<p>The General strike called by CPN Maoist Netra Bikram Chand Biplab has partially affected normal life across the country.<br><br>Few private vehicles were seen plying in the capital city while long route passengers were stranded in the afternoon and partial effect of the strike is reported elsewhere outside the Kathmandu valley.<br><br>The strike also forced educational intitutions to stop studies.<br>&nbsp;<br>Meanwhile, police arrested around 100 strike enforcers from across different districts on the charge of involving in destructive activities and vandalizing vehicles and the vehicular movement has normally&nbsp; resumed from this evening, according to the Home Ministry.<br><br></p>

<p>Three persons were buried to death inside a sand mine at Khadga Bhanjyang VDC-9 in Nuwakot today.</p><p>The deceased have been identified as Bikash Tamang,&nbsp; Prakash Tamang, and Shankar Rai. The tragic incident took place as the three were working at the sand mine. </p><p>A mound of sand caved-in and buried them as they were loading a mini truck with sand.</p><p>The died on the spot, Deputy Superintendent of Police Rhishiram Kandel said. The bodies have been sent to Trishuli District Hospital for a post-mortem. <br><br><br><br></p>

<p>Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamal Thapa is leaving for New Delhi, the capital of India, tomorrow to attend the first convocation function of the South Asian University (SAU). <br><br>During his visit, Foreign Minister Thapa will separately meet with high officials of the Indian government including the Minister for External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj as well as with political leaders, Officiating Secretary at the Ministry, Bharat Raj Poudyal said.<br><br><br></p>

<p>Visiting Chinese Joint Staff of the Department of the Central Military Commission Admiral Sun Jianguo paid a courtesy call on Nepal's Chief of Army Staff Rajendra Chettri today. <br><br>During the meeting held at the Army Headquarters in Kathmandu, the two dwelt on various issues of mutual interest and cooperation between the Army of these two countries, according to the Directorate Public Relations, Nepal Army (NA). <br><br><br></p>

<p>Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Agni Kharel has ruled out the rumour of government change for the time being.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>Speaking in a press conference in&nbsp; Jhapa this afternoon, Minister Kharel added that the incumbent government will continue until January 2018 when the general elections take place.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>In another context, Minister Kharel clarified that his party is ready for taking leadership even for the national consensus government if all parties will agree for the same. <br><br><br></p>

<p>A flash flood occurred in the Jijauda, Kinamde, Banne and Khun rivulets last night swept away a settlement at Tiltali village of Latamandau VDC in the district. </p><p>The flood swept away the houses and cowsheds and damaged the crops in the settlement, police informed.</p><p>It is shared that a bridge and several road sections were also damaged by the flood in the village.<br><br>The flood affected over 150 houses causing much damage there.</p><p>Following the inspection of the site, Chief District Officer Keshav Prasad Acharya said that the locals should be evacuated from the village as the whole settlement is at a high risk from any kind of natural disasters in the future as well. <br><br><br></p>

<p>The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has drawn the government's attention urging it to carry out works as per the letter and spirit of the Supreme Court verdicts related to the road expansion. <br><br>The constitutional human rights body drew the government's attention citing the State violated the rights of the local people who are affected by the road expansion carried out in the Kathmandu Valley in contravention of even the Supreme Court's directives and stay orders.</p><p>The NHRC also appealed to the bodies concerned to ensure that an individual's dignity of life and the right to shelter is respected.<br><br><br></p>

<p>A two-day meeting of the SAARC cabinet secretaries has kicked off in the capital today. While inaugurating the meeting, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stressed on making public service prompt and effective for the economic prosperity of the SAARC region.<br><br>He also accentuated on collective efforts for eradicating poverty, illiteracy, famine and backwardness from the region to maintain economic prosperity and good governance. &nbsp;<br><br>PM Oli said that the SAARC needs more efforts to meet the peoples' aspirations as it has completed three decades' journey, adding that its support should be strengthened and increased.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>Prime Minister Oli stressed on investing more budget on infrastructure development and connectivity in communication sectors from the SAARC development fund. &nbsp;<br><br>In another context PM Oli said that our constitution is the best one in the world as it has ensured the peoples' rights and the provision of inclusiveness.<br><br>Similarly, Chief secretary Dr Somlal Subedi said that the public service sectors should be made prompt, effective and service oriented.Likewise, SAARC secretary general Arjun Bahadur Thapa&nbsp;&nbsp; said that the SAARC has achieved notable success on eradicating poverty, regional development, prevailing peace and prosperity in the region during its three-decade journey. <br><br>Chief Secretaries from its member state, high officials and monitors are attending the meeting. The meeting is scheduled to hold serious discussions on issues of reformation of governance system in the region identifying common problems and resolutions as well.&nbsp; <br><br></p>