Author: space4knews

The House of Representatives has unanimously agreed to consider the ‘Film Bill 2082,’ which was passed by the National Assembly. Communications Minister Bikram Timilsina stated that the government is committed to making the Film Bill 2082 timely and geared toward the development of the film sector. Following the bill’s approval, members of parliament will be able to submit amendment proposals.

Kathmandu: Information and Communications Minister Bikram Timilsina emphasized that the government is serious about ensuring the Film Bill 2082, received from the National Assembly, is modern, timely, and encourages growth in the film industry. Responding to questions raised during today’s session of the House of Representatives, he expressed the government’s commitment to constructively incorporate parliamentary recommendations by focusing on the bill’s essence and objectives.

Minister Timilsina highlighted that after a long interval, the film sector is entering a phase of legal reform. He stressed the need to further refine the bill by integrating expert suggestions gathered through parliamentary committees. He informed that the ministry is studying proposals ranging from film-related definitions to structural and administrative matters and confirmed the government’s dedication to making necessary amendments and improvements.

He affirmed the government’s commitment to seriously address all issues raised in parliament, follow the required procedures, and make the bill effective. Minister Timilsina also expressed confidence that the suggestions and feedback from parliament will help strengthen and enhance the bill’s impact.

Police have arrested 40-year-old Sanjiiv Maharjan, who had escaped police custody in Kathmandu in connection with a narcotics case, from Tanglafant in Kirtipur. According to the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office, Maharjan escaped custody during the Genji movement.

Kathmandu, June 26 – A fugitive defendant in a narcotics-related case has been apprehended. Police arrested him for allegedly hiding in various locations across Kathmandu. During the Genji movement, Sanjiiv Maharjan, 40, whose narcotics case investigation period was extended at the District Police Office Kathmandu, had fled custody. He was arrested on Wednesday from Tanglafant in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, according to Rameshwar Karki, the spokesperson and superintendent of the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office.

According to the Economic Survey presented by Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Nepal’s economy is projected to grow by just 3.85 percent in the current fiscal year. “Due to uncertainties in the global economy, trade disruptions, and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and East Asia, the global growth rate for 2026 is expected to be limited to 3.1 percent,” Finance Minister Wagle stated while presenting the economic survey. “Nepal’s economy is forecasted to expand by 3.85 percent in this fiscal year.” Last fiscal year, Nepal’s economic growth rate was 4.43 percent.

As per the Economic Procedures and Financial Accountability Act, 2076, the economic survey for the current fiscal year must be presented in the federal parliament before submitting the revenue and expenditure estimates for the upcoming fiscal year. The government is constitutionally required to present the annual budget for the new fiscal year by Jestha 15. Minister Wagle described the economic survey as a comprehensive depiction of the country’s overall economic situation, encompassing real, public finance, monetary, financial, and external sectors.

While external sector indicators such as foreign exchange reserves and balance of payments have strengthened, indicators related to government capital expenditure and revenue mobilization remain unsatisfactory. “Although macroeconomic stability, external sector robustness, and social indicators have improved, challenges persist including low economic growth, sluggish loan disbursement, rising trade deficit, weak capital expenditure, and climate risks,” Minister Wagle said.

Key Figures:
Economic Growth Rate: 3.85%
Gross Domestic Product (GDP): NPR 66 trillion
Total Public Debt: NPR 28.78 trillion
Trade Deficit: NPR 10.98 trillion
Foreign Exchange Reserves: NPR 34.14 trillion
Net Foreign Asset Position: NPR 6.58 trillion
Remittance Inflow: NPR 14.50 trillion
Inflation Rate: 2.13%
Rice Production: 5.7 million metric tons (4.2% decrease)
Total Installed Electricity Capacity: 4,105 MW
Electricity Access Usage: 99.1% of the population
Average Life Expectancy: 71.3 years
Digital Transactions: NPR 1.25 trillion

Minister Wagle estimated that the total size of Nepal’s economy will reach NPR 66 trillion in the current fiscal year, with a per capita gross national income of approximately US$1,535. The economic survey also revealed that consumption comprises a high share of the economy. “The consumption share in total gross domestic product for the current fiscal year is estimated to be 90.3 percent,” the report stated.

On Thursday, in the second semifinal match of the Kavha Women’s Volleyball Championship, Nepal faces a strong Iranian team. Iran, the winner of Group ‘B’, remains unbeaten in the tournament so far, while Nepal, the runner-up of Group ‘A’, has recorded 2 wins and 1 loss. Previously, during a 2024 match held in Kathmandu, both Nepal and Iran had each won a game 1–1. (May 26, Kathmandu) The Nepalese team, aiming to claim the title on home ground in the Kavha Women’s Volleyball Championship, is set to compete against the formidable Iranian side in the second semifinal on Thursday.

Former champion Iran entered the semifinals undefeated as the Group ‘B’ winner, whereas Nepal secured their spot as the runner-up in Group ‘A’. Nepal began the competition with a competitive 3-2 loss to India but then recorded straight-set victories against Kyrgyzstan and Maldives to advance to the semifinals. Meanwhile, Iran defeated Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Kazakhstan each with identical 3-0 set scores to reach this stage.

