MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR

I WISH YOU ALL!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

&

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009

Latest Power cut schedule (18-Dec-08)

Latest Power cut schedule effective from 18-December-2008

हरे हामी नेपालीहरुको भाग्य!

ब्राजिल पछीको दोश्रो जलश्रोतको धनी देश नेपालमा दिन प्रती दिन लोड्शेडिङ बढिरहेको छ । अब नेपालिहरु को भाग्य भनेको उहि प्राचिन् ढुङे युग् तिर उन्मुख् भैरहेको भान् हुन्छ ।

अब येस्तो परिस्थितिमा हामिले कस्तो खालको आर्थिक् बिकासको आशा राख्ने हो हाम्रो बर्तमान् सरकारबाट ??? के बिद्युत् बिना देशको आर्थिक् बिकास तथा अौध्योगिक बिकासको परिकल्पना गर्न सकिन्छ र ??? के यसबाट अौद्योगिक क्रान्ति सफल पार्न सकिन्छ र ???

Kidney transplant success in Bir

The oldest and the largest hospital in the country, Bir Hospital has successfully carried out a kidney transplant operation. This was the second attempt made in the hospital. Following the success of the operation, Bir has become the second hospital in the country to successfully transplant kidney.

Organising a press meet in the capital on Wednesday, Bir Hospital officials said that a team of surgeons comprising of Dr. Sandip Gulariya of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sharma, Dr. Damodhar Pokharel, Dr. Bisworaj Joshi, Dr. Pukar Chandra Shrestha and Dr. Paras Mani Shrestha had transplanted two kidneys in Bir Hospital on December 12. The team had carried out kidney transplants on Sujit Bhattrai from Jhamsikhel and Dawa Tamang from Okhaldhunga. Maha Laxmi Bhattrai (mother of sujit Bhattarai) and
Kale Tamang ( elder brother of Dawa Tamang) had donated their kidneys to the receipients. Bir Hospital had earlier in November 2004 made the first attempt to transplant a kidney on Pradip Chaudhari but it failed.

"It is our second attempt after a four- year gap, and we succeeded. Now, we are determined to continue such operations in the days to come," said Surgeon Dr. Damodhar Pokharel, head of Surgery Department at Bir. "Even the Ministry of
Health (MoH) has given us assurances of cooperation for its continuation."
Following the government's permission to carry out kidney transplants in the
country given on August 4 this year, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital
(TUTH), Maharajgunj, had done a transplant operation successfully within a week. TUTH has carried out 15 kidney transplants to date. TUTH charges of Rs.
350,000 for a kidney transplant, compared with over Rs. 1 million that needs to be spent if one goes to India for a similar surgery. However,it costs only Rs. 250,000 at Bir Hospital, according to Dr. Pokharel.

According to MoH, there are over 600 people in Nepal who have undergone kidney transplant operations so far by going to India and other countries.

[source: TKP]

Latest Power cut schedule

This power cut schedule is being effected from 3rd December 2008.

Mohali emerges as alternative venue

The BCCI and the ECB are engaged in "positive discussions" to ensure the two-Test series goes ahead with Mohali and Chennai now believed to have been identified as the new venues. The BCCI said last week that Chennai would replace Mumbai as the host of the second Test, following terror attacks in the city which forced England to return home without completing the tour. But it now turns out that discussions are being held on whether Chennai can host the first Test and Mohali the second.

The pre-Test practice match is also likely to be held at the venue of the first Test, scheduled to start from December 11, underscoring reports that the ECB had made this request.

"The discussions are still going on and nothing has been finalised as yet," MP Pandove, BCCI treasurer and secretary of the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA), which runs the Mohali venue, told Cricinfo. Pandove, however, refused to confirm the venue change.

What is certain is that Ahmedabad - the scene of serial bomb blasts three months ago - has been ruled out as the first Test venue considering its relative proximity to Mumbai.

Under the BCCI schedule, revised following the terror strikes, the first Test was to be held as originally scheduled from Ahmedabad from December 11-15, and the second Test in Chennai from December 19-23. The pre-Test practice match between England and a Board President's XI was to be held in Vadodara from December 5-7.

Chennai is now being considered for the first Test, possibly because it is seen as a venue with the least threat perception from a security point of view, and will help ease the immediate fears expressed by some of the England players on touring India. The ECB has specifically asked for a southern Indian venue for the second Test instead of Mumbai.

There were also reports that Kolkata could be an alternate venue instead of Ahmedabad, but Jagmohan Dalmiya, the president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) told Cricinfo that he was yet to receive any official information from the BCCI.

Hugh Morris, the managing director of the ECB, indicated that if England failed to reach India in time for the match against Board President's XI, they might opt for a neutral venue provided the tour was still on. "We have to keep our options open, and training in Abu Dhabi is definitely an option," he said.

[SOURCE: cricinfo.com]

HAPPY DEEPAWALI-2065

Dear All,

Wishing you all a prosperous deepawali-2065, May This festival and goddess Laxmi brings peace, prosperity, wealth, good health for you and your entire family!!!

From: Rum Gurung & Family

Ex-TRPAP & NTB/TPRD gathering snaps

We (former TRPAP staffs and present NTB/TPRD staffs) gathered at Thakali Kitchen, New Baneshwor on 15th October, 2008. I had taken few snaps of the gathering. If you really want to view the snaps. kindly click the link.

http://picasaweb.google.com/grg.rum/TRPAPNTBGathering?authkey=9qOoCeVavCA#

HAPPY VIJAYA DASHAMEE-2065

I wish you all a very happy Vijaya Dashamee-2065, May Durga Ma: Brings Peace, Prosperity, Happiness & Good health for you and your family!

JAI DURGA BHAWANI!!

DURGA BHAWANILE SABAI KO RAKSHA GARUN!!!

- Rum Gurung

grg.rum@gmail.com

+977-9851-072669

Power Cut Schedule in Kathmandu

Joint Press Statement on PM Prachanda's India Visit

1. The Rt. Hon’ble Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, Prime Minister of Nepal, is on an official visit to India from September 14-18, 2008 at the invitation of H.E. Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India. The Prime Minister of Nepal is accompanied by Hon’ble Mr. Upendra Yadav, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon’ble Mr. Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Minister for Information and Communication, Hon’ble Mr. Bishnu Prasad Poudel, Minister for Water Resources and Hon’ble Mr. Rajendra Mahato, Minister for Commerce and Supplies. The delegation includes four members of the Constituent Assembly, senior officials of the Government of Nepal, a business delegation and a delegation of media representatives.

2. During his visit, the Prime Minister of Nepal called on H.E. Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, the President of India, and on H.E. Shri Mohammad Hamid Ansari, the Vice President of India. The Prime Minister of Nepal had a meeting with the Prime Minister of India, which was followed by delegation level talks, led by the two Prime Ministers, on issues of mutual interest and concern. The Prime Minister of India hosted a banquet in honour of the Prime Minister of Nepal. Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Saif-u-Din-Soz, Minister of Water Resources and Shri L.K. Advani , Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha called on the Prime Minister of Nepal. The Prime Minister of Nepal had a meeting with Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and the President of Indian National Congress. The Prime Minister of Nepal also visited Rajghat and paid homage to the memory of Mahatma Gandhi. An interaction with the Indian business community was jointly hosted by ASSOCHAM, CII and FICCI in honour of the visiting dignitary. During his stay in India, the Prime Minister is visiting Bangalore from September 17-18,2008.

3. The Prime Minister of India extended a warm welcome to the Prime Minister of Nepal as the first Prime Minister of Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. The two Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction at the age-old close, cordial and extensive relationships existing between Nepal and India. Both Prime Ministers expressed their support and cooperation to further consolidate the relationship in the days ahead.

4. The talks were held in an atmosphere of utmost cordiality and warmth. They shared their views and assessment of the situation. The two Prime Ministers acclaimed the importance of peaceful, political, democratic transformation of historic significance in Nepal.

5. The Prime Minister of Nepal appreciated the positive support extended by the people and Government of India throughout the peaceful political democratic transformation in the country.

6. The Government of India expressed full support to the peaceful, political, democratic transition in Nepal.

7. Both leaders recognized the historic changes that have taken place in Nepal with the elections to the Constituent Assembly and the declaration of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal according to the wishes of the people of Nepal.

