- Sunday, 7 June 2026
Kathmandu, July 28: Eight major highways across the country have been completely blocked due to incessant rainfall taking place since Saturday night.
The Koshi highway has been blocked in Sankhuwasabha, while the Pasang Lhamu highway in Rasuwa, the Araniko highway in Sindhupalchowk, the Mid-hill highway in Nuwakot, the Jajarkot-Dolpa-Bheri corridor in Rukum West, the Mid-hill highway in Jajarkot, and the Karnali corridor in Humla. Even a makeshift bridge connecting Nepal-China border in Rasuwa is blocked, according to the Nepal Police Headquarters.
However, the road sections blocked earlier have been opened for one-way traffic, shared police.
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PM Oli directs to start preparation for 10th National Games
Kathmandu, July 28: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has directed the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Sports Council to initiate preparation for holding successfully the 10th National Games within coming mid-December.
During a meeting held at his official residence in Baluwatar, Prime Minister Oli asked the bodies concerned to start the preparation of the National Games, which is being organised on the eve of the Asia Games scheduled in Japan in 2026.
He reminded careful decision making so that the date and place for the championship would not be change for the event once announced.
Also the Patron of the NSC, Prime Minister Oli stressed the need of appropriate coordination between the Ministry and NSC leadership.
Minister for Youth and Sports, Teju Lal Chaudhary, Secretary at the Ministry, Dr Hari Prasad Lamsal, NSC Vice-Chairperson Dhurba Acharya, Member-Secretary Tanka Lal Ghising, among others were present on the occasion.
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Ministry supplies rabies vaccines, antivenin to all seven provinces
Kathmandu, July 28: The Department of Health Supplies under the Ministry of Health and Population has dispatched rabies vaccines and antivenins, the medication used for snakebites, to all seven provinces.
According to Dr Pawan Jung Rayamajhi, Chief of the Management Division within the Department, the supplies were ensured to health institutions operating under the province governments. The Ministry was alert by media about the shortage of rabies vaccines and antivenins in the provinces. In response, Minister for Health and Population Pradip Paudel reportedly directed subordinate agencies to address the issue promptly.
In accordance with the Department data, a total of 51,180 vials of rabies vaccine have already been delivered to provincial supply centres, with the highest quantity (10,080 vials) sent to Bagmati Province.
Similarly, 1,000 vials of antivenins have been supplied across the provinces. The highest allocation (2,500 vials) has been made to Madhesh Province, where snakebite cases are reported more frequently.
According to Ministry Spokesperson Prakash Budhathoki, arrangements have been made to significantly increase the supply in the next two months.
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One dies of snakebite
Dang, July 28: A person died of snakebite in Dang district today. The victim was Shalikram Yadav, 55, from Khardariya of Rajpur rural municipality-3, according to District Police Office.
Deputy Superintendent of Police in Dang, Chakra Bahadur Shah, informed that Yadav suffering from snakebite died while receiving treatment at Rapti Academy of Health Sciences, Ghorahi.
Yadav was a principal at local Shankar Secondary School, Khardariya.
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MCC allowed to continue projects in Nepal
Kathmandu, July 28: The US’ international development agency,
Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), is allowed to continue projects in Nepal. The Finance Ministry shared the information that Nepal government was written a letter on July 24, informing the continuation of MCC projects.
The projects forwarded under the MCC as per the agreement Nepal government had with the MCC were suspended after the executive order of US President on January 20, 2025. However, it was reconsidered, thereby lifting the suspension on July 24, according to the Finance Ministry.
Expansion of transportation and energy, the essential infrastructures of development, are major works under the MCC project in Nepal.
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Nepali Congress initiates debate on AI for national development
Kathmandu, July 28: With the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) globally, AI has increasingly become a topic of discussion across individuals, communities, organizations, political parties, and at the government level. These discussions largely focus on the use and regulation of AI for the welfare of humankind and acceleration of development works.
Lately, Nepal’s political parties too began joining the bandwagon to stir debate surrounding the pros and cons of AI. In this connection, the Nepali Congress (NC) on Sunday initiated a discussion series titled “AI: Overall Analysis for Nepal’s Development” at the party’s central office in Sanepa, Lalitpur.
