The government on Thursday appointed journalist Bhawani Baral as chairman of the Press Council Nepal. He replaces Borna Bahadur Karki whose tenure ended on February 28. The position had been lying vacant since then but the government could not make a new appointment due to election code of conduct.

A Cabinet meeting on Thursday decided to appoint Baral as the Chairman of Press Council Nepal, according to Minister for Information and Communications and government Spokesperson Surendra Karki. 

The meeting has also decided to develop a masterplan to conserve and manage Chure, Tarai and Madhes. 

The masterplan would be developed for river system Management and greenery promotion, forest development and promote renewable energy, sustainable management of natural resources and manage risks due to climate change. 

The government has also decided to provide health services to the general public from the health facilities of Nepali Army and Police.