8. The Prime Minister of Nepal stressed that following the Constituent Assembly elections, bringing the peace process to a logical conclusion, writing a new Constitution and accelerating the pace of economic development are the main priorities of the Government of Nepal in the days ahead.

9. The two sides felt the need to inject new dynamism into the relations between the two countries for a forward looking change in tune with the realities of the time as well as the wishes and aspirations of the people of both the countries.

10. Both sides agreed to reactivate the existing bilateral mechanisms in the evolving context.

11. Both sides noted that the multi-faceted and deep-rooted relationships between the two countries needed further consolidation and expansion in a forward-looking manner to better reflect the current realities. It was in this broader context that the two Prime Ministers agreed to review, adjust and update the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship and other agreements, while giving due recognition to the special features of the bilateral relationship. A High-Level Committee at the level of Foreign Secretaries will be set up for this purpose.

12. The Nepalese side informed that Government of Nepal will take further necessary measures for the promotion of investor friendly, enabling business environment to encourage Indian public and private sector investments in Nepal.

13. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in handling cross-border crime and security concerns. Home Secretaries will meet soon to implement this decision.

14. Government of India will continue to assist the Government and people of Nepal in its peaceful, democratic transition; its economic development and reconstruction. The areas of assistance would include infrastructure, human resource development, health and education.

15. Both sides expressed concern over the large-scale damage caused by the breach of embankment by the river in the Kosi barrage area and decided to launch relief and rehabilitation measures for the victims and the reconstruction of the damaged infrastructure, and other measures as per the agreements, immediately, and take up preventive measures to avoid the recurrence of such events in the long term. They decided to take up preventive measures for the Gandak and other barrages under existing bilateral arrangements. Likewise, the two sides also discussed the problem of inundation in the border areas between Nepal and India and agreed to take up necessary work for its effective prevention on the basis of bilateral consultation.

16. Government of India will provide Rs. 20 crores as immediate flood relief to the people in Nepal. Government of India will also rebuild the segments of the East-West Highway, damaged in the recent Kosi floods.

17. Both sides agreed that Government of India will set up a camp office in Biratnagar for facilitating movement of Nepali vehicular traffic through Bihar for improved access to other parts of Nepal till the Highway is repaired.

18. A three-tier mechanism at the level of Ministerial, Secretary and technical levels will be established to rationalize and raise the efficacy of the existing bilateral mechanisms in order to push forward discussions on the development of water resources in a comprehensive manner, including hydro-power generation, irrigation, flood control and other water related cooperation. The Secretaries will meet in two weeks.

19. The two Prime Ministers directed the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) at the level of Commerce Secretaries to meet in one month to initiate a comprehensive review of the existing trade and transit arrangements with a view to promoting industrialization in Nepal, expanding complementarities of bilateral trade on a sustainable basis and removing the barriers to trade.

20. Both sides agreed to further enhance the pace of economic development between the two countries by extending support for the preparation and execution of mega projects, including infrastructure development such as road, rail and hydel-power projects. As a gesture of goodwill of the Government and people of India, Government of India agreed to implement the Naumure Hydro-electric Project on Rapti river.

21. In view of the shortages felt in Nepal for the essential commodities, Government of India will remove bans on the export of rice, wheat, maize, sugar and sucrose for quantities agreed with Nepal. Government of India will also provide a credit of up to Rs. 150 crores to Government of Nepal for the next three months to ensure uninterrupted POL supplies to Nepal.

22. The Prime Minister of Nepal extended an invitation to the Prime Minister of India to pay an official visit to Nepal at an early date. The Prime Minister of India accepted it with pleasure. The date of the visit will be decided through the diplomatic channel.

SLC-2064 Chance exam result has been published

The Controller of the Examination (COE) has published the result of chance exam, SLC -2064 yesterday. To view the result pls. click the link :

http://www.soce.gov.np/SUP64_RESULT_13.txt

Success for 'Big Bang' experiment

Three decades after it was conceived, the world's most powerful physics experiment has sent the first beam around its 27km-long tunnel.

Engineers cheered as the proton particles completed their first circuit of the underground ring which houses the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The £5bn machine on the Swiss-French border is designed to smash particles together with cataclysmic force.
This will recreate conditions in the Universe moments after the Big Bang. But it has not been plain sailing; the project has been hit by cost overruns, equipment trouble and construction problems. The switch-on itself is two years late.

The collider is operated by the European Organization for Nuclear Research - better known by its French acronym Cern. The vast circular tunnel - the "ring" - which runs under the French-Swiss border contains more than 1,000 cylindrical magnets arranged end-to-end.
The magnets are there to steer the beam - made up of particles called protons - around this 27km-long ring.

Eventually, two proton beams will be steered in opposite directions around the LHC at close to the speed of light, completing about 11,000 laps each second. At allotted points around the tunnel, the beams will cross paths, smashing together near four massive "detectors" that monitor the collisions for interesting events. Scientists are hoping that new sub-atomic particles will emerge, revealing fundamental insights into the nature of the cosmos.

Major effort
"We will be able to see deeper into matter than ever before," said Dr Tara Shears, a particle physicist at the University of Liverpool. "We will be looking at what the Universe was made of billionths of a second after the Big Bang. That is amazing, that really is fantastic."
The LHC should answer one very simple question: What is mass? "We know the answer will be found at the LHC," said Jim Virdee, a particle physicist at Imperial College London. The currently favoured model involves a particle called the Higgs boson - dubbed the "God Particle". According to the theory, particles acquire their mass through interactions with an all-pervading field carried by the Higgs.

The latest astronomical observations suggest ordinary matter - such as the galaxies, gas, stars and planets - makes up just 4% of the Universe. The rest is dark matter (23%) and dark energy (73%). Physicists think the LHC could provide clues about the nature of this mysterious "stuff".

But Professor Virdee told BBC News: "Nature can surprise us... we have to be ready to detect anything it throws at us." Full beam ahead

Engineers injected the first low-intensity proton beams into the LHC in August. But they did not go all the way around the ring. On Wednesday, they sent a proton beam around the full circumference of the LHC tunnel. Technicians had to be on the lookout for potential problems: "There are on the order of 2,000 magnetic circuits in the machine. This means there are 2,000 power supplies which generate the current which flows in the coils of the magnets," Steve Myers, head of the accelerator and beam department, told BBC News.

If there was a fault with any of these, he said, it would have stopped the beam. They were also wary of obstacles in the beam pipe which could prevent the protons from completing their first circuit.

Mr Myers has experience of the latter problem. While working on the LHC's predecessor, a machine called the Large-Electron Positron Collider, engineers found two beer bottles wedged into the beam pipe - a deliberate, one-off act of sabotage. The culprits - who were drinking a particular brand which advertising once claimed would "refresh the parts other beers cannot reach" - were never found.

After the the beam makes one turn, engineers are due to "close the orbit", allowing the beam to circulate continuously around the LHC. Engineers will then try to "capture" it. The beam which circles the LHC is not continuous; it is composed of several packets - each about a metre long - containing billions of protons. The protons would disperse if left to their own devices, so engineers use electrical forces to "grab" them, keeping the particles tightly huddled in packets.
Once the beam has been captured, the same system of electrical forces is used to give the particles an energetic kick, accelerating them to greater and greater speeds.

After Wednesday's test, engineers will need to get two beams running in opposite directions around the LHC. They can then carry out collisions by smashing them together.
Long haul The idea of the Large Hadron Collider emerged in the early 1980s. The project was eventually approved in 1996 at a cost of 2.6bn Swiss Francs,
However, Cern underestimated equipment and engineering costs when it set out its original budget, plunging the lab into a cash crisis.
Cern had to borrow hundreds of millions of euros in bank loans to get the LHC completed. The current price is nearly four times that originally envisaged.