Addressing the event, NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba said that AI has the potential to accelerate development in unprecedented ways provided it is utilized wisely. Reaffirming the NC’s commitment to innovation, liberal democracy, and good governance, he highlighted the urgency of building a ‘Digital Nepal’ that places citizens at its centre.
The programme was organized by the party’s Department of Science and Information Technology. According to Department coordinator Sushila Mishra Bhatta, AI is likely to become a vital and trustworthy development partner for Nepal. However, she stressed the need to develop strategic policies that also takes into account the related risks and challenges.
Suresh Pokharel, Vice Chairperson of AI Association Nepal, urged stakeholders to move beyond unfounded fears about AI. Talking about historical skepticism around electricity, he advocated for a forward-looking and informed approach to AI adoption. He also added that while India is actively exploring AI, Nepal, too, could design its own AI framework by focusing on data ecosystems, infrastructure, energy, algorithms, innovation, workforce development, and robust policy formulation.
A video presentation showcasing Nepal’s digital development journey was featured at the event, followed by a panel discussion on whether Nepal is ready for AI and the foundational elements needed to build the integrated and inclusive leadership.
Participants in the panel included Shikshit Bhatta, founder of ride-sharing app Tootle; Adesh Khadka, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology; Professor Dr Sudan Jha; Dipesh Bista, CEO of the E-Governance Commission; and Sajana Maharjan, an expert in data-driven governance. Collectively, they opined that AI should not be seen merely as a technological tool but as a transformative force that requires clear, long-term vision and commitment from political leadership.
Chairing the panel, NC central member Dr Minendra Rijal underlined that AI development is essential, but it is not challenge-free either. Integrating AI with inclusive, accountable, and visionary leadership helps ensure its effective deployment in Nepal, according to Rijal.
The participants urged the party to take a lead in formulating policies that ensure AI is used for the benefit of the broader population.
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‘More initiatives warranted for advancing sexual and gender minorities’ rights’
Kathmandu, July 28: The Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee under the House of Representatives (HoR), Bimala Subedi, has called for more initiation on the part of parliament to deliver toward gender equality and social inclusion.
During her address to a day-long national dialogue on the rights of gender and sexual minorities and the role of lawmakers, she spoke about the additional responsibilities of legislators from enacting laws for the rights of sexual and gender minorities to their implementation.
President of the Education, Health and Information Technology, Ammar Bahadur Thapa, said it is misfortunate that access of gender and sexual minorities to education and health sector is still unsatisfactory. He also pledged to focus on formulating inclusive polices ahead.
The programme was a joint initiative of several organisations: Inclusive Forum Nepal, Mayako Pahichan Nepal, and Lead Nepal. It was attended by presidents of various committees under the federal parliament and lawmakers, civil society representatives, human rights activists and the stakeholders concerned.
The participants echoed the need for legal reforms, increase in budget allocation, inclusive education and social awareness campaign to advance towards the rights of sexual and gender minorities.
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Autonomy of Media Council underlined
Kathmandu, July 28: Media experts have suggested autonomy of Media Council for its independent and responsible functioning.
At an interaction related to Media Council Bill, 2080 in the Education, Health and Information Technology Committee under the House of Representatives, they urged to forward the Bill with necessary amendments. Only autonomous and responsible media regulatory body can offset government’s control.
On the occasion, former President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Tara Nath Dahal, demanded revision on the Bill, saying though discussion was held on it for long, no conclusion was drawn yet. “There should be representation of all in the Media Council—journalists, users and experts. It will be better if the chairperson of council will be appointed out from among journalism,” he argued.
Similarly, another former FNJ President, Shiva Gaunle, expressed the view that Media Council should be developed as a body maintaining ‘sensitivity and balance’ between press and state, adding Council should better stress promotion of self-regulation and ethical standards.
Likewise, Communications expert Dr Raghu Mainali criticized the Bill, saying it is control-oriented. “An organisation needs autonomy, fund and accountability to be strong. But it lacks strong presence of these elements,” he argued.
