<p>Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Poudel has said the present budget has set the target of propelling the economic growth rate from the current 0.77 percent to 6.5 percent in the next fiscal year.<br><br>Speaking in an interaction programme organised today, he said the economic growth has shrunk at present due to the earthquake, the border blockade and the difficulty it led to as well as the administrative shortcoming.<br><br>He argued that the budget has laid special emphasis on the implementation of the constitution and the reconstruction, pointing out the need for all forces to join hands towards implementing the budget as it has been brought for the national development.<br><br><br><br></p>

<p>The Netra Bikram Chand-led CPN-Maoist torched an Ncell tower installed at Arshang, Thamdanda in Gorkha district this morning.<br><br>A group of three cadres of the party put the tower on fire by sprinkling petroleum product in the generator of the tower as a reprimand to the Ncell for not paying tax. Krishna Wagle, the In-charge of CPN-Maoist claimed the responsibility for the incident. "If the Ncell goes on refraining from paying tax like this, we will gradually torch other towers in other places and districts too," he warned.<br><br>The fire in the tower was doused by the police with the support from locals. Details of the loss incurred in the incident are awaited. Police are looking out for the culprits, shared Birendra Thapa, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) at the District Police Office, Gorkha.<br><br><br></p>

<p>Minister for Education Giriraj Mani Pokharel has said the Education Bill recently enacted by the parliament will help enhance quality education in the country. <br><br>Speaking at a silver jubilee function of Saraswoti Secondary School in Suryabinayak municipality-11 of Bhaktapur today, Minister Pokharel expressed his confidence that the Bill will contribute to bring comprehensive changes in the education sector. <br><br>On the occasion, acting District Education Officer of Bhaktapur Govinda Raj Sedai said the government target will be met only after the quality of education in public schools is enhanced. <br><br><br></p>

<p>Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Woman, Children and Social Welfare, CP Mainali, has said that all the people living within Nepal are indigenous nationalities. <br><br>Speaking at a program organized by the United Khas Chhetri Nepal, Minister Mainali said that all the castes bearing Nepali citizenship and living in the country since long are indigenous nationalities. <br><br>On the occasion, Khas Chhetri Nepal demanded enlistment into the indigenous index with independent identity and rights, formation of Indigenous Chhetri National Commission, multi-cultural ancient Hindu state among others.<br><br><br></p>

<p>President Bidya Devi Bhandari has emphasized on the need to preserve and promote the sacred sites around the birthplace of Gautam Buddha and develop Lumbini as a town of peace internationally.<br><br>Speaking at a programme organized today at the Sulakchan Kirti Bihar in Chovar to extend best wishes to Chief of the Bihar Dr Anoja Guruma, who was recently honoured with the 'Mahasadhamma Jyotikdwaj Award 2016' by the government of Myanmar, President Bhandari said it is a matter of pride and happiness that Lumbini remains as a sacred pilgrimage for Buddhists around the world and also for those who believe in peace, non-violence, fraternity, tolerance and compassion.<br><br>First Nepali Buddhist nun to attain a PhD in Buddhist philosophy, Dr Anoja was honoured with the award by the government of Myanmar for her extensive research and publicity of Buddhist religion. <br><br>On the occasion, the President expressed the belief that the followers of the Buddhist religion could spread Buddha's knowledge and message to make human life disciplined, happy and prosperous and help the society towards attaining permanent peace. <br><br></p>

<p>Nepali Congress leader Prakash Man Singh has blamed that the budget brought by the incumbent government has breached the country's fiscal discipline. <br><br>At the party cadres training programme organized in Kathmandu today by NC Nagarjun Working Committee, leader Singh claimed that the budget has not presented any solid base for its implementation rather than gaining cheap popularity. <br><br>Leader Singh accused the government of being confined in delivering speech than in actions, and urged the government for becoming accountable to the people.</p><p>On the occasion, he also directed the party leaders and cadres to make the organization base robust. <br><br><br></p>

<p>Libyan forces say they have retaken control of the port in the city of Sirte, after fierce fighting with militants from so-called Islamic State.</p><p>Sirte is the most significant IS stronghold outside Iraq and Syria. Air and missile strikes have hit IS positions this week, officials said. A spokesman said troops were moving closer to the city centre.</p><p>The forces, aligned to the UN-backed unity government in Tripoli, began the battle to retake the city last month.<br><br><br></p>

<p>Pilots at the French national airline have started a four-day strike that could disrupt plans for thousands of football fans on the second day of the Euro 2016 competition.</p><p>Air France has cancelled up to 30% of its flights today. But it said it would prioritise journeys to cities that were hosting tournament matches. The pilots' union is taking action because of planned pay cuts and changes to working conditions.</p><p>It is one of many unions taking action; others are striking because they want the government to scrap new labour laws that will make it easier to hire and fire people.<br><br><br></p>