After three months of continuous protest by the judicial bodies against the Chief Justice of Supreme Court Cholendra Shamsher Rana, ruling parties of the Nepal Government on Sunday filed an impeachment motion against the Chief Justice.&nbsp;

Lawmakers of the ruling coalition filed a 21- point impeachment motion against the chief justice. A total of 98 lawmakers have signed the proposal to impeach the CJ registered at the Parliament secretariat today, alleging the Chief Justice incapable of upholding democracy and the rule of law.

Following the registration of the motion, CJ Rana has been automatically suspended from practicing his duties.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ground-report-china-imposes-undeclared-blockade-against-nepal-452134" hreflang="en">Ground report: China imposes 'undeclared blockade' against Nepal</a>

In the letter sublimed to the Parliament, lawmakers have accused the current Chief Justice of being “incapable of safeguarding democracy, human rights, justice, the rule of law, constitutional supremacy and an independent, competent, impartial and responsible judiciary.&nbsp;“

“Within the Supreme Court and the judiciary, there is a situation of excessive distortions, inconsistencies, corruption, and intermediaries,” it added.&nbsp;

The Nepal Bar Association President Chandeshwor Shrestha told WION that the bar will continue with their protest until the motion is passed.&nbsp;

"The Nepal Bar Association has been carrying out protests for 106 days against the Chief Justice, asking for his resignation, but Rana has been adamant. He was of the view that as he was appointed through a constitutional process, and can only be removed through a constitutional process. The Bar Association had earlier requested the government to remove him from the position of the CJ,” Shrestha told WION.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-encroaching-into-nepal-along-border-says-report-451466" hreflang="en">China encroaching into Nepal along border, says report</a>

So following which, Shrestha said “they (the government) have filed an impeachment motion against him. Almost 98 MPS are in support of the motion. Shumsher Rana has automatically been debarred from carrying out his duties immediately following the registration of the impeachment motion against him.”

“Nepal Bar considers it is its duty to save the judicial system and we will continue protesting until the motion is passed and our demands are met,” he added.&nbsp;

Article 101 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal states that one-fourth of the MPs can register an impeachment motion against any official holding a constitutional position on the ground of failing to perform duty effectively or of working against the constitution or seriously violating their code of conduct.

Condemning the decision of the governemnt of filing the impeachment motion, CPN-UML opposition leader, Bishnu Rijal said that the party will not support the motion and will file a counter-motion soon.&nbsp;

"Impeachment motion is part of a controversy to destabilize the court. There is no reason to bring the motion. The current government was formed by the verdict of the court given by the five justices which is undemocratic, unconsitutional. We have our own reservation on the issue. We condemn the decision of the court of electing the current government where the Prime Minister was appointed by the court rather than by the President and the Parliament," Rijal told WION.&nbsp;

"All five justices who had given the verdict should be impeached and not only the CJ. there is no valid reason to impeach the CJ. It is clear that without the support of the CPN-UML, the motion will not be passed," he added.&nbsp;

While one-fourth of the lawmakers can register the impeachment motion, it needs a two-third majority of Parliament to endorse it.

The support of the main opposition CPN-UML is a must to endorse the motion, as the parties that have filed the motion have just 134 votes in total.

It needs 181 votes to pass the impeachment motion in the 271-strong Parliament.

Nepal Bar has been in agitation demanding the resignation of the Chief Justice, accusing him of seeking a political share in the cabinet, and encouraging corruption in the judiciary.&nbsp;

Recently, the Chief Justice landed in controversy after his brother-in-law Gajendra Bahadur Hamal was appointed as a non-parliamentary minister to confirm the allegation that he was seeking a share.&nbsp;

Chief Justice Rana had always maintained that he will not resign and would rather face impeachment by parliament. This is the constitutional process to remove the chief justice.

After three months of continuous protest by the judicial bodies against the Chief Justice of Supreme Court Cholendra Shamsher Rana, ruling parties of the Nepal Government on Sunday filed an impeachment motion against the Chief Justice.