During winter, the LHC will be shut down, allowing equipment to be fine-tuned for collisions at full energy. "What's so exciting is that we haven't had a large new facility starting up for years," explained Dr Shears. "Our experiments are so huge, so complex and so expensive that they don't come along very often. When they do, we get all the physics out of them that we can."
Steve Myers said engineers would break out the champagne if all went to plan. But a particular brand of beer will not be on the menu, he said.

source: BBC world

Beijing Olympic - 2008 : Team and Athletes list on alphabetic order

Beijing Olympic - 2008 : Overall match schedule

Beijing Olympic - 2008 : MULTIPLE MEDAL WINNER LIST

Beijing Olympic - 2008 : OVERALL MEDAL LIST

Medal list

China is leading

China is taking a lead in the medal list of on going Beijing Olympic - 2008. Altogether, China has collected 11 Gold Medals in various categories. But in the overall medal list, USA is leading, USA has collected altogether 21 medals (7 Gold, 6 Silver & 8 Bronze).

follow the link for the details medal list :
http://results.beijing2008.cn/WRM/ENG/INF/GL/95A/GL0000000.shtml

Nepali NGO Bags Hasimoto Prize

Manahari Development Institute (MDI) Nepal has won the Hasimoto APFED 2008 International Award for its environment reform and poverty alleviation programmes. The award carries a purse of $20,000.
MDI was selected for the award for launching poverty alleviation and various income-generating activities for ethnic communities in Manahari, Hadikhola, Kankada and Raksirang village development committees (VDCs) of Makawanpur district. MDI executed the programmes in cooperation with United Nations' World Environment Fund.
Founded in 2001 in memory of former Japanese prime minister Ryutaro Hasimoto, the award is given every year to a social organisation of Asia and the Pacific region.
Programme coordinator of the MDI-Nepal Khop Narayan Shrestha thanked the Ryutaro Hasimoto Award Committee for choosing his organisation for the award. He also appreciated the cooperation extended by DANIDA, Poverty Alleviation Fund, FAO, GTZ, World Food Programme, district development committee Makwanpur and local village development committees for the implementation of MDI's programmes.
Shrestha has left for Deveo city in the Philippines to receive the award, which will be handed over at a fourth prize distribution ceremony of the Asia and Pacific Environment and Development Forum (APFED). The ceremony will be held on July 25 and 26.

(source:THT online)

Primary market facing glut

Primary issues worth more than five times than that of fiscal year 2063-64 hit the market in the fiscal year 2064-65. Similarly, double the number of companies floated shares in comparison to the last fiscal year. Commercial banks topped the chart in the list of companies that issued IPOs then.
Securities Board of Nepal (Sebon) permitted 72 companies to issue Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) worth Rs 11.56 billion in the fiscal year 2064-65. Only 31 companies had received permission to issue IPO worth Rs 2.75 billion in the fiscal year 2063-64.
Of the 72 companies, 18 received permission for IPO worth Rs 1.1 billion, 49 received permission to issue rights share worth Rs 7.6 billion and five received permission to issue debentures worth Rs 2.95 billion.
In the fiscal year 2064-65, Sebon permitted altogether 64 financial institutions to float IPOs. “Around 13 commercial banks, 19 development banks, 32 financial institutions, six insurance companies and two other companies were permitted to issue their IPOs,” said Sebon.
Along with the increase in the number of primary issues, the capital market is heating and the need to increase manpower in Sebon is as urgent as market regulation, say experts.
“Despite lack of manpower, the board has started inspection of collection centres when the IPOs are being floated to encourage the common investors and discourage ‘fake-investors’, over the last couple of months,” Dr Chi ranjivi Nepal, chairman of Sebon said.
In recent days, the regulatory authority of capital market is also serious towards protecting the investors’ interest. “We are minutely watching the market,” he said adding that the board brought new regulations like Merchant Banking Regulation this past year. It is also bringing IPO Registration Regulation and Mutual Fund Regulation that are in the Finance Ministry awaiting the go-ahead.
The issuance for fiscal year 2064-65 is 49.3 per cent of the total IPOs so far.

(source:THT)

AFC Challenge cup DRAWS

Hosts India received a horror draw alongside Central Asian powers Tajikistan and Turkmenistan on Monday for the second edition of the AFC Challenge Cup 2008.
The eight-nation competition will be played here in this southern Indian city from July 30 to August 10.
Bob Houghton’s India, who will play Bhutan in the semi-finals of the ongoing South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship in Colombo on June 11, will have to negotiate a difficult path through Group A which apart from defending champions Tajikistan also has surprise qualifiers Afghanistan.
DPR Korea, who defeated Turkmenistan 1-0 on Saturday in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier and put themselves in a strong position for the fourth and final round, were drawn in Group B with Myanmar, Nepal and SAFF Championship semifinalists Sri Lanka.
India and Tajikistan are both ranked 153rd in the latest FIFA World Ranking lower than Turkmenistan who are 150th while Afghanistan are the lowest ranked side in the tournament at 182nd.
The winners of the AFC Challenge Cups 2008 and 2010 will have direct entry to the 2011 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar.

THE GROUPINGS

GROUP A: 1. Turkmenistan, 2. India, 3. Afghanistan, 4. Tajikistan
GROUP B: 1. DPR Korea, 2. Myanmar, 3. Nepal, 4. Sri Lanka

THE SCHEDULE

July 30: Turkmenistan vs Tajikistan; India vs Afghanitsan
July 31: DPR Korea vs Sri Lanka; Myanmar vs Nepal
August 1: Tajikistan vs India; Afghanitan vs Turkmenistan
August 2: Sri Lanka vs Myanmar; Nepal vs DPR Korea
August 3: Turkmenistan vs India; Afghanistan vs Tajikistan
August 4: DPR Korea vs Myanmar; Nepal vs Sri Lanka
August 7 Semi-finals
August 10: Final

Source: the-AFC.com

EURO-2008 SCHEDULE

Saturday 7 June 2008
1 Grp A Switzerland 18:00 Czech Republic Basel - St. Jakob-Park
2 Grp A Portugal 20:45 Turkey Geneva - Stade de Genève

Sunday 8 June 2008
3 Grp B Austria 18:00 Croatia Vienna - Ernst Happel
4 Grp B Germany 20:45 Poland Klagenfurt - Wörthersee

Monday 9 June 2008
5 Grp C Romania 18:00 France Zurich - Letzigrund
6 Grp C Netherlands 20:45 Italy Berne - Stade de Suisse

Tuesday 10 June 2008
7 Grp D Spain 18:00 Russia Innsbruck - Tivoli Neu
8 Grp D Greece 20:45 Sweden Salzburg - EM Stadion Wals-Siezenheim

Wednesday 11 June 2008
9 Grp A Czech Republic 18:00 Portugal Geneva - Stade de Genève
10 Grp A Switzerland 20:45 Turkey Basel - St. Jakob-Park

Thursday 12 June 2008
11 Grp B Croatia 18:00 Germany Klagenfurt - Wörthersee
12 Grp B Austria 20:45 Poland Vienna - Ernst Happel

Friday 13 June 2008
13 Grp C Italy 18:00 Romania Zurich - Letzigrund
14 Grp C Netherlands 20:45 France Berne - Stade de Suisse

Saturday 14 June 2008
15 Grp D Sweden 18:00 Spain Innsbruck - Tivoli Neu
16 Grp D Greece 20:45 Russia Salzburg - EM Stadion Wals-Siezenheim

Sunday 15 June 2008
17 Grp A Switzerland 20:45 Portugal Basel - St. Jakob-Park
18 Grp A Turkey 20:45 Czech Republic Geneva - Stade de Genève

Monday 16 June 2008
19 Grp B Poland 20:45 Croatia Klagenfurt - Wörthersee
20 Grp B Austria 20:45 Germany Vienna - Ernst Happel

Tuesday 17 June 2008
21 Grp C Netherlands 20:45 Romania Berne - Stade de Suisse
22 Grp C France 20:45 Italy Zurich - Letzigrund

Wednesday 18 June 2008
23 Grp D Greece 20:45 Spain Salzburg - EM Stadion Wals-Siezenheim
24 Grp D Russia 20:45 Sweden Innsbruck - Tivoli Neu

Thursday 19 June 2008
25 QF Winner Grp A 20:45 Runner-up Grp B Basel - St. Jakob-Park

Friday 20 June 2008
26 QF Winner Grp B 20:45 Runner-up Grp A Vienna - Ernst Happel

Saturday 21 June 2008
27 QF Winner Grp C 20:45 Runner-up Grp D Basel - St. Jakob-Park

Sunday 22 June 2008
28 QF Winner Grp D 20:45 Runner-up Grp C Vienna - Ernst Happel

