BAJURA: Snowfall has again gripped Bajura since Wednesday evening. Normal life  has become tougher again with abrupt fall on temperature caused by rain and snow. The snowfall that began from hilly and mountainous regions of the district since Wednesday afternoon has also blanketed the southern part as well.

Transportation from northern part of the district to Martadi has come to a halt due to continuous snowfall, shared Baba Gurung, a transport entrepreneur. The roads are covered with pile-up of snow at Badimalika Rural Municipality and Budhinanda Rural Municipality. Snowfall had come to an end in Bajura last week only.

RICHMOND: The political crisis in Virginia spun out of control Wednesday when the state’s attorney general confessed to putting on blackface in the 1980s and a woman went public with detailed allegations of sexual assault against the lieutenant governor.

With Gov. Ralph Northam’s career already hanging by a thread over a racist photo in his 1984 medical school yearbook, the day’s developments threatened to take down all three of Virginia’s top elected officials, all of them Democrats.

The twin blows began with Attorney General Mark Herring issuing a statement acknowledging he wore brown makeup and a wig in 1980 to look like a rapper during a party when he was a 19-year-old student at the University of Virginia.

Herring — who had previously called on Northam to resign and was planning to run for governor himself in 2021 — apologized for his “callous” behavior and said that the days ahead “will make it clear whether I can or should continue to serve.”

The 57-year-old Herring came clean after rumors about the existence of a blackface photo of him began circulating at the Capitol, though he made no mention of a picture Wednesday.

Then, within hours, Vanessa Tyson, the California woman whose sexual assault allegations against Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax surfaced earlier this week, put out a detailed statement saying Fairfax forced her to perform oral sex on him in a hotel room in 2004 during the Democratic National Convention in Boston.

The Associated Press typically does not identify those who say they were sexually assaulted, but Tyson issued the statement in her name.

Tyson, a 42-year-old political scientist who is on a fellowship at Stanford University and specializes in the political discourse of sexual assault, said, “I have no political motive. I am a proud Democrat.”

“Mr. Fairfax has tried to brand me as a liar to a national audience, in service to his political ambitions, and has threatened litigation,” she said. “Given his false assertions, I’m compelled to make clear what happened.”

Fairfax — who is in line to become governor if Northam resigns — has repeatedly denied her allegations, saying that the encounter was consensual and that he is the victim of a strategically timed political smear.

“At no time did she express to me any discomfort or concern about our interactions, neither during that encounter, nor during the months following it, when she stayed in touch with me, nor the past 15 years,” he said in a statement.

Tyson said she suffered “deep humiliation and shame” and stayed quiet about the allegations as she pursued her career, but by late 2017, as the #MeToo movement took shape and after she saw an article about Fairfax’s campaign, she took her story to The Washington Post, which decided months later not to publish a story.

The National Organization for Women immediately called on Fairfax to resign, saying, “Her story is horrifying, compelling and clear as day — and we believe her.”

The string of scandals that began when the yearbook picture came to light last Friday could have a domino effect on Virginia state government: If Northam and Fairfax fall, Herring would be next in line to become governor. After Herring comes House Speaker Kirk Cox, a conservative Republican.

At the Capitol, lawmakers were dumbstruck over the day’s fast-breaking developments, with Democratic Sen. Barbara Favola saying, “I have to take a breath and think about this. This is moving way too quickly.” GOP House Majority Leader Todd Gilbert said it would be “reckless” to comment. “There’s just too much flying around,” he said.

The chairman of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, Del. Lamont Bagby, said, “We’ve got a lot to digest.”

Cox issued a statement late Wednesday calling the allegations against Fairfax “extremely serious” and said they need a “full airing of facts.” Cox also urged Herring to “adhere to the standard he has set for others,” a nod to Herring’s previous call that Northam resign.

Democrats have expressed fear that the uproar over the governor could jeopardize their chances of taking control of the GOP-dominated Virginia legislature this year. The party made big gains in 2017, in part because of a backlash against President Donald Trump, and has moved to within striking distance of a majority in both houses.

At the same time, the Democrats nationally have taken a hard line against misconduct in their ranks because women and minorities are a vital part of their base and they want to be able to criticize Trump’s behavior without looking hypocritical.

Northam has come under pressure from nearly the entire Democratic establishment to resign after the discovery of a photo on his profile page in the Eastern Virginia Medical School yearbook of someone in blackface standing next to a person in a Ku Klux Klan hood and robe.

The governor initially admitted he was in the photo without saying which costume he was wearing, then denied it a day later. But he acknowledged he once used shoe polish to blacken his face and look like Michael Jackson at a dance contest in Texas in 1984, when he was in the Army.

Herring came down hard on Northam when the yearbook photo surfaced, condemning it as “indefensible,” and “profoundly offensive.” He said it was no longer possible for Northam to lead the state.

On Wednesday, though, Herring confessed that he and two friends dressed up to look like rappers, admitting: “It sounds ridiculous even now writing it.”