After three months of continuous protest by the judicial bodies against the Chief Justice of Supreme Court Cholendra Shamsher Rana, ruling parties of the Nepal Government on Sunday filed an impeachment motion against the Chief Justice. Lawmakers of the ruling coalition filed a 21- point impeachment motion against the chief justice. A total of 98 lawmakers have signed the proposal to impeach the CJ registered at the Parliament secretariat today, alleging the Chief Justice incapable of upholding democracy and the rule of law. Following the registration of the motion, CJ Rana has been automatically suspended from practicing his duties. Also read | Ground report: China imposes 'undeclared blockade' against Nepal In the letter sublimed to the Parliament, lawmakers have accused the current Chief Justice of being “incapable of safeguarding democracy, human rights, justice, the rule of law, constitutional supremacy and an independent, competent, impartial and responsible judiciary. “ “Within the Supreme Court and the judiciary, there is a situation of excessive distortions, inconsistencies, corruption, and intermediaries,” it added. The Nepal Bar Association President Chandeshwor Shrestha told WION that the bar will continue with their protest until the motion is passed. "The Nepal Bar Association has been carrying out protests for 106 days against the Chief Justice, asking for his resignation, but Rana has been adamant. He was of the view that as he was appointed through a constitutional process, and can only be removed through a constitutional process. The Bar Association had earlier requested the government to remove him from the position of the CJ,” Shrestha told WION. Also read | China encroaching into Nepal along border, says report So following which, Shrestha said “they (the government) have filed an impeachment motion against him. Almost 98 MPS are in support of the motion. Shumsher Rana has automatically been debarred from carrying out his duties immediately following the registration of the impeachment motion against him.” “Nepal Bar considers it is its duty to save the judicial system and we will continue protesting until the motion is passed and our demands are met,” he added. Article 101 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal states that one-fourth of the MPs can register an impeachment motion against any official holding a constitutional position on the ground of failing to perform duty effectively or of working against the constitution or seriously violating their code of conduct. Condemning the decision of the governemnt of filing the impeachment motion, CPN-UML opposition leader, Bishnu Rijal said that the party will not support the motion and will file a counter-motion soon. "Impeachment motion is part of a controversy to destabilize the court. There is no reason to bring the motion. The current government was formed by the verdict of the court given by the five justices which is undemocratic, unconsitutional. We have our own reservation on the issue. We condemn the decision of the court of electing the current government where the Prime Minister was appointed by the court rather than by the President and the Parliament," Rijal told WION. "All five justices who had given the verdict should be impeached and not only the CJ. there is no valid reason to impeach the CJ. It is clear that without the support of the CPN-UML, the motion will not be passed," he added. While one-fourth of the lawmakers can register the impeachment motion, it needs a two-third majority of Parliament to endorse it. The support of the main opposition CPN-UML is a must to endorse the motion, as the parties that have filed the motion have just 134 votes in total. It needs 181 votes to pass the impeachment motion in the 271-strong Parliament. Nepal Bar has been in agitation demanding the resignation of the Chief Justice, accusing him of seeking a political share in the cabinet, and encouraging corruption in the judiciary. Recently, the Chief Justice landed in controversy after his brother-in-law Gajendra Bahadur Hamal was appointed as a non-parliamentary minister to confirm the allegation that he was seeking a share. Chief Justice Rana had always maintained that he will not resign and would rather face impeachment by parliament. This is the constitutional process to remove the chief justice.

Impeachment motion filed against Nepal CJ, justices to continue protesting

China's imposition of 'undeclared blockade' against Nepal has severely disrupted traffic of consumer items across the border between the two countries. This is resulting in loss of millions of rupees. China is attempting to tighten its grip on Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani, the two most crucial trading points.

China is using the pretext of Covid prevention and only allowing two to three truckloads of goods each day from the trading points into Nepal.

“Since two years the trading with China has come down drastically. After the 2015 earthquake, Tatopani was shut down for almost four years, and later when it was opened, the border once was again shut down by Chinese authorities citing COVID which slowed down the trading," says Ashok Shreshtha President of the Nepal Trans Himalayan Border Commerce Association.

He added that China should make arrangements for easy import and export of goods from the border.