Wednesday 25 June 2008
29 SF Winner #25 20:45 Winner #26 Basel - St. Jakob-Park

Thursday 26 June 2008
30 SF Winner #27 20:45 Winner #28 Vienna - Ernst Happel

Sunday 29 June 2008
31 F Winner #29 20:45 Winner #30 Vienna - Ernst Happel

Mohammad Asif held in Dubai

Mohammad Asif, the Pakistan fast bowler, has been detained by authorities in Dubai on suspicion of possessing drugs. The fast bowler, who tested positive for the banned steroid nandrolone nearly two years ago, was held back by airport authorities on Sunday. According to a PCB official already in Dubai, no charges have yet been brought against Asif, though he remains in the detention centre at Dubai International Airport.
Nadeem Akram, a senior board official who is in Dubai handling the case, said officials had not yet identified what the substance is. "It has been sent to a lab for testing but we do not know yet what it is," Akram, in Dubai since Sunday, told Cricinfo.
Akram also stressed that Asif hadn't yet been arrested and that he had been detained. "No charges have been brought yet. We have a lawyer here and he is due to meet the public prosecutor at 12.30pm Dubai time. We will know more about the case after their meeting."
Akram has been in constant touch with Asif, who was understandably "shattered" by the events, but maintained that he did not know what the substance was and had been carrying it in his wallet for several months.
Earlier, a PCB official told Cricinfo that Asif "has been held since the day before yesterday in Dubai. So far the authorities haven't told us much but that it is on suspicion of possessing a contraband item." Dubai's laws on drug possession and use are among the strictest in the region, though the top hierarchy of the PCB has always enjoyed close ties with leaders in the United Arab Emirates.
The Pakistan board was to hold a press conference about the issue in the afternoon but decided to push it back till 4.30pm (PST), presumably to wait and hear developments from the meeting between Asif's lawyer and the public prosecutor.
Asif, along with Shoaib Akhtar, tested positive in an internal dope test conducted by the Pakistan board in October 2006. He was initially banned for one year, though the ban was overturned on appeal a month later. Since then, one of the most promising fast bowlers on the world circuit has been dogged by a long-standing elbow problem. The injury had already taken the sheen away from a prodigious start to his international career and this new development is likely to do so even more.

source :cricinfo

Final Result of CA POLL (PR)

Party--------------------------------Votes

CPN Maoits ----------------------- 3,144,204

Nepali Congress ----------------- 2,269,883

CPN UML------------------------- 2,183,370

MPRF------------------------------- 678,327

TMDP------------------------------- 338,930

RPP----------------------------------- 263,431

Others--------------------------------- 1,860,933

result of CA POLL (FPTP)

FPTP Partywise results:

Party Name ................Won seats
CPN Maoist ........................ 120
Nepali Congress .................. 37
CPN UML .............................33
MPRF .................................30
TMDP ................................. 9
Sadbhawawan Party ............... 4
Janamorcha Nepal ................ 2
NWPP ................................. 2
Independent .......................... 2
Ra. Ja. Mo. ............................. 1
TOTAL ......................... 240 seats

Result UPDATE of CA POLL as of 11:00 NST; 21-Apr-08

FPTP Partywise results:
CPN Maoist ........................ 119
Nepali Congress .................. 37
CPN UML .............................33
MPRF ....................................29
TMDP .................................. 9
Sadbhawawan Party .......... 4
Janamorcha Nepal ............... 2
NWPP .................................... 2
Independent ......................... 2
Ra. Ja. Mo. ............................ 1
TOTAL ................................. 238





PR Partywise results:
CPN Maoist ........................ 29,27,708
Nepali Congress .................. 20,75,247
CPN UML ............................. 20,00,8425
MPRF .................................... 5,51,895
TMDP .................................. 2,52,658
Others ................................. 18,44,089




source: Election Commission, Nepal

Result UPDATE of CA POLL (PR) as of 18:00 NST; 18-04-2008

SOURCE: Election Commission, Nepal

Result UPDATE of CA POLL (PR) as of 18:00 NST; 17-04-2008

SOURCE: Election Commission, Nepal

Result UPDATE of CA POLL (PR) results as of 12:00 PM; 17-04-2008

SOURCE: Election Commission, Nepal

Latest Updated Result of CA POLL (PR) as of 15:00 NST 16-04-2008

LATEST RESULT OF CA POLL (18:00 NST)

LATEST RESULT OF CA POLL:- as of 18:00 NST

Parties Seats won
CPN (Maoists) ....................... 117
Nepali Congress ................... 33
CPN (UML) ........................... 29
MJF ....................................... 22
TMDP ..................................... 7
NWPP ..................................... 2
Janamorcha ............................ 1
Sadhbhawana (Mahato) ........ 2
Independent .......................... 2

Total 215 seats



RESULTS WAITING:-

Maoist leading .......................... 0
NC leading ............................... 7
UML leading............................... 2
MJF leading .............................. 3

First winner of CA POLL

The vice president of Nepali Congress (NC) Prakash Man Singh has become the first winner of the Constituent Assembly (CA) election. He won the election in Kathmandu -1 constituency by garnering over 14,315 votes.

He defeated Unified Marxist Leninist (UML's) Pradeep Nepal, who bagged over 6000 and Maoists' Ram Man Shrestha who bagged 3898 votes. The vote counting result of Kathmandu 1 constituency came out this morning. Its results came quickly since the Election Commission (EC) had used Electronic Voting Machines in that constituency.

NC supporters held an impromptu celebration in front of City Hall where the counting was carried out. Meanwhile, counting has started in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Banke and many other districts. Initial results show that NC, UML and Maoists are engaged in triangular contest in most places.

जिम्मी कार्टर इन Nepal

Former US President Jimmy Carter said that the constituent assembly election in Nepal - on Thursday - would end armed conflict and establish a new republic in the country. "I see this election as doing two things basically: one is ending an armed conflict, and secondly forming a new republic with an end to the dominating royalty," Carter said during an exclusive interview with the Post and its sister paper, Kantipur here on Tuesday. "We are very excited about the prospects of this country finding peace and also finding democracy based on republic. It is a very wonderful achievemenटी।"President Carter who arrived here on Monday said that he had visited only Nepal visited three times for one election. Earlier he had visited in June and November, 2006. Carter Center - the organization he founded along with his wife Rosalynn in 1982 - has already observed 70 elections in various countries. Carter sees this election as an opening for marginalized groups, who could have a genuine role in determining their own future, and win the opportunity to play a more important role in society.When asked for his assessment of the situation two days before the election, he said, "I think the compromise reached with the (42) percent and (58) percent [for the first past the post and proportional electoral systems] is certainly satisfactory with the international observers."Sharing brief details of his meeting with top leaders of three major parties - Nepali Congress, CPN (UML) and CPN (Maoist) - Carter smilingly said that each one was quite certain that they would win a majority. When asked whether he saw any challenges vis-à-vis the election, he said that maintaining unanimous and peaceful relationships among all constituencies was a great challenge. "I pray that all the process will be peaceful…but there are intense feelings especially because of the 10 years of warfare, and it's difficult to forget about all those and to decide who will lead this nation in future."There is still intense feeling of incompatibility, he added. Two other major challenges, the ex-president said, were an outbreak of local level conflict, and high expectations of all three major parties. Although he said Nepal's experience was not unique in terms of election in a post-conflict country, he observed that the compromise that has been reached is very complex and much more complicated than most elections. When asked how he planned to observe the election, he said he and his wife work as a team and will remain in the capital city and visit as many polling centers as possible. "And if they (62 Carter Center's staff spread throughout the country) report a serious problem in eastern or western parts of this country or in the southern part, the Carter Center will go to the Election Commission to report the problem we have heard and we will try to resolve it."The ex-president was all praise for the EC in Nepal, terming it free and wonderful. He said it was unlike dishonest ones in some countries where they are bedfellows with the ruling party and help it steal an election. Responding to the Maoist threat of forced takeover if they lose the elections, Carter said the Maoists had told him they would accept the results. He, however, added that no party could accept the results if elections are fraudulent. "But that's why international and domestic observers are here. My own personal honor and reputation is at stake. I wouldn't lie about an election in Nepal and I think people from the EU and other places have come here in good faith and we will tell the truth."Carter believed the CPN (Maoist) would honor their pledge to embrace multi-party competitive politics. "It seems to me in the last year or so the Maoists have proven that they can accommodate themselves in competitive politics." I think that's their primary desire. But he added: "I don't know enough about the Young Communist League, if they will accept a disappointing result. I hope they will."When asked to compare the situation in Nepal and Nicaragua where the ex-rebels joined electoral politics after civil war, Carter said it was important to convince the rebels not to go back to war. "Sandinista (former rebels in Nicaragua) lost three elections and won the fourth because they participated in the opposition."Carter was very critical of the US government's policy toward the CPN (Maoist). "When the Maoists laid their arms within cantonments and joined the government, in my opinion, our government should have recognized them as legitimate political party and dealt with them as other nations did."The president added that it would have beneficial impact on relationships here and said he believed that the Maoists would have been "very protective of a working relationship with the US government if it existed." He criticized the Bush administration's policy in Nepal and likened it to his government's dual stance of accepting the participation of Hamas in Palestinian elections and then refusing to recognize the group after it won the elections. "It is counter productive for us to refuse to talk to and negotiate with people with whom we have disagreement." The president had highest accolades for what people in Nepal had achieved, setting an example to the whole world. "I think this is unprecedented incorporation of previously excluded groups. It's a wonderful example. I don't know of another example in the world where this profound change has taken place to bring in previously excluded groups. And if it works it will be a notable contribution to international politics."