“That conduct clearly shows that, as a young man, I had a callous and inexcusable lack of awareness and insensitivity to the pain my behavior could inflict on others,” he said. But he added: “This conduct is in no way reflective of the man I have become in the nearly 40 years since.”

Democratic Sen. Louise Lucas said several people were crying, including men, as Herring apologized to black lawmakers Wednesday morning before issuing his public statement.

“He said he was very sorry,” Lucas said.

Lucas said the black lawmakers told Herring they needed to discuss their next steps among themselves.

Herring, who was elected to his second four-year term in 2017, made a name for himself nationally by playing a central role in bringing gay marriage to Virginia.

When he first took office, he announced he would no longer defend the state’s ban on same-sex marriage.

A federal judge overturned the ban, citing Herring’s opposition, and Virginia began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples in 2014, nearly a full year before the U.S. Supreme Court legalized gay marriage nationwide.

(Associated Press)

BANEPA: Two persons died when a tipper carrying wedding attendants met with an accident at Sunkoshi Rural Municipality-2 Kamerephant in Sindhuli district along the BP Highway on Wednesday evening.

KATHMANDU:  The country is bracing for yet another wet weather event with rainfall expected throughout the country over the next three days.

The Meteorology Forecasting Division has issued a forecast of showers in Kathmandu and other areas with chances of snowfall in the country’s north western mountainous region.

The change in weather pattern has been attributed to the western disturbance, an extra-tropical storm originating in the Mediterranean region that brings sudden winter rain.

According to the Division, the weather will remain generally cloudy throughout the country with chances of light to moderate rain to occur at many places of the central and western regions and light rain to occur at some places of the eastern region. The Division has also predicted chances of heavy rainfall at a few places of the central and western regions.

Meanwhile, Kathmandu is witnessing moderate rainfall since early morning today.

KATHMANDU: Foreign investors have emphasized on creating an environment that is conducive for bringing in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the country. They have also suggested easing the visa process and work permit-related issues for expatriates in Nepal.

In an interaction organized by Institute for Strategic and Socio-economic Research (ISSR) with the support of International Labor Organization (ILO) at the Pavilion Media Hall in Kathmandu today, they suggested the government to enact expats-friendly laws, to create conducive business, and working environment in Nepal.

The complicated and lengthy work permit, and visa process have become extremely difficult to hire foreigners here, they said while urging the government to ease such issues to attract them. Some investors suggested that the five percent work quota for foreigners has been creating problem while stressing the need of increasing the percentage to fulfill the demands here.

In the interaction organized on the eve of the Investment Summit in March 2019, they also focused on encouraging foreign investment and businesses.

KATHMANDU: Visiting British Army’s major-general Duncan Capps called on Chief of Army Staff Purna Chandra Thapa today.
During the meeting held at Bhadrakali-based Nepali Army (NA) headquarters, the duo discussed about the issues relating to bilateral help and mutual interest, the NA Directorate of Public Relations said.

KATHMANDU: The government spent a total of Rs 22.9 million to organize the Asia Pacific Summit held in Kathmandu recently. The controversial summit organized by the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) was held from November 20 to December 3.

The government had been alleged of spending a huge amount of money on security, traffic management, hospitality, and other areas.

According to the details unveiled by the Ministry of Finance on Wednesday, the highest amount of expenses had been made by the Nepal Police, which accounted Rs 10,601,950 for security arrangements made for various dignitaries and international guests. Armed Police Force (APF) spent Rs 6,565,000 for mobilizing security forces.

Similarly, National Investigation Department (NID) spent Rs 1,287,500.

The Summit was organized by the Nepal Chapter of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) based in Korea. Eknath Dhakal is the chief of the Nepal chapter of the UPF.

Dhakal, who was chairman of Nepal Pariwar Dal, is associated with ruling Nepal Communist Party.

KATHMANDU: Twelve years old Rohan Thapa was good in his studies until two to three years back. Thereafter, his studies started taking a downturn in the recent months, giving a cause for concern to his parents. “Now, the problem is such that he (Rohan) does not even bothers to take out his books from the school bag once he comes home from school and straight away looks for the smart phone,” said Raman Thapa of Satdobato, Rohan’s dad. Rohan studies in grade four.
Worried over his son’s declining interest towards his studies and his detached habit, Raman one day took Rohan to a private hospital for medical examination. The doctor at the private hospital referred him to the Mental Hospital at Lagankhel and Raman brought the child at the mental hospital last week.
Even teachers at Rohan’s school had noticed the change in his behavior, according to Raman. Only when the doctor at the mental hospital examined Rohan he came to know that the change in behavior was due to the internet addiction. Thapa is but one among the many parents in urban areas of the country including Kathmandu valley who are grappling with this increasing problem of internet addition among their children.

Many worried parents have been coming to the hospital to see the psychiatrists with the complain that their child has started losing interest in studies, becoming inattentive in school and only spending much time using the internet, the hospital stated.