Concerns are mounting in Nepal. At least 300 trucks are stuck at Kerung and Tatopani border points for last 16 months, Shreshtha said.

He stressed that traders were incurring heavy losses. Chinese government is not issuing visas to Nepalese traders as a result of which &nbsp;they are not ordering any goods from China.

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(Map shows&nbsp;location of trading points)

Earlier, it used to take only two weeks for container trucks to reach Nepal through the northern land border with China, but it now takes nearly three months for Chinese goods to reach Nepal when imported through Indian ports.

It appears unlikely that Chinese government is unaware of the reality at Nepal-China border.&nbsp;

A statement released by the Chinese side earlier said that they had opened cargo transportation to nepal

“The Chinese side opened one-way cargo transportation to Nepal by overcoming great difficulties and has continuously enhanced the ports' cargo handling capacity, which played an important role in ensuring the supply of anti-pandemic and livelihood materials in Nepal. We look forward to working with the Nepali side to overcome the present difficulties and make efforts to restore the economy and normal personnel exchanges.” Chinese Embassy in Nepal said in this statement on Jan 13, 2022.

However, China has not initiated any step to ease the trade deadlock between the two countries.&nbsp;

In addition to the blockade, the Chinese side has also banned entry of Nepali citizens under the pretext of Covid prevention. Nepalese MBBS students in China have been barred from entering the country.

Communist parties warm up to each other

While Nepali citizens face difficulties, Communist parties of both countries are warming up to each other.

Nepal adheres to the “One China” policy and had also signed China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for different infrastructure projects when Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal was the Prime Minister in 2017.&nbsp;

Recently, Dahal held an hour-long hush-hush virtual meeting last week with Song Tao, the high-ranking head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC).&nbsp;

Chinese leader Song Tao said China wants to deepen traditional ties with Nepal's political parties based on mutual political trust.&nbsp;

It appears that China is hina is being heavy-handed in dealing with Nepal and enforcing an undeclared blockade because the present coalition headed by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba is perceived as being 'pro-India' and 'pro-West'.

As per Trade and Export Promotion Centre in&nbsp;Nepal:

Chinese imports to Nepal have shrunk by 3 per cent of its imports in a span of 2 years&nbsp;

2019-20: 17.6%

Current: 14.6%

China mainly exports electronic goods and garments to Nepal.&nbsp;

Nepal export to China have been reduced to lowest ever percentage in these countries' trading history.

2019-20: 1.8%

Current: 0.4%&nbsp;

Nepal mainly exports carpets, handicraft items, traditional items to China.&nbsp;

China's imposition of 'undeclared blockade' against Nepal has severely disrupted traffic of consumer items across the border between the two countries. This is resulting in loss of millions of rupees.