Dr Suresh Acharya suggested not to appoint majority of journalists in the executive committee of the Media Council, adding the structure where a person assigned from the Ministry as a Chief curtails the institutions’ autonomy.
Arguing that structural weakness seen in the Media Council Bill has raised question on the concept of an independent regulatory body, lecturer of Ratna Rajya Laxmi Campus, Jagat Nepal, stressed that appointment of Chairperson of the Council should be equal to that of constitutional commission.
“The Council should have rights to appoint chief executive officer from open competition. I want to draw serious attention in structural reforms”, shared Dr Shudhamshu Dahal, Associate Professor at Kathmandu University.
Similarly, Associate Professors at the Tribhuvan University, Dr Rishi Kesh Dahal, and Dr Shreeram Paudyal emphasized the need of making media literacy as the basis of self-regulation.
Chairperson of the Public Service Broadcasting Nepal, Dr Mahendra Bista, viewed that the Media Council should be capable to adopt the changes brought by technology in media. The media experts criticized the Bill, saying it failed to incorporate the issues like technology and media literacy.
The Bill, registered at the National Assembly on April 24, 2024, got endorsed and was sent to the House of Representatives, the lower House, on February 10, 2025.
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Paudel appointed chief registrar of Supreme Court
Kathmandu, July 28: Bimal Paudel has been appointed as the chief registrar of the Supreme Court. The decision was made today by a meeting of the Judicial Service Commission, according to Spokesperson for Judicial Council, Dr Ashok Kumar Chhetri.
The position became vacant on Sunday following the retirement of Devendra Dhakal upon reaching the age limit of 58.
In other appointments, Man Bahadur Karki has been named the joint registrar of the Supreme Court, while joint attorney Surya Raj Dahal the secretary of the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons.
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Minister Pandey pledges broader partnership with private sector
Kathmandu, July 28: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, has expressed the belief that the government would move forging a broader partnership with private sector.
Unveiling the ‘Tourism Policy 2082’ at the Ministry today, Minister Pandey clarified that the government has wanted to work together with private sector. He argued, “The government is ready to coordinate for thriving businesses. However, results can be achieved only if the private sector takes leading role.”
Since the promulgation of the constitution in 2015, the Ministry has prioritized a policy to implement federalism in accordance with the national charter, he reminded.
Mentioning that culture policy and aviation policy are at the legislative section of the Cabinet for the discussion, the acts and regulations would be formulated and effectively implemented in line with tourism policy.
Similarly, Joint-Secretary of the Ministry, Indu Ghimire, made a presentation on objectives and priorities of the policy. The policy has incorporated the issues about timely policy-level reforms for the sustainable development of tourism sector.
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NC President aggrieved over Thani’s demise
Kathmandu, July 28: Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has expressed grief over the demise of Devi Thani.
Late Thani is the mother of Hridayaram Thani, a member of the House of Representatives from Nepali Congress.
She breathed her last while receiving treatment at Bir Hospital last night. The late Thani had contributed to Nepal’s democratic movement, Deuba said, expressing tribute to the departed one and condolences to the bereaved family members.
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Madhes drought: Govt mulling alternative crops if adversity continues
Pragati Dhakal/RSS
Kathmandu, July 28: Madhes Province has been officially declared a crisis-ridden zone following a prolonged drought. The delayed monsoon has severely disrupted daily life, resulting in an acute shortage of water both for drinking and agricultural purposes.
However, there has been a glimmer of hope. Since Sunday, light to moderate rainfall has begun across almost all parts of the country, offering much-needed relief to farmers who have been anxiously waiting to begin plantation.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, around 50 percent of rice farming in Nepal depends on monsoon rainfall. The current drought especially severe in the eight districts of the Terai/Madhes is expected to significantly reduce rice production this year. Although the rainfall is still light to moderate, it has brought a relief to the agricultural community.
Amidst these challenges, Director General of the Department of Agriculture, Prakash Kumar Sanjel, stated, “The Department is mulling alternative crop production if the adverse conditions for paddy transplantation continue beyond mid-August. We recently concluded a field visit to Madhes to assess the impact of the drought on agriculture and explore viable solutions.”