With the expanding internet access, a growing number of school children are knowingly or unknowingly gripped by this menace of internet addition. The children start neglecting their studies, don’t do their home work and also play less. Their only centre of attraction is to get hold of mobile, laptop or computer and dive into the unlimited world of the web.
Many worried parents have been coming to the hospital to see the psychiatrists with the complain that their child has started losing interest in studies, becoming inattentive in school and only spending much time using the internet, the hospital stated.
Chief consultant psychiatrist at the Mental Hospital, Ananta Adhikari, said the number of parents coming to the hospital with the problem of their children’s internet addiction has increased. According to him, this problem is mostly found in children between 10 to 18 years age. Chief consultant psychiatrist Adhikari said although use of internet is not in itself a problem, its excessive use can cause many mental and physical health problems.
The children addicted to the internet have problems like insomnia, disinterest in studies and lost in oneself, among others problems, according to the hospital.
World’s developed countries have already accepted the internet addiction as a problem or disorder of the current generation. In this era marked by the rapid IT development, more and more people are having access to internet facility.
As Adhikari said, over use of the internet by school students is disconnecting them from the family communications, sending them to the world of isolation. They either do not listen to their seniors or feel irritated to respond to the calls. The situation would worsen if no remedy was sought on time, he asserted. The problem may push the affected into depression and other sorts of mental diseases. This health risk factor should not be overlooked.
Though adults also use the internet a lot, unlike the children they are not so vulnerable to its bad effects and addiction. Overuse is not good for all, but the children are more vulnerable to the internet addiction. Children below 10 years force parents/ guardians to give them internet devices such as I-pad, smart phones. They behave annoyingly and turn impatient if they do not get such devices whenever they want. At times they can be very demanding. Internet addiction can cause memory loss among the children, thus affecting their study and the future as well, psychiatrist Adhikari said.
Internet addiction disorder has not emerged as burgeoning challenge in Nepal as in the developed countries. But with the deepening penetration of internet in the country, the growing number of children coming to hospital lately shows that addiction of the same seems to be hugely increasing among the children. He said, “If we don’t seek to curb the internet addiction on time, the issue could reach a crescendo in future for sure.”
Owing to the growing internet addiction among children, cases of cybercrime involving children were also recorded to have increased lately. The negative influence of internet could also instigate children to use narcotic drugs in future too, he warned.
All the government mental hospitals in the country have been referring to this Hospital as the central hospital for mental healthcare. Although the private hospitals have long begun rendering the mental healthcare services, the number of patients related to mental illness coming to this hospital is growing lately.
The OPD in the hospital receives around 150 patients on average in a day while the 50 beds in the hospital are often occupied, according to him.

KATHMANDU: The governments of United Arab of Emirates (UAE) and Oman– the two major destination countries for Nepali migrants–have agreed to review existing separate labor agreements with Nepal by incorporating massive reforms for the issues of both the employees and employers.

During the talks with the officials of the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security (MoLESS), officials of both the countries seem positive to guarantee the migrants’ fundamental rights and security without additional cost on the part of Nepali migrant workers.

Joint Secretary Ram Prasad Ghimire-led team of the MoLESS held talks with the officials of Oman government on January 27 and 28 while with the officials of UAE government on January 30 and 31.During the talks with the officials of both the receiving countries, Nepal has proposed to recruit the migrant workers in zero cost, ensure transparency in recruitment process, assurance of minimum wages and guarantee of migrant workers welfare as established by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and others.

The MoLESS said that the Nepali officials have laid emphasis on payment for overtime work, 24 hours insurance of the workers, leave for the workers in demise and sickness of their kin, special treatment for women migrant workers and other issues about the migrants’ rights should be incorporated in the labor pact.

Ghimire said that positive response has been received from the Oman side in regard to issues raised by Nepali officials. He added that very hearty, open and positive talks were held even with UAE officials and the government of UAE has expressed its readiness to sign a labor pact with Nepal as early as possible.

KATHMANDU: The government is announcing the ‘Prime Minister Employment Program’ on February 13 in a bid to end forceful foreign employment within five years.
The government has vowed to adequately provide employment opportunities to jobless youths in the domestic labor market, according to the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security.
It should be noted that the government’s policy, program and budget of the current fiscal 2018/19 has come up with the plan to offer employment opportunities in the public development works.
The Right to Employment Act-2075 has guaranteed minimum 100 days annual employment to unemployed youths listed in the employment service centers. The Act has envisaged the setup of employment service center in each local level, which will identify and enlist the unemployed people.
It has been provisioned that the government would provide 50 percent of minimum wages a laborer is entitled to get while working for 100 days to each unemployed household as livelihood allowance given the government fails to offer minimum employment to the jobless.
Likewise, the government is preparing to create additional internal job opportunities in an integrated manner through coordination and collaboration in public construction and works including commercial farming, irrigation, drinking water, river control, forest, tourism and transport infrastructure.
According to the program, more job opportunities would be created in coordination and collaboration with private, cooperative and non-government sectors.
Entrepreneurship development training opportunities followed by subsidizing loan assistance would also be provided for promoting self-employment.
Minister for Labor, Employment and Social Security Gokarna Bista has intensified inter-consultation discussions for the effective implementation of the program with youth entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs and youth organizations of the political parties.