KATHMANDU: A total of 120 cases of violence against women (VAW) have been recorded in Nepal from mid-January to mid-February, Women’s Rehabilitation Center (WOREC Nepal) said.

According to WOREC, 28 rapes, 35 cases of physical violence, 17 mental violence, 11 deprivation from amenities, and nine murders were reported during the period.

Likewise, six cases of sexual misconduct have been reported.

A press statement issued by WOREC said, among the victims, those from 17-25 were the most affected.

KATHMANDU: President Bidya Devi Bhandari has authenticated two bills, including the ‘Bill Designed to Amend Some Nepal Acts, 2075’ and the ‘Bill Designed to Amend Some Nepal Acts to Make Them Consistent with Constitution of Nepal, 2075’.
President Bhandari gave assent to the bills in accordance with Article 113 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal.

The bills had been sent to the Office of the President for authentication after being approved by the House of Representatives and the National Assembly, according to the Office of the President said.

KATHMANDU: The reconstruction of the earthquake-damaged historic Rani Pokhari in Kathmandu has commenced after being marred by several delays.

Gyewali has called for support and cooperation from all quarters for the reconstruction of the Malla-era pond.

LALITPUR: Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) is going to launch a satellite in the space on the 17th April. “Preparations are underway to launch Nepalisat-1, the first satellite of Nepal in the space which shall orbit the earth at the height of 400 km from its surface,” said Sano Babu Shrestha, NAST vice chancellor. Having a satellite of its own shall save the cost for Nepal in obtaining various data.

KATHMANDU: The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has assured that the import of cooking gas (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) has been sufficient to meet the demands.

It has urged the consumers not to run after rumors of LPG shortage. The NOC issued a statement at a time when LPG dealers and bottlers have announced protest programs demanding an increase in the commission.

The NOC has asserted that there was no fuel shortage in the market and that loading and import of cooking gas has been regular.

NOC spokesperson Birendra Goit said NOC imported 35,754 metric tons of cooking gas alone in February.

BANEPA: Nepali Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Krishna Prasad Dhakal has said his topmost priority would be to secure the welfare of Nepalis in UAE.

The newly-appointed ambassador Dhakal said he would discharge his duty with gratitude and in good faith during his tenure. “I will serve the Nepalis in the UAE with priority,” he said while speaking at a program in Kavrepalanchowk today.

Dhakal stated that since there has been a tremendous prospect of economic diplomacy with the UAE, he claimed that Nepal can export green vegetables, fruits, water and horticulture produce as well as other agro-based produces to the UAE.

“This will also be in my priority list,” he added. On the occasion, Ambassador Dhakal pledged to coordinate efforts with the business community in UAE to attract investment here in the country.

KATHMANDU: Nepal Army marked its Army Day by organizing special programs at Tundikhel in the capital on Monday.

President Bidya Devi Bhandari received  an armed salute offered by a Nepal Army squad on the occasion.

The Army Day kicked off with celebratory fires from rifles and cannons while soldiers presented march-past amid cultural dances by artistes clad in tradition attires.

Some professional items of military showmanship including horse riding and parachuting were also demonstrated at Tundikhel on the occasion.

General Directorate of Army Aviation of Nepal Army demonstrated helicopters and helicopter banners, weapons, armored vehicles among others.

Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun, Prime Minister KP  Oli, speaker, chairman of National Assembly, deputy prime ministers, ministers, highly-placed government officials, chiefs of security agencies, diplomats among others were present on the occasion. ‘

Nepal Army has been celebrating Army Day on the occasion of Mahashivaratri since 1991.

KATHMANDU: A writ petition has been filed at the Supreme Court demanding that the government ensure immediate protection of stray cows and oxen in Kathmandu.

Advocate Padam Bahadur Shrestha filed the writ at the highest court naming Office of the Prime Minister, Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development and the Department of Livestock Services, among others as defendants.

Shrestha, in his petition,  has demanded to put an end to the ill-treatment and cruelty towards the stray cattle, especially the cows and oxen and urged the government to protect them from diseases and hunger and provide them with safe shelters.

The petition mentions that the Constitution of Nepal’s Article 9 (3) declares cow as the national animal of Nepal.

Stating that a cow is the national animal of Nepal and is worshiped as Laxmi during Tihar and that oxen are worshiped during Gobardan Puja, Shrestha has drawn the attention of the concerned authorities to take immediate actions to keep the faith intact.

US President Donald Trump is in hot water. He has been alleged of abusing his power, obstructing justice, and corruption.

The US House of Representatives has sought documents from Trump and his aides even though Trump has been consistently denying any wrongdoing.

Chairman of Judiciary Committee Jerrold Nadler has alleged Trump for obstructing justice and that 60 individuals, entities would be receiving requests from Monday, according to international news agencies.

On the other hand, President Trump has repeatedly accused Democrats of a ‘witch hunt’.

He came down heavily on Special Counsel Robert Mueller for railing against the inquiry into the alleged collusion between Russia and his campaign.

Reports said the Judiciary Committee will seek documents from more than 60 individuals and organizations to begin probe into possible obstruction of justice and abuse of power by Trump, reports said.

Nadler said they will initiate investigations into power abuses, into corruption and into obstruction of justice as part of their job to protect the rule of law.

According to him, President Trump has obstructed justice. He, however, maintained it would be too early to consider whether impeachment should be pursued. Consider what Nadler had to say: “Before impeaching someone, one has to persuade the American people that it ought to happen.”

Meanwhile, Trump has said the Democrats’ decision to interview lawyer Michael Cohen on the day of summit with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un might have contributed to the North summit ending with no deal.

Former Trump aide Cohen had earlier accused Trump of instructing him to make threats for him more than 500 times over the last 10 years.

Meanwhile, the judiciary committee is also said to examine ‘potential promises of pardons’ as well as the witness tampering and the President’s attacks on the press and the investigations.

Trump has repeatedly denied the allegations against him.

(With inputs from Agencies)