He added that immediate efforts would focus on repairing canal systems, shallow tube-wells, and deep boring systems to expand irrigation access for rice transplantation. Due to the prolonged drought, rice seedlings have dried up, and cracks formed in the paddy fields.
If sufficient rainfall does not occur soon, rice transplantation in Madhes is expected to decline significantly, leading to a considerable drop in production.
According to the fresh Agricultural and Livestock Diary, the agriculture sector contributes 24.1 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employs 50.4 percent of the population. Madhes Province alone accounts for 16.25 percent of the country’s total paddy field.
The province has 542,580 hectares of arable land, with rice cultivation taking place in 502,244 hectares.
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Two youths missing in Gosainkunda found dead
Rasuwa, July 28: Two youths, who had gone missing during a holy bath in the Gosainkunda of Rasuwa district, have been found dead.
The deceased have been identified as Manoj Neupane, 28, of Belbari municipality-11 and Sujan Dhakal, 26, of Biratnagar municipality-3, according to Chief of the District Police Office, Hem Bahadur Shahi.
Both of them had gone missing in the pond in course of taking holy bath on Sunday and their bodies were pulled out from the pond today with the support of security personnel and local hotel entrepreneurs.
However, problem surfaced to airlift the bodies to Kathmandu for post-mortem after a helicopter failed to make a flight from Kathmandu due to adverse weather today, said police.
Police guessed that the youths might have died due to freezing cold in course of the bath in the pond located at 4,380 meters height from the sea level.
It is suspected that both of them went missing after one of them fell into the pond and another tried to save him but in vain.
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New sports minister in Lumbini
Lumbini, July 28: Newly appointed Minister for Youth and Sports Santosh Kumar Pandey took oath of office and secrecy today.
The newly appointed Minister Pandey took the oath of office and secrecy before Province Chief Krishna Bahadur Gharti at the Province Chief’s Office in Butwal in the presence of Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya, ministers of the province and high-ranking officials.
Chief Minister Acharya expanded his cabinet on Sunday.
A parliamentary party leader of the Loktantrik Samajwadi Party, Pandey was appointed to the vacant post of Minister for Youth and Sports.
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Women MP’s lobby with Foreign Minister to for Coordination Committee
Kathmandu, July 28: Women lawmakers representing various political parties have urged Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba to provide necessary support and facilitate in forming a Women MP’s Coordination Committee under the House of Representatives (HoR).
Women Member of Parliament (MPs), including whips of major political parties, here today called on Minister Rana for her active initiation to ensure the formation of the Committee.
Although the HoR Regulations provides for such a committee comprising women lawmakers represented in the federal parliament, the committee is yet to be formed despite half of the HoR’s tenure has already elapsed.
Amidst this delay, the women lawmakers made the appeal to the Foreign Minister to prod the government and parliament to enforce the provision and form the committee.
Present in the meeting were NC whip Sushila Thing, CPN (UML)’s Sunita Baral, CPN (Maoist Centre)’s Rupa Soshi Chaudhary, Rastriya Prajatantra Party’s Bina Lama and Rastriya Swatantra Party’s Nisha Dangi.
Also in attendance in the meeting were former minister and serving parliamentarian Rekha Sharma, Sita Gurung and Biddhya Bhattarai among others.
During the meeting, Minister Rana recalled that the women parliamentarians from all political parties represented in the parliament had to come together to attain notable achievements in the field of women rights and underscored the continuation of that tradition in coming days as well.
Expressing her dismay over the lack of implementation of the provision for women’s committee as stipulated in the HoR Regulations, the Minister emphasized solidarity of all women MPs in the parliament on issues concerning women.
The Minister, in response, also pledged to take all possible initiatives for the formation of the committee the women MPs called for.
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Bir Hospital mirrors the state of health service, says Health Minister Poudel
Kathmandu, July 28: Minister for Health and Population Pradeep Poudel has said that if Bir Hospital is improved the entire health service sector can be improved.