China's imposition of 'undeclared blockade' against Nepal has severely disrupted traffic of consumer items across the border between the two countries. This is resulting in loss of millions of rupees. China is attempting to tighten its grip on Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani, the two most crucial trading points. China is using the pretext of Covid prevention and only allowing two to three truckloads of goods each day from the trading points into Nepal. “Since two years the trading with China has come down drastically. After the 2015 earthquake, Tatopani was shut down for almost four years, and later when it was opened, the border once was again shut down by Chinese authorities citing COVID which slowed down the trading," says Ashok Shreshtha President of the Nepal Trans Himalayan Border Commerce Association. He added that China should make arrangements for easy import and export of goods from the border. Concerns are mounting in Nepal. At least 300 trucks are stuck at Kerung and Tatopani border points for last 16 months, Shreshtha said. He stressed that traders were incurring heavy losses. Chinese government is not issuing visas to Nepalese traders as a result of which they are not ordering any goods from China. (Map shows location of trading points) Earlier, it used to take only two weeks for container trucks to reach Nepal through the northern land border with China, but it now takes nearly three months for Chinese goods to reach Nepal when imported through Indian ports. It appears unlikely that Chinese government is unaware of the reality at Nepal-China border. A statement released by the Chinese side earlier said that they had opened cargo transportation to nepal “The Chinese side opened one-way cargo transportation to Nepal by overcoming great difficulties and has continuously enhanced the ports' cargo handling capacity, which played an important role in ensuring the supply of anti-pandemic and livelihood materials in Nepal. We look forward to working with the Nepali side to overcome the present difficulties and make efforts to restore the economy and normal personnel exchanges.” Chinese Embassy in Nepal said in this statement on Jan 13, 2022. However, China has not initiated any step to ease the trade deadlock between the two countries. In addition to the blockade, the Chinese side has also banned entry of Nepali citizens under the pretext of Covid prevention. Nepalese MBBS students in China have been barred from entering the country. Communist parties warm up to each other While Nepali citizens face difficulties, Communist parties of both countries are warming up to each other. Nepal adheres to the “One China” policy and had also signed China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for different infrastructure projects when Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal was the Prime Minister in 2017. Recently, Dahal held an hour-long hush-hush virtual meeting last week with Song Tao, the high-ranking head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Chinese leader Song Tao said China wants to deepen traditional ties with Nepal's political parties based on mutual political trust. It appears that China is hina is being heavy-handed in dealing with Nepal and enforcing an undeclared blockade because the present coalition headed by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba is perceived as being 'pro-India' and 'pro-West'. As per Trade and Export Promotion Centre in Nepal: Chinese imports to Nepal have shrunk by 3 per cent of its imports in a span of 2 years 2019-20: 17.6% Current: 14.6% China mainly exports electronic goods and garments to Nepal. Nepal export to China have been reduced to lowest ever percentage in these countries' trading history. 2019-20: 1.8% Current: 0.4% Nepal mainly exports carpets, handicraft items, traditional items to China.

Ground report: China imposes 'undeclared blockade' against Nepal

Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has been intensifying efforts to forge common ground on the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) among the leaders of the coalition partners but it has made no headway.&nbsp;

The compact was signed between Nepal and the US in 2017 and still, Nepal has failed to reach a census to ratify it in the parliament.&nbsp;As per the provision, for the implementation of the MCC, the compact should be ratified by the parliament.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, MCC headquarters has clearly stated that any further delays could lead to the end of the US grant for Nepal.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mcc-compact-threatens-nepal-coalition-government-449627/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Deuba and CPN Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ on Feb 3, 22, the United States has given the government of Nepal a deadline of February 28 to endorse the compact from the Parliament.&nbsp;

“Without action on your part by February 28, the MCC board will discuss next steps as its March 22 meeting, including whether to continue with the compact. Absent ratification, it is within the board’s authority to discontinue Nepal’s eligibility to receive the $500 compact grant with the grant from the United States. Such a decision would end MCC’s partnership with Nepal," the MCC Board of Directors said in a letter.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-likely-to-hold-local-elections-on-may-18-in-single-phase-449732">Also read |&nbsp;Nepal likely to hold local elections on May 18 in single phase</a>

This letter has come in response to the commitment letter sent by Prime Minister Deuba and CPN-Maoists chairman Prachanda on September 29, 2021, to the MCC Board of Directors.&nbsp;

In which they “acknowledge with appreciation” the MCC Compact signed between the US and Nepal on 14 September 2017 and “jointly make a request to the MCC Board for providing additional time for the ratification of the Compact.”&nbsp;

However, Prachanda's party is protesting the MCC ever since asking to amend the compact before tabling it in the parliament.&nbsp;

More importantly, House speaker, Agni Sapkota, a leader close to Prachanda is blocking the ratification process for months. Speaker Agni Sapkota has been known to be close to Beijing and has made no secret for his opposition to the MCC.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/key-issues-in-nepal-threaten-ruling-coalition-government-again-449498">Also read |&nbsp;Key issues in Nepal threaten ruling coalition government again</a>

In the letter, Nepal has committed to passing the compact with the required parliamentary majority within four-five months, the deadline which is approaching.&nbsp;

"We would discuss clarifications received from the MCC with all the coalition partners and party members, use the resource of Nepal to communicate publicly with the Nepali people and to dispel misunderstandings and apprehensions about the compact," the letter signed under the name of PM Deuba and Maoist leader Prachanda said.&nbsp;

"Will hold a joint conference with leaders of the coalition partners to demonstrate government’s positive views on the MCC ratification, disseminate accurate information about the compact through state media, encourage MCA Nepal for the implementation of the MCC compact and to jointly request Speaker to table the MCC compact in the Parliament," Nepali leaders committed in the letter.&nbsp;

PM Deuba is making efforts to convince other party leaders, including CPN-UML Chairman KP Oli to support the compact.&nbsp;

Prime Minister has been holding meetings with opposition leader KP Sharma Oli and is employing a strategy to move the MCC agreement forward by joining hands with Oli as no agreement has been reached within the ruling coalition.

