued the order for Alam’s life imprisonment, following a conviction in the murder case.

Meanwhile, Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who visited Nepal last week, pledged further efforts for the release of Nepali youth Bipin Joshi, abducted by Hamas militants in Israel last October.

Alam was accused of involvement in the production of explosives and offenses related to murder, allegations which he consistently denied.

Eleven individuals were charged in connection with the crime, with ten, including Alam, accused of burning those injured in a bomb explosion at a brick kiln.

Likewise, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, arrived in Kathmandu last week on a two-day state visit.

The Qatari Emir visited Nepal at the invitation of President Ram Chandra Paudel.

During the visit, the Emir of the State of Qatar held talks with President Paudel at Shital Niwas. President Paudel also hosted a State Banquet in honor of the Emir of the State of Qatar. Similarly, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ last week.

Following the talks, both leaders witnessed the signing ceremony of bilateral Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding. The Emir departed for Qatar from Kathmandu last week.

Likewise, Nepal and Qatar solidified their bilateral relations by signing eight agreements and Memoranda of Understanding last week during the state vof Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar.

Likewise, former President Bidya Devi Bhandari was honored with the prestigious “Rastriya Gaurav” (National Pride) medal by the CPN-UML on the occasion of the party’s Diamond Jubilee.

Meanwhile, Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who visited Nepal last week, pledged further efforts for the release of Nepali youth Bipin Joshi, abducted by Hamas militants in Israel last October.

President Ram Chandra Poudel urged the Emir during their meeting to support Bipin Joshi’s release.

Nepal had previously appealed to Qatar regarding Joshi’s abduction, considering Qatar’s involvement in mediating a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel.

Meanwhile, last week, family members of Nepali citizens recruited in the Russian Army staged a sit-in protest, pressing for their return home.

The protest, spearheaded by Kritu Bhandari, coordinator of the “Life-Saving Campaign of Nepalese Affiliated to the Russian Army,” commenced in front of the Russian Embassy in Baluwatar, Kathmandu.

In yet another significant development, the Supreme Court issued a show-cause order in the Gaur massacre case.

Justice Til Prasad Shrestha’s single bench issued the order last Wednesday in the name of the opposition.

The Gaur incident is related to Aam Janata Party Chairman Prabhu Sah and Deputy Prime Minister Upendra Yadav.

Likewise, former President Bidya Devi Bhandari was honored with the prestigious “Rastriya Gaurav” (National Pride) medal by the CPN-UML on the occasion of the party’s Diamond Jubilee.

UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli presented the medal to former President Bhandari during a program in Godavari, Lalitpur last week.

Also last week, by-elections were held in Ilam-2 and Bajhang-1.