Speaking at the 136th anniversary celebration function of Bir Hospital today, he said the ministry will make every effort to provide the necessary equipment and infrastructure to the oldest hospital of the country.
He also called for additional investment to improve Nepal’s health sector, which is yet to be completely improved. The Health Minister also shared that efforts are being made to adjust the health insurance funds of all hospitals by the month of Bhadra.
Presenting the annual report of the hospital for the fiscal year 2081/82, the hospital’s director, Prof Dr Dilip Sharma shared that 647,215 people have used outpatient services, 35,141 emergency services, 21,224 outpatient services, and 26,446 surgical services during the period.
Dr Sharma cited shortage of annual budget for essential items, lack of timely reimbursement from the Health Insurance Board, and increasing staff turnover, as well as the shortage of approved posts of technical personnel as challenges facing the hospital.
Established on 12th Shrawan 1946 BS, the hospital started with 15 beds and currently has an approved capacity of 960 beds.
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Expressway should be completed by adopting alternative measures: PM Oli
Kathmandu, July 28: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the Kathmandu-Tarai/Madhes Expressway should be completed even by adopting alternative measures.
Taking to his social media account today, he said that the expressway or fast-track should be completed even by adopting alternative measures as the road will connect Kathmandu with the Tarai within an hour.
“A thorough discussion was held last night regarding the problems that lie in the construction of the Khokana-Dukuchhap section of the expressway. As soon as the construction of the Khokana area is completed, the road will connect with the Tarai. We have to complete it even by adopting alternative measures. We do not have much time, so I have urged the ministry and the Nepali Army to find a suitable solution,” Prime Minister Oli wrote.
He has also noted that the Nepali Army is constructing the Kathmandu-Tarai/Madhes Expressway as it is a road project of strategic importance to the country.
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‘Settlement of arrears before federalism implementation not possible; explore alternative measures’
Kathmandu, July 28: Chief Secretary Eknarayan Aryal along with secretaries of most of the ministries, constitutional commissions and agencies have pressured for exploring alternative outlet to the settlement of arrears while asserting it is not possible to clear the dues prior to that of the federalism implementation.
The Public Accounts Committee under the House of Representatives (HoR) on Monday held a discussion with all the accounts responsible officers about the status of arrears settlement.
During the discussion, secretaries pitched for the idea of navigating alternative measures arguing that the federal government ministries have been bearing the brunt of arrears of the agencies despite scrapping of several structures and delegation of responsibilities to the local level following the implementation of federalism.
Audit General Toyam Raya and Chief Secretary Aryal opined that the irregular arrears except from the dues prior to the constitution implementation cannot be settled.
“The previous structure of District Development Committee has been scrapped. There is no information where and how their files are kept. But, their arrears are maintained at federal ministry. Arrears which are to be settled however should not be left. The theoretical arrears need to be cornered through a decision”, Chief Secretary Aryal said, adding the arrears could also not be settled practically.
“Some separate decisions need to be done for the settlement of arrear dues. It is not possible to regularize the arrears before 2015 – the year the Constitution was promulgated”, Aryal noted.
Auditor General Toyam Raya echoed the argument of the Chief Secretary that the bureaucracy could not address the arrears produced from the audit before 2015.
AG Raya said, “After listening to the Chief Secretary and Secretaries, it sounds convincing for me as well to dismiss the irregular arrears prior to the 2015. There is no clarity whether or not the documents of the offices transferred to the local level are kept at province and local levels. We should do some ground works to give it an outlet”.
It may be noted that the PAC has demanded an action plan with 13-point question from all line ministries, constitutional commissions and agencies to furnish information about the status of arrears and measures being placed to settle the arrears.
The 62nd Annual Report-2082 of the Office of the Auditor General has come up with the arrears amounting around Rs 733 billion 191 million – determined after carrying out audit of the federal government offices, province government office, local level and institutions.
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Lumbini to be made a major centre for peace research
Lumbini, July 28: A two-day international seminar on ‘Diplomacy and Buddha’s Teaching: A Path to Global Peace and Sustainable Development’ concluded here today issuing a 15-point declaration.