Both teams, Nepal and Iran, have met expectations by progressing to the semifinals and are well-prepared for the challenge ahead. Carrying ambitions to win the championship, both sides are ready for their semifinal clash. Following the group stage, Nepal enjoyed a three-day rest period, while Iran had two days off before contesting the semifinal match. Nepal’s head coach, Jagdish Bhatt, stated that his team is prepared to face any opponent in the semifinals.

Iranian player Safinoud Dastbarjan expressed her enthusiasm about playing Nepal in the semifinal. She remarked, “We know there will be many spectators in the court. Nepal will have home support. However, we are mentally prepared for that.” The matchup between Nepal and Iran in women’s volleyball is not a first; these two teams have previously faced each other twice, all occasions taking place in Kathmandu. This upcoming match marks their third encounter on Nepalese soil.

File image summary and editorial review. Due to the incomplete construction of the new parliamentary hall, the government is preparing to present the upcoming fiscal year’s budget speech in the current multipurpose hall. According to Ekram Giri, spokesperson for the Parliament Secretariat, ongoing work at the new hall means the joint session scheduled for 15 Jestha must be held in the existing multipurpose hall.

Construction of the new parliament building began in 2076 BS but has not been completed despite six deadline extensions. Kathmandu, 13 Jestha – The Federal Parliament Secretariat is preparing to present the budget from the current parliamentary hall where the House of Representatives currently meets. Since finishing work and other tasks at the new hall remain incomplete, plans are underway to present the budget in the existing multipurpose hall.

It is customary to conduct rehearsals before presenting the budget, and the rehearsal is scheduled to take place on Thursday in the multipurpose hall. Ekram Giri, Joint Secretary and spokesperson of the Federal Parliament Secretariat, confirmed that construction at the new parliament hall is ongoing but preparations for the budget speech are proceeding in the existing multipurpose hall.

He stated, “There appears to be no readiness to hold the joint session and present the government’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year from the new parliament hall on 15 Jestha. Due to this uncertainty, the joint session on 15 Jestha will inevitably take place in the current multipurpose hall.”

The Special Building Project is responsible for the construction of the parliament building, and the contract was awarded to Tundi-Sec JV. According to the initial agreement, construction was to be completed by 16 Aswin 2079 BS. The contract was signed on 16 Aswin 2076 BS with the intent to use the building after the 2079 elections.

Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli laid the foundation stone for the new parliament building on 1 Aswin 2076 BS. Within 16 days, the contract worth NPR 692 crore was signed with the contractor. Due to unfinished work, the deadline was first extended to 30 Chaitra 2079 BS but the building was still not completed. The deadline has been extended six times overall, with the most recent extension lasting 90 days from Falgun and ending this Jestha.

The National Human Rights Commission has released the findings and recommendations of a committee formed to investigate human rights violations that occurred during the Gen C Movement on September 8 and 9 of last year. Following a meeting on Tuesday where the commission decided to officially communicate these recommendations to the government for implementation, spokesperson Tikaram Pokharel issued a detailed press statement.

The report confirms that then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and Prithvi Subba Gurung were responsible for human rights violations. However, it also notes that existing laws do not clearly provide for their punishment. Consequently, the commission has recommended that the government enact new “retroactive” legislation to ensure they are held accountable. Additionally, further investigation into the involvement of former Home Minister Sudhan Gurung during the movement has been advised.

The commission has also recommended the government conduct a thorough review of statements made before, during, and after the protests by interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, and Commission Chair Gauribahadur Karki, who led the inquiry into the Gen C Movement.

Member of Parliament from the Rastriya Swatantra Party, Anushka Shrestha, expressed in the House of Representatives that the upcoming Film Bill should support the ‘Arrange Economy.’ She emphasized the need for a clear definition and classification of films, as well as the implementation of transparent and merit-based criteria in appointing the Chairperson of the Film Development Board. MP Shrestha suggested creating a distinct framework for foreign OTT platforms and recommended classification over unnecessary censorship of film scenes.

Kathmandu – Former Miss Nepal and Rastriya Swatantra Party MP Anushka Shrestha has highlighted the necessity of drafting a Film Bill aimed at supporting the ‘Arrange Economy.’ She shared her views during the Sunday session of the House of Representatives, discussing a proposal to consider the Film Bill 2082 presented by the National Assembly. She stated that the forthcoming film legislation should not only address current issues but also proactively tackle future challenges.

“Supporting the Arrange Economy is highly positive,” she remarked. Shrestha outlined her position in six points. She called for the bill to include a clear definition of films. According to her, short films and feature films should be categorized separately based on budget and duration. She cautioned that ambiguous definitions might lead to online content being mistakenly classified as films.

On the appointment of the Film Development Board Chairperson, she insisted on transparency and merit-based standards. She proposed the formation of a recommendation committee for this purpose. Furthermore, she clarified that only filmmakers with a minimum of 15 years of experience should be eligible for the chairperson position. Regarding foreign OTT platforms, Shrestha underscored the need for a separate regulatory framework, calling for collaboration between the Ministry of Information and Communications and telecom authorities to establish an effective mechanism.

While recognizing the need for discretion in the exercise of powers by the film review committee, she urged for clearly defined criteria to determine which films should face restrictions. “Disclaimers may be added; excessive cuts can destroy the essence of the story. Issues of classification and categorization are equally vital,” she commented. Additionally, she advocated for establishing a Film Development Fund that would not impose a financial burden on the government.