...JOKES...

1. लोग्नेले आफ्नो स्वास्नीलाई जहिले पनि आफ्नो अन्डरमा राखन खोज्दथ्यो।जे कुरा अराउदा पनि नत्र भनेर थर्काउने गर्दो रहेछ। एकदिन लोग्ने नुहाउन लागेको रहेछ, लोग्नेले भन्यो:- पानी तता नत्र
स्वास्नी पनि आकुल ब्याकुल भएर जोरी खोज्दै:- नत्र के गर्छौ, हँ नत्र के गर्छौ?
लोग्ने:- नत्र चिसै पानीले नुहाउछु।

2. कहिल्लै चिया नखाएको गाउँको दुइटा मान्छे शहर गएछ। र चिया पसलमा बसेछन्।
पहिलो:- ओई! यी सबै मान्छेले के खाएको हो हामी पनि खाऔ न।
दोस्रो:- हुन्छ नि (अडर गर्दै) दाई हामीलाई पनि त्यो १—१ गिलास दिनुस् त्
(पसलेले चिया दिन्छ)
पहिलो:- ओई यसको झोल त यति मिठो छ भने , झन चोक्टा त कति मिठो होला हगि।
दोस्रो:- हो त नी।

3. एकदिन कुइरे र नेपालीले मित लगाएछन।
नेपाली:- अब देखी मेरो बैनी तिम्रो बैनी, मेरो आमा तिम्रो आमा, मेरो बाबु तिम्रो बाबु, मेरो भाई तिम्रो भाई, मेरो छोराछोरी तिम्रो छोराछोरी है।
कुइरे:- त्यसो भने तिम्रो स्वास्नी मेरो पनि स्वास्नी ।

4. कक्षामा निबन्ध लेख्ने विषयमा दुई जना विद्यार्थीबीच भलाकुसारी चल्यो । पहिलोले सोधेछ:
पहिलो: मलाई निबन्ध लेख्न साह्रै गार्हो लाग्छ, कसरी लेख्ने होला है ?
दोश्रो: निबन्ध ? त्यो त सजिलो छ नि !
पहिलो: कसरी लेख्ने भन न त ।
दोश्रो: हातमा कलम समात अनि लेख न ।

5. दुई जना स्कुले बालकहरु श्यामे र रामे स्कूल जाँदै गर्दा बटोमा गफ गर्दै:
श्यामे: अँ, हिजो त मैले अनौठो कुरा देखेँ नि !
रामे: के हो त त्यस्तो अनौठो कुरा ?
श्यामे: मैले हिजो कुखुराले अण्डा परेको देखेँ नि !
रामे: यस्तो सानो कुरा पनि सुनाउने हो ?
श्यामे: केको सानो कुरा ? सक्छस् भने तैँले पारेर देखा त ।

6. A sardar got an invitation to a party which said"Red tie only".But when he went to the party,he was surprised to see that others were wearing pants and shirts also.


7. Teacher: Everyone write your lover's name in a piece of paper.
Girls after 2 secs.: Finished mam.
Boys after 10 minutes: Extra sheet mam.

8. Men always have better freinds....They will stand by you, no matter what!!!
Friends of women:
A wife was not at home for a whole night.So,she tells her husband the very next morning,that she stayed at her friend's(girl friends) apartment the whole night.So the husband callsc 10 of her best (girl) and nooneof them confirmed that she was with them.
Friends of men:
Ahusband was not at home the overnight.So, he tells his wife the very next morning that he stayed at his friend's(boy) apartment overnight.So,the wife calls 10 of his best(boy)and 5 of them confirmed that he was with them that night and other 5 are claiming that he is still with them.

9. Sardar at bar in New York:
Man on his right says:"Jony walker single"
Man on his left says:"Peter scotch single"
Sardar says:"Balgith singh married"

10. Prince Charles and Sardar ji were having dinner.
Prince said,:"Pass the wine you divine"
Sardar thinks"how poetic"
Sardar says,:"Pass the custard you bastard."

11. Bhikari: Saab 6 rupaye de do na, coffee pini hai.
Man: Kyoun 1 coffee 3 rupaye ki hai na ?
Bhikari: par saab saath main GF bhi hai..
Man: Bhikari ho aur GF banali?
Bhikari : Saab GF ne bhikari bana diya.

12. Q:Why can't you keep a clock in jail?
A: Because Time is aways running out.

13. The world's thinnest book has only one word written in it "EVERYTHING" and the book is titled "WHAT WOMEN WANT?"

14. It seems that a lawyer had a little bit too much to drink and his way home rear-ended the car infront of him.The lawyer got out of his car, walked over to the driver of the other car and said, "Boy are you in trouble?I am a lawyer."
The driver looked out of the window and said, No you are in trouble. I am a judge.

15. Girl : Do you love me?
Boy: Yes dear!!
Girl : Would you die for me?
Boy : No, mine is undying love dear.!!

16. Soon after our last child left home for college, my husband was resting next to me on the couch with his head in my lap.I carefully removed his glasses;
"You know, honey," I said sweetly, without your glasses you looklike the same handsome young man I married."
"Honey", he replied with a grin, "Without my glasses, you look pretty good,too!!!

17. एक दिन मुन्द्रेको प्रमिकाले आफ्नो सबै लुगा फुकाल्यो र भनि
मलाई तिम्रि श्रीमति जस्तै गर
मुन्द्रेले सबै लुगा बठुल्यो र घुन लाग्यो ।

18. एक दिन मुन्द्रे र एक जना मान्छे बिसौ तल्लामा बसेर कुरा गर्दै थियो। अकस्मात कसैले मुन्द्रेलाई “मुन्द्रे तेरो छोराको मुत्यु भयो भन दियो।
बियोग सहन नसकि मुन्द्रे २० तल्लाबाट हाम फाल्यो।उ तल झर्न लाग्यो।
जब उ ८ औ तल्लामा पुग्यो उसले सम्झयो उसको त छोरा नै छैन
जब ऊ ५ औ तल्लामा पुग्यो उसले सम्झयो कि उसको त बिहे नै भा छैन
जब ऊ २ औ तल्लामा पुग्यो उसले आफु मुन्द्रे नभएको सम्झयो ॥

19. मुन्द्रेलाई सबैले आफ्नो रमाईलो बनाएको देखेर रिस उठेछ र एक दिन श्रीमतीलाई भनेछ
एऊटा यस्तो चुटकिला भन जुनमा मेरो योगदान छैन
मुन्द्रेकी श्रीमतिले भनिछ : म गर्भवती भए।

20. मुन्द्रेलाई एक रात लामखुट्टेले टोकेर हैरान गरेछ
मुन्द्रेले उपाय निकाले छ र एक बोतल बिष पिएछ र भन्न थालेछ : ल अब टोक त तिमिहरु मर्छै

Pakistan cricket board bans fast bowler Akhtar for 5 years

Pakistan's cricket board banned fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar from international and domestic cricket for five years for repeated breaches of discipline.Akhtar's comments and actions were harming the team and had even "affected the image of the country," board chairman Nasim Ashraf said after announcing the ban on Tuesday.