The seminar organized by the Lumbini Buddhist University in collaboration with the South Asia Foundation and Indian Embassy in Nepal saw participation of diplomats from Nepal and India as well as academicians of the University among others.
The seminar called for establishing Lumbini as a major centre for peace research and expansion of peace and diplomacy based on the Buddhist philosophies.
The participants also emphasized establishment of a diplomacy centre for dialogue and resolution in the crisis-ridden and sensitive zones across the world.
The 15-point declaration also put forward a proposal to conduct ‘mindfulness’-based training programmes for diplomats and implement programmes that promote environmental peace based on Buddha’s teachings on compassion and interdependence towards nature.
Furthermore, the seminar saw the need for developing a globally recognized Buddhist ethical framework for diplomacy that aligns with the Buddhist values.
The declaration also highlighted the importance of promoting integrated peace tourism at the Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal and India to foster mutual understanding and cultural harmony.
The seminar suggested establishing an international Buddhist Peace Organization involving youth and focusing on Buddhist philosophy, peace education and for sustainable development.
It also pressed for developing and promoting ethical artificial intelligence system inspired by the Buddhist philosophies for predicating conflict, detecting misinformation and guiding meditation.
The seminar advised to devise Lumbini Peace Index inspired by the Global Peace Index to evaluate peace index based on the Buddhist values.
The seminar announced formation of a Buddhist Monks Think Tank in collaboration with the Lumbini Buddhist University and government agencies to offer philosophical and moral guidance during any global crisis.
Declaration was also made to annually organize Lumbini International Diplomat Retreat and promote research and application of Buddhist legal philosophies in international law and conflict resolution.
Plans were rolled out to develop Lumbini as a major centre for peace research in collaboration with the South Asian Peace Research and Sustainable Development Centre.
Decision was made to establish Lumbini Buddhist University as a hub of excellence in the field of diplomacy, peace building and sustainable development collaboration partnering with various national and international diplomatic and educational institutions.
Altogether 58 scholars had deliberated on various agendas such as Buddhist education and world politics, compassion and conflict resolution, sustainable development based on Buddhist principles and the like.
Eminent diplomats such as former ambassador Prof Dr Lokraj Baral, former Indian Ambassador Dr Amarendra Khatua among others had shared their insights while University office-bearers, researchers had presented working paper.
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Chief Minister Shah to seek vote of confidence on July 31
Sudurpaschim, July 28: Chief Minister of Sudurpaschim Province Kamal Bahadur Shah is to seek a vote of confidence in the Provincial Assembly meeting on July 31.
The Nepali Congress parliamentary party meeting today unanimously decided to give a vote of confidence to party leader and Chief Minister Shah in the Provincial Assembly meeting, the Chief Minister’s Secretariat has stated.
Meanwhile, after the meeting of the NC parliamentary party, a whip has been issued to all the NC PA members to vote in favor of Chief Minister Shah.
Chief Minister Shah is seeking a vote of confidence after the Nagarik Unmukti Party withdrew its support to the government. The Shah-led government retains a majority, despite the withdrawal of support.
As per the constitution, the Chief Minister is required to take a vote of confidence within thirty days, and hence by August 2.
The fourth largest party in the provincial assembly, Nagarik Unmukti party, has seven provincial assembly members. The Nepali Congress that is leading the government has 18 and the CPN (UML) has 11 provincial assembly members in the 53-member provincial assembly.
The main opposition CPN (Maoist Center) has 11, the CPN (Unified Socialist) has four (one suspended), the RPP has one and one is an independent member.
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Chief Minister Pandey proposes cooperation in trade and tourism with China
Gandaki, July 28: Chief Minister of Gandaki Province Surendra Raj Pandey returned home today after completing a week-long visit to neighbouring China.
During the visit, Chief Minister Pandey attended a program organized by the government of the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China. He also met with General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) for the Tibet Autonomous Region Wang Junzheng.
During the meeting, he proposed cooperation and collaboration to promote trade and tourism between the two countries by regularly operating the Korala border point connecting Gandaki Province and Tibet, shared the Chief Minister’s Press Coordinator Narahari Sapkota.