"He was given lot of chances but he was involved repeatedly in habitual offenses," Ashraf told a news conference. Ashraf said Akhtar can appeal the decision and noted that the bowler would also be free to play in the Indian Premier League, playing for Calcutta in the Twenty20 competition. Akhtar, who at his peak was the fastest bowler in cricket, appeared earlier Tuesday before a disciplinary committee after he criticized the PCB for omitting him from its roster of the top 15 contracted players.

Akhtar last played a Test match against India in December before he was sidelined due to back problem. He declared himself fit to play in a five-match one-day series against Zimbabwe in February but was left out. Selectors also overlooked him for the 16-member squad to play two one-day internationals against Bangladesh next week. Dubbed the "Rawalpindi Express" for his express pace, Akhtar's career was restricted by injuries to 46 tests after making his debut against the West Indies in 1997 and tarnished by a doping allegation.

Akhtar Tested positive for steroids in 2006 in a PCB-conducted, out of competition test, but had his two-year ban overturned by a Pakistani appeals committee. He has 178 test wickets at an average of 25.69 and 219 wickets at 23.2 in 138 limited-overs internationals.

INTERVIEW with The DALAI LAMA

Do you think Chinese officials still hope their problems in Tibet will disappear after you pass away?

The Dalai Lama: I don't know. I totally disagree with the view that the Tibet struggle will die, and there will be no hope for Tibet, after the Dalai Lama passes away. Both inside and outside [Tibet], the older generation may go away, but the newer generations carry the same spirit. Sometimes it's even stronger. So after my death a younger generation will come up.

If Wen Jiabao or [China's President] Hu Jintao were sitting in this room in front of you, what would say to them?

I always like to quote Deng Xiaoping and say, Please seek truth from facts. It is very important. I would urge them to find out what is really going on in Tibetan minds and what is happening on the ground. This I want to tell the prime minister, Wen Jiabao, if he were to come here. Of course, I have great respect for both, particularly Wen Jiabao. He seems very gentle. I would also ask him, "Please prove your recent accusations [that the Dalai Lama instigated the unrest in Tibet.]" [Laughs]

Do you have back channels of communication to the Chinese leadership?

Not serious [ones]. The usual channels are still there.

Do new technologies—cell phones, digital photography, e-mail and so on—make it harder for authorities to control the unrest?

Oh, yes.

Do they make it impossible?

Now authorities are trying to control [things] by shutting down these services. But it is very difficult to control everything.

What's the difference between what's happening now and the turmoil of the late '80s in Lhasa?

At that time it was mainly in Lhasa areas. And, yes, it is a factor that images can be seen elsewhere. But it is mainly the [extent of Tibetan] grievances. Today even Tibetan monks in Chinese areas carry Tibetan flags. I am quite surprised [by the prevalence of Tibetan dissatisfaction in areas far from Lhasa]. Now the entire Tibetan people have strong feelings. If [Chinese authorities] truly treated the Tibetans as brothers and sisters and as equals, giving them trust, then this would not happen.

Even privileged Tibetans who are in elite minority universities in Chinese cities such as Beijing and Lanzhou have organized vigils and peaceful protests. Why?

Yes, yes—if they're not satisfied you can imagine how nomads feel. I occasionally meet affluent Tibetans who are economically sound, who have good housing. I met one such person who first told me he had no worries. Then he confessed [he felt] mental anguish, and then he began to cry. As Tibetans they feel some kind of subtle discrimination by the Chinese.

Are you worried about the possibility of greater violence after you pass away?

Yes, I worry about that. As long as I am alive, I am fully committed to amity between Tibetans and Chinese. Otherwise there's no use. More importantly, the Tibetan Buddhist cultural heritage can eventually help bring some deeper values to the millions of Chinese youth who are lost in a [moral] vacuum. After all, China is traditionally a Buddhist country.

What more do you think the Chinese leadership wants you to do to prove your sincerity? Wen Jiabao wants you to accept two conditions—that you renounce Tibet's independence and renounce violence—before dialogue can take place.

Last year in Washington we had a meeting with some Chinese scholars, including some from mainland China, who asked me, "What guarantee is there that Tibet will not be separate from China ever [in the future]?" I told them that my statements won't help, my signature won't help. The real guarantee is that the Tibetan people should be satisfied. Eventually they should feel they would get greater benefit if they remain with China. Once that feeling develops, that will be the real guarantee that Tibet will forever remain part of the People's Republic of China.

The Chinese government wants me to say that for many centuries Tibet has been part of China. Even if I make that statement, many people would just laugh. And my statement will not change past history. History is history.

So my approach is, don't talk about the past. The past is past, irrespective of whether Tibet was a part of China or not. We are looking to the future. I truly believe that a new reality has emerged. The times are different. Today different ethnic groups and different nations come together due to common sense. Look at the European Union … really great. What is the use of small, small nations fighting each other? Today it's much better for Tibetans to join [China]. That is my firm belief.

You've said that two government officials sent private messages of support to you. Is there a significant number of officials in Tibet or other areas of mainland China who have shown sympathy to you in private?

Yes.

How many?

I am not sure, but many ordinary Chinese, thousands, have come here. And several senior officials have sent messages. I feel very strongly that there will be a change [in the attitude of the Chinese leadership]. Now the important thing is the Chinese public should get to know the reality. They should have more information about Tibet.

Will that be difficult? The Internet is heavily censored inside China. As a result, people tend to develop very polarized, often very nationalistic views.

Yes, yes. You know, till 1959 the Tibetan attitude toward the Han Chinese was affectionate, very close, something normal. Chinese traders in Lhasa used to be referred to with affectionate respect. But, of course, the name of communism is feared in Tibet because of what happened in Mongolia, and to part of the Buddhist community in the Soviet Union. Then the Chinese communists entrenched themselves; more soldiers came and their attitude became more aggressive, more harsh. Even at that time we complained about these "bad communists," but we never said "bad Chinese." Never.

During the last 20 years I have met a lot of Tibetans from Tibet—students, government officials and businessmen. They express great dissatisfaction. Now some of them refer to Chinese people in a derogatory manner. Even in prison there is a division between Chinese and Tibetan inmates. This I think is very bad. This must change. Not through harsh [measures]—that would just harden the stands—but by developing trust. I think real autonomy can restore that trust. As far I am concerned, I'm totally dedicated toward this goal. It is not just politics. My aim is to create a happy society with genuine friendship. Friendship between Tibetan and Chinese peoples is very essential.

Some images of the recent casualties have been graphic and disturbing. Have you seen them? What was your reaction? We heard you wept.

Yes, I cried once. One advantage of belonging to the Tibetan Buddhist culture is that at the intellectual level there is a lot of turmoil, a lot of anxiety and worries, but at the deeper, emotional level there is calm. Every night in my Buddhist practice I give and take. I take in Chinese suspicion. I give back trust and compassion. I take their negative feeling and give them positive feeling. I do that every day. This practice helps tremendously in keeping the emotional level stable and steady. So during the last few days, despite a lot of worries and anxiety, there is no disturbance in my sleep. [Laughs]

[SOURCE: Newsweek]

ASIA-PACIFIC Forestry week

Nepal Development Marketplace 2008

The World Bank Public Information Center (PIC) is part of the larger Poverty
Reduction Strategy Resource Center. Together, the combined facility provides
the public with information resources on Nepal's development strategies and
programs of support from Nepal's development partners. The Center puts into
effect the Bank's commitment to introduce greater transparency and deeper
understanding of the institution's development work and reflects the
government's commitment to provide the Nepali public with information about its
poverty reduction goals.

For more information, please visit
http://www.worldbank.org.np/ & http://www.nepalprsp.org/

The World Bank Public Information Center
Nepal Country Office

Phone: ++ 977 1 4268195, 4238545
Fax: ++ 977 1 4249731
email: nepalpic@worldbank.org, pic@bishwabank.org.np

5th Int'l Essay Competition

The World Bank, the Cities Alliance and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs invite youth aged 18-25 from all countries of the world to participate in the 5th International Essay Competition:
WANTED: Your Practical IdeasWhat can you do to shape the City of your Dreams?
Essays can be submitted online in English, French, Spanish, Arabic or Portuguese until March 23, 2008.
Awards: 5000 USD and 1000 USD
More information and submissions: http://www.essaycompetition.org/?cid=EXTSARNpl1

Reena Shrestha
World Bank Public Information Center
Nepal Country Office
Phone: ++ 977 1 4268195, 4238545
Fax: ++ 977 1 4249731
email: rshrestha1@worldbank.org

A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF Bill Gates

Born on October 28, 1955, Gates and his two sisters grew up in Seattle. Their father, William H. Gates II, is a Seattle attorney. Their late mother, Mary Gates, was a schoolteacher, University of Washington regent, and chairwoman of United Way International. Gates attended public elementary school and the private Lakeside School. There, he discovered his interest in software and began programming computers at age 13.

In 1973, Gates entered Harvard University as a freshman, where he lived down the hall from Steve Ballmer, now Microsoft's chief executive officer. While at Harvard, Gates developed a version of the programming language BASIC for the first microcomputer - the MITS Altair. In his junior year, Gates left Harvard to devote his energies to Microsoft, a company he had begun in 1975 with his childhood friend Paul Allen. Guided by a belief that the computer would be a valuable tool on every office desktop and in every home, they began developing software for personal computers.

In 1999, Gates wrote Business @ the Speed of Thought, a book that shows how computer technology can solve business problems in fundamentally new ways. The book was published in 25 languages and is available in more than 60 countries. Business @ the Speed of Thought has received wide critical acclaim, and was listed on the best-seller lists of the New York Times, USA Today, the Wall Street Journal and Amazon.com. Gates' previous book, The Road Ahead, published in 1995, held the No. 1 spot on the New York Times' bestseller list for seven weeks. Gates has donated the proceeds of both books to non-profit organizations that support the use of technology in education and skills development. In addition to his love of computers and software, Gates is interested in biotechnology. He sits on the board of ICOS, a company that specializes in protein-based and small-molecule therapeutics, and he is an investor in a number of other biotechnology companies.

Philanthropy is also important to Gates. He and his wife, Melinda, have endowed a foundation with more than $21 billion to support philanthropic initiatives in the areas of global health and learning, with the hope that as we move into the 21st century, advances in these critical areas will be available for all people.

Gates was married on Jan. 1, 1994, to Melinda French Gates. The couple has two children: a daughter, Jennifer Katharine Gates, born in 1996; and a son, Rory John Gates, born in 1999.

राजा जोगाउन कुन–कुन देशको पैसा?

काठमाडौं। राजालाई कसले जोगाउँदैछ? सबै दलका राजावादी नेताले, मधेसी फोरमले वा विदेशीले? को यसका गोटी हुन्? जसरी भए पनि राजा ज्ञानेन्द्र संविधानसभा भाँड्ने अभियानमा छन् भन्ने निष्कर्ष निकाले पनि 'कसरी?' जस्ता प्रश्नहरूको उत्तर नआइरहेकै बेला प्रधानमन्त्री गिरिजाप्रसाद कोइरालाले राजा जोगाउनमा सक्रिय हुनेहरूको विवरण सार्वजनिक गर्नुभएको छ।
आफ्नो पारिवारिक जमघटमा कोइरालाले अस्ति आइतबार बिहान साढे आठ बजे भावुक हुँदै भन्नुभयो– 'यिनीहरूको दबाबका कारण म अप्ठ्यारोमा छु।' आफ्नै छोरी सुजाताले राजा ज्ञानेन्द्रको खुला वकालत गरेकोमा प्रतिक्रियाविहीन प्रम कोइरालाले कांग्रेसभित्रका 'राजावादी नेताहरू' को दबाबको कुरा गर्नुभएको थिएन। उहाँले केही त्यस्ता नाम लिनुभयो, जसलाई हालसम्म नेपाली जनताले शंका पनि गरेका छैनन्। प्रम कोइरालाको सनसनीपूर्ण तर गोप्य खुलासा थियो– 'जापान राजा ज्ञानेन्द्रलाई जोगाउन जति खर्च गर्न पनि तयार छ।' राष्ट्रसंघीय सुर212ा परिषद्को अस्थायी सदस्यका निम्ति मत माग्दा तत्कालीन शाहीमन्त्री रमेशनाथ पाण्डेले द्वैध चाल चलेको भन्दै लोकतन्त्र घोषणाको पहिलो समर्थक जापानका तर्फबाट 'ठूलो दबाब' परिरहेको कोइरालाको खुलासा थियो।
जापानका अतिरिक्त कोइरालाले अमेरिका र भारत पनि राजा बचाउन सक्रिय भएको बताउनुभएको थियो। 'विदेशीले राजा बचाउन पैसाको खोलो बगाउँदैछन्,' कोइरालाले भन्नुभयो। भारत, अमेरिका, जापान खुलेरै आइसकेको उहाँले सुनाउनुभएको थियो। पारिवारिक स्रोतका अनुसार विदेशीले प्रम कोइरालालाई नेपालमा राजा ढले कम्युनिस्ट शासन आउने डर देखाएका छन्। प्रधानमन्त्रीले भन्नुभयो– 'राजा ढले भने नेपालमा कम्युनिस्ट ह्वात्तै बढ्छन् भन्ने विदेशीको विश्लेषण छ। मलाई भनेका छन्– राजा भएनन् भने ८० प्रतिशत नेपाली कम्युनिस्ट भइदिन्छन्।' अंग्रेजी र नेपाली मिसाएर बोल्दै प्रमले अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय श्रम संगठन आइएलओसमेत वाम बढ्ने कुरामा चिन्तित भएको बताउनुभयो। उहाँले सोही दिन दिउँसो कांग्रेसका दुईवटा श्रमिक संगठन मिलाउन आइएलओले ३३ हजार अमेरिकी डलर खर्च गरेको जानकारी पनि आफन्तजनलाई दिनुभएको थियो। 'जसरी पनि राजा बचाउनुपर्छ भन्छन्, कसरी बचाउँछन् के गर्छन् कुन्नि! तर, मैले बुझेको छु– राजाका निम्ति अब यहाँ पैसाको खोलो बग्छ' प्रमको भनाइ उद्धृत गर्दै स्रोतले भन्यो।
SOURCE: Janaaastha Weekly

Hillary Clinton wins Ohio and vows to fight on

Hillary Clinton has won the Democrat primary in Ohio, and immediately promised to prolong her epic struggle with Barack Obama for the party's presidential nomination. Mrs Clinton, who on Monday said she was "just getting warmed up" after 14 months of campaigning, was also running Mr Obama close in Texas, the other major state to vote. She also won Rhode Island while her rival won Vermont. Defeat in both Ohio and Texas would have spelt the end for her campaign, after 11 straight defeats to Mr Obama. But she has dug into her reserves of energy and defiance over the past week, maintaining that victory was still possible and launching a series of strong attacks on her opponent's lack of experience.

Addressing a delirious crowd of supporters in Columbus, Ohio, Mrs Clinton said: "We are just getting started". "The people of Ohio are saying it clearly, we are going on we are going strong and we are going all the way. They call Ohio a battle ground state and a state that knows how to pick a president. No candidate in recent history has won the White House without winning the Ohio primary," she said.

Mrs Clinton's win came as John McCain sealed a remarkable comeback, clinching the Republican presidential nomination after winning four states by hefty margins. The Arizona senator saw off the fading challenge of Mike Huckabee, passing the required number of delegates. The victory was redemption for the Vietnam war veteran after losing the nomination in 2000 to George W Bush and almost dropping out of the race last summer when his campaign verged on bankruptcy. Speaking in Dallas, Mr McCain paid tribute to Mr Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor who dropped out of the race. He said that during the presidential campaign he would defend his support for the Iraq war, and the case for continuing until the war was won.

Democratic aides are bracing themselves for a long night, with Mrs Clinton's supporters claiming she has halted Mr Obama's momentum and his backers responding that she will not secure the big wins she needs to stay in the race.Before the votes, in which some 370 Democratic delegates were at stake, Mr Obama had surged to clear front-runner status after 11 straight victories. The exit polls indicated that his lead of more than 100 delegates would not be dented significantly.
For Mrs Clinton, narrow victories in the two big states would give her a powerful symbolic boost and ensure she stays in the race at least until April 22nd, when the next big state Pennsylvania goes to the polls.