Furthermore, Chief Minister Pandey emphasized on facilitating the travel of Nepalis and other foreigners to Mansarovar through the Tibet border crossing point, increasing direct flights from Chinese cities to Kathmandu and Pokhara, and partnership in investment and tourism promotion between Tibet and Gandaki Province.
General Secretary Junzheng and Chief Minister Pandey discussed issues such as facilitating tax exemptions to attract Nepali and Chinese big investors, facilitating and cooperating in the availability of visas and entry passes for tourists coming from Pokhara to Lhasa.
General Secretary Junzheng of the CPC said that he was aware of the efforts being made by the Gandaki government to manage the Korala border crossing, and that it would create opportunities for cooperation between the two countries and that the Tibetan government was positive about it.
Chief Minister Pandey also met with the Secretary of the Linji Municipal Committee of the CPC and the mayor of the municipality.
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Discussion with those working in Madhesh Province
Kathmandu, July 28: A discussion was held with the representatives of United Nations agencies, NGOs and I-NGOs working in the sector of drinking water, sanitation, agriculture and irrigation in the Madhesh Province.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority summoned a meeting with them at Singhadurbar on Monday to discuss the drought situation across the Madhesh Province and seek solution to the ongoing problems.
It may be noted that a cabinet meeting on July 23 had declared Madhesh Province as a disaster-hit zone for the period of three months, citing acute water shortage caused by prolonged drought.
Prior to that, the Madhesh Province government had made a similar declaration on July 10.
The representatives attending today’s meeting briefed about what they were delivering in the Province in their respective working areas.
They were of the view that it would be easier for them to extend necessary assistance if they are provided with the detail information about the worst-affected areas in the Province.
During the meeting, Authority’s CEO Dinesh Bhatta urged the attendees of the meeting to prioritize drinking water and shared that they had sought information from the concerned district administration offices on which areas needed urgent help.
He reminded that the Authority had held a meeting with the leaders and administrators of Madhesh Province on July 26 in the presence of Minister for Home Affairs, Ramesh Lekhak.
Following the decision of the cabinet to declare Madhesh disaster-hit zone, the Authority made an appeal with the UN agencies, social organizations and the Red Cross to modify their programmes as per the need and lay their focus on Madhesh.
With the declaration of Madhesh Province as a disaster-hit zone, work on improving drinking water and irrigation facilities has begun in the Province.
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Dumre-Ambukhaireni road section blocked by landslide
Damauli (Tanahun), July 28: The Dumre-Ambukhaireni road section under the Muglin-Pokhara road section has been blocked by a dry landslide that fell in Bimalnagar, Bandipur Rural Municipality-4, Tanahun this evening.
The highway has been blocked after large stones fell in the middle of the road, according to the District Police Office. Efforts are being made to clear the landslide debris and resume operation of the highway, said Deputy Superintendent of Police Ashok Thapa.
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World Bank increases interest rate of loan to Nepal by 0.75 percent
Kathmandu, July 28: The World Bank (WB) has increased interest rate of the loan it has been providing with the rise in the per capita income of Nepal.
At an orientation on foreign aid mobilization system organized by the Ministry of Finance and Nepal Association of Financial Journalists (NAFIJ) here today, Chief of International Economic Aid Coordination Division Dhaniram Sharma informed that interest rate has been increased by 0.75 percent on the development cooperation Nepal has been receiving from the World Bank, effective from July.
With the increment, the interest rate for the World Bank loan has reached 1.5 percent, Sharma shared.
“The World Bank has increased the interest rate from this July. We have been receiving such loan on condition to repay within 40 years. The maturity period of 40 and 38 years has been reduced to 30 years now”, the senior ministry official said.
The Division shared that development cooperation would be taken ahead in a way to align with the country strategies brought out by the World bank and the Asian Development Bank.
He added as the development partners themselves evaluate the quality and outcomes of the project under all development cooperation Nepal receives, there is no condition of project selection as per the demand.
On the occasion, Under Secretary of the MoF, Dolendra Sharma presented a paper on the practice of foreign aid mobilization in Nepal.
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