Mr Obama came from 20 points behind in polls in Texas and Ohio three weeks ago to be virtually tied before voting day. But in the 48 hours before voting, Mrs Clinton appeared finally to be putting him on the defensive. The former First Lady's strong performance followed a week of intense campaigning and relentless attacks on Mr Obama's record and readiness for the highest office.

Demonstrating a dogged fighting spirit, she refused to countenance defeat, making a pre-dawn appearance at an Ohio factory and making several national television appearances, including two popular comedy shows. After the 11 defeats, former President Bill Clinton said that his wife had to win both Texas and Ohio to stay in the race. But before polling stations closed Mrs Clinton sounded like she would continue her campaign if she only won Ohio, while her opponent sounded almost resigned to an extension of the nomination battle. "You don't get to the White House as a Democrat without winning Ohio," Mrs Clinton said at a polling station in Houston.

"My husband didn't get the nomination wrapped up until June (in 1992). That has been the tradition," she added, without mentioning that this year most primaries were held much earlier than in 1992.

"This is a very close race."

In San Antonio, Obama called Clinton "a tenacious and determined candidate".

The Illinois senator was forced onto the back foot over claims that he had misled voters over his commitment to reform the unpopular North American Free Trade Agreement, after the leak of a memo written by a Canadian consular official. The official said that a senior Obama economic adviser admitted the candidate's public criticism of Nafta, which is blamed for thousands of job losses in Ohio , was "just politics".

He has also faced renewed questions about his dealings with Tony Rezko, a Chicago businessman and associate who went on trial on Monday on fraud charges which do not involve Mr Obama. Mrs Clinton has succeeded in setting the political agenda in the final two days, touting her superior readiness in foreign policy with a controversial advertisement that featured the telephone ringing in the White House in the middle of the night.

SOURCE: telegraph.co.uk

टेलिकमको सेयर

देशकै सबैभन्दा बढी नाफा गर्ने कम्पनी नेपाल टेलिकमको सेयर किन्न लगानीकर्ताले चासो नदेखाएर चिसो प्रतिक्रिया दिए । कुल पु“जीको ४० प्रतिशतभन्दा बढी नाफा गर्ने यो कम्पनीको सेयर बिक्री नहुनु पु“जी बजारका लागि असामान्य घटना बन्यो । केही साताअघि मात्र सञ्चिति नोक्सान झन्डै ७ अर्ब रुपैया“ भएको कृषि विकास बैंकको सेयरका लागि मागभन्दा ४० गुना बढी निवेदन परेको थियो । सूचीकृत कम्पनीको सेयर कारोबार हुने दोस्रो बजार स्टार्न्र्डड चार्र्टर्ड बैंक नेपालको एक सय रुपैया“ चुक्ता मूल्यको सेयर करिब ५ हजार रुपैया“मा कारोबार भइरहेको छ । वित्तीय अवस्था खराब भएका कम्पनीको समेत चुक्ता मूल्यभन्दा ४-५ गुना बढीमा किनबेच छ । सरकारले पनि यसलाई हेरेर बढी मूल्यमा सेयर बिक्री गरेर फाइदा उठाउने सोच बनाएको थियो । तर सेयर बजारप्रतिको विश्लेषण गलतसावित भएको छ । नागरिक लगानी कोषका बचतकर्ताले सेयर किन्न ऋण पाउने सुविधा दि“दासमेत न्यूनतम ४ अर्ब ५० करोड उठ्नुपर्नेमा करिब ३ अर्बको आवेदन पर्‍यो । सेयर बिक्री बन्द हुनुभन्दा तीन दिनअघिसम्म यो अंक करोडभित्र थियो । सेयर निष्कासनका क्रममा केही गल्ती भएका छन् । त्यसकै परिणाम हो यो ।

पहिलो गल्ती- ठूलो रकमको सेयर निष्कासनका लागि अनुपयुक्त समय चयन गरियो । सेयर निष्कासन भएको समयमा वित्तीय संस्थाहरू तरलताको अभावमा थिए । बैंकहरूले आपसी लेनदेनको ब्याजदर करिब ८ प्रतिशतसम्म पुगेको थियो । कृषि विकास बैंकको सेयरका लागि ५ अर्ब ७७ करोड रुपैया“को आवेदन परेको थियो । यो रकम फिर्ता नहु“दासम्म ठूलो रकमको सेयर बिक्रीका लागि बजारमा ल्याउनु हु“दैनथ्यो । सरकारले यो तथ्यलाई सही मूल्यांकन गर्न सकेन । बजारमा
तरलता अभावलाई सरकारले बेवास्ता गर्नु हु“दैन्थ्यो ।

दोस्रो गल्ती- सेयर बजार अकासिएको समयबाट फाइदा उठाउने सोच सरकारले थियो । सूचीकृत कम्पनीका सेयर कारोबार हुने नेपाल स्टक एक्सचेञ्जमा वित्तीय संस्थाको कारोबार मूल्य अकासिएको थियो । यसलाई आधार बनाएर सरकारले चुक्ता मूल्यभन्दा बढी प्रिमियममा सेयर बिक्री गर्ने निधो गर्‍यो । यसअनुसार सरकारले १ सय रुपैया“ चुक्ता मूल्यको सेयरका लागि न्यूनतम ६ सय रुपैया“ मूल्य तोक्यो । टेलिकमको बुक भ्यालु -किताबी मूल्य) २ सय १२ रुपैया“मात्र थियो । चालू वर्षो नाफालाई आधार मान्दा ६ सयमा सेयर किन्नेले करिब ७ प्रतिशत प्रतिफल पाउन सक्थे । सेयर किनेर राख्ने र बोनसमात्र खान चाहनेका लागि यो आकर्ष प्र्रतिफल थिएन । बैंकले हकप्रद र बोनस सेयर दिने आधारमा दोस्रो बजारमा मूल्य बढेको थियो । तर टेलिकममा यो सम्भावना थिएन । एक कित्ताका लागि न्यूनतम ६ सय तोकिएकाले यसमा जोखिम पनि थियो । न्यूनतम प्र्रिमियम मूल्य ६ सय रुपैया“ के आधारमा तोकियो - यसमा किन्दा किन फाइदा छ - यसबारे सरकारले प्रचार-प्रसार गर्न सकेन ।

तेस्रो गल्ती- सेयर किन्न चाहनेले न्यूनतम एक सय कित्ताका लागि आवेदन दिनुपर्ने प्रावधान पनि त्रुटिपर्ूण्ा थियो । यसका लागि न्यूनतम ६० हजार लगानी गर्नुपथ्र्यो । यही कारण सरकारले बढी आलोचना पनि भोग्नुपर्‍यो । अन्य कम्पनीले जस्तै न्यूनतम १० वा २० कित्तासम्म खरिद गर्न पाउने प्रावधान राखेको भए खरिदकर्ता धेरै हुने थिए । किन्न त“छाड-मछाड हुने गथ्र्यो । तर न्यूनतम १ सय कित्तँ तोकेर यो अवसर सरकारले गुमायो । यसबाहेक सरकारले यो सेयरमा अनावश्यक विवादको पनि सामना गर्नुपर्‍यो । कर्मचारीलाई ९० रुपैया“मा किन दिइयो यो मुख्य विवादको विषय बन्यो । ग्राहकलाई सेयर दिनुपर्ने अर्को विवाद जन्मियो । यस्ता विवादले लगानीकर्ता हच्किए ।

अब यो सेयरमा पैसा हाल्नेको के हुन्छ, अहिले यो धेरैले सोध्ने प्रश्न बनेको छ । सरकारले यसबारे छिटो निर्ण्र्ाागरेर लगानीकर्तालाई जानकारी दिनर्ुपर्छ । पर्याप्त रकमको आवेदन नपरेकाले न्यूनतम ६ सयमा किन्न निवेदन दिनेले पनि सेयर पाउने भएका छन् । बढाबढमा बढी रकम तोक्नेलाई भने नोक्सान हुनेछ । यो बजारको नियम हो । बढी मूल्य हाल्नेलाई सेयरमा लगानी गर्दा विचार पुर्‍याउनर्ुपर्छ भन्ने सवक पनि हो यो ।

- विजय घिमिरे

SOURCE: Kantipur Daily