Sources have said the US has threatened Nepal to stop all the aid not only from the US but also from its allies and strategic partners like WB, UN, EU, Canada, Australia.&nbsp;

The delay in the ratification is also because China influences some ruling parties like CPN-Maoist. Pushpa Kamal Dahal held an hour-long hush-hush virtual meeting last week with Song Tao, the high-ranking head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC).&nbsp;

Chinese leader Song Tao said China wants to deepen traditional ties with Nepal's political parties based on mutual political trust.&nbsp;

Former Nepali Ambassador to the US, Suresh Chalise spoke to WION and said one of the reasons behind the delay in the ratification is an ideology shared by Nepali political parties and Beijing.

"MCC is important for Nepal because it has a surplus of clean energy and we would like to see that it is being exported to other countries like India, Bhutan. This compact will also be a beginning of new trilateral relations," Chalise told WION.&nbsp;

''Is Maoists' close relation with Beijing a reason for the delay in the ratification?&nbsp;Ideologically yes, they think&nbsp;that communism is in the larger interest of Nepal than democracy. That is why they are closer to our northern neighbour."

He is of the view that if Nepal fails to pass the compact, it will "lose the trust of superpower" on a global platform.&nbsp;

China's suspicions about the MCC&nbsp;as being an American geo-strategic counter to its own Belt Road Initiative (BRI) have shaken the domestic politics in Nepal.

Sources have told WION that the US is concerned with any outside influence and the level of state-sponsored corruption has surprised and concerned the US.

Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has been intensifying efforts to forge common ground on the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) among the leaders of the coalition partners but it has made no headway.

Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has been intensifying efforts to forge common ground on the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) among the leaders of the coalition partners but it has made no headway. The compact was signed between Nepal and the US in 2017 and still, Nepal has failed to reach a census to ratify it in the parliament. As per the provision, for the implementation of the MCC, the compact should be ratified by the parliament. Meanwhile, MCC headquarters has clearly stated that any further delays could lead to the end of the US grant for Nepal. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Deuba and CPN Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ on Feb 3, 22, the United States has given the government of Nepal a deadline of February 28 to endorse the compact from the Parliament. “Without action on your part by February 28, the MCC board will discuss next steps as its March 22 meeting, including whether to continue with the compact. Absent ratification, it is within the board’s authority to discontinue Nepal’s eligibility to receive the $500 compact grant with the grant from the United States. Such a decision would end MCC’s partnership with Nepal," the MCC Board of Directors said in a letter. Also read | Nepal likely to hold local elections on May 18 in single phase This letter has come in response to the commitment letter sent by Prime Minister Deuba and CPN-Maoists chairman Prachanda on September 29, 2021, to the MCC Board of Directors. In which they “acknowledge with appreciation” the MCC Compact signed between the US and Nepal on 14 September 2017 and “jointly make a request to the MCC Board for providing additional time for the ratification of the Compact.” However, Prachanda's party is protesting the MCC ever since asking to amend the compact before tabling it in the parliament. More importantly, House speaker, Agni Sapkota, a leader close to Prachanda is blocking the ratification process for months. Speaker Agni Sapkota has been known to be close to Beijing and has made no secret for his opposition to the MCC. Also read | Key issues in Nepal threaten ruling coalition government again In the letter, Nepal has committed to passing the compact with the required parliamentary majority within four-five months, the deadline which is approaching. "We would discuss clarifications received from the MCC with all the coalition partners and party members, use the resource of Nepal to communicate publicly with the Nepali people and to dispel misunderstandings and apprehensions about the compact," the letter signed under the name of PM Deuba and Maoist leader Prachanda said. "Will hold a joint conference with leaders of the coalition partners to demonstrate government’s positive views on the MCC ratification, disseminate accurate information about the compact through state media, encourage MCA Nepal for the implementation of the MCC compact and to jointly request Speaker to table the MCC compact in the Parliament," Nepali leaders committed in the letter. PM Deuba is making efforts to convince other party leaders, including CPN-UML Chairman KP Oli to support the compact. Prime Minister has been holding meetings with opposition leader KP Sharma Oli and is employing a strategy to move the MCC agreement forward by joining hands with Oli as no agreement has been reached within the ruling coalition. Sources have said the US has threatened Nepal to stop all the aid not only from the US but also from its allies and strategic partners like WB, UN, EU, Canada, Australia. The delay in the ratification is also because China influences some ruling parties like CPN-Maoist. Pushpa Kamal Dahal held an hour-long hush-hush virtual meeting last week with Song Tao, the high-ranking head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Chinese leader Song Tao said China wants to deepen traditional ties with Nepal's political parties based on mutual political trust. Former Nepali Ambassador to the US, Suresh Chalise spoke to WION and said one of the reasons behind the delay in the ratification is an ideology shared by Nepali political parties and Beijing. "MCC is important for Nepal because it has a surplus of clean energy and we would like to see that it is being exported to other countries like India, Bhutan. This compact will also be a beginning of new trilateral relations," Chalise told WION. ''Is Maoists' close relation with Beijing a reason for the delay in the ratification? Ideologically yes, they think that communism is in the larger interest of Nepal than democracy. That is why they are closer to our northern neighbour." He is of the view that if Nepal fails to pass the compact, it will "lose the trust of superpower" on a global platform. China's suspicions about the MCC as being an American geo-strategic counter to its own Belt Road Initiative (BRI) have shaken the domestic politics in Nepal. Sources have told WION that the US is concerned with any outside influence and the level of state-sponsored corruption has surprised and concerned the US.

Nepal Communist party lobby against MCC, US sets deadline to ratify compact

Amid rising inflation, Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) on Thursday said the price of petrol is likely to shoot up to 155 rupees per litre within the next two months. The price of petrol in Nepal is already at the highest-ever level of 142 rupees a litre.

The price of petroleum products reached an all-time high in Nepal after the state-owned supplier revised the price.&nbsp;On February 1, the NOC had fixed the price of petrol at 142 rupees per litre and diesel and kerosene at 125 rupees per litre each. The NOC has increased the price of petrol, diesel and kerosene by 3 rupees per litre each.&nbsp;

Nepal Oil Corporation Managing Director Sushil Bhattarai told WION that the rise in the price of petroleum products in the world market and the rise in the exchange rate of the US dollar have added challenges to reduce losses&nbsp;over the months. International crude oil prices rose steadily&nbsp;to around $90 a barrel.&nbsp;

“Due to which, the price of the petrol could reach up to 155 rupees per litre. In the last one month, in the internal price revision, Nepal has increased 6 rupees per litre,” Bhattarai said.&nbsp;

The corporation has also increased the price of aviation fuel for domestic flights by 10 rupees per litre to 116 rupees and international flights by $100 per kiloliter to $1,095.

Despite adjusting the prices of petroleum products in the domestic market, the Corporation's losses have not been reduced. The Corporation incurs a loss of around 2.23 billion rupees in the sale of petroleum products in 15 days.

“While revising the price, we usually face criticism but the pricing formula is limiting us to revise the extent of 3 rupees per litre only at the time but we are also incurring a loss of 13 rupees per litre and 11 rupees per litre in petrol and diesel respectively. We are also incurring loss in LPG since we haven’t revised the price by 560 rupees per cylinder,” Bhattarai told WION.&nbsp;

These revisions have tremendous implications on the public. The fuel price hike will lead to a rise in prices in almost all sectors such as transport, aviation, auto and textiles.&nbsp;

“Price of the petroleum products is increasing and will continue but my daily earnings are same since the past five years. It has become difficult and we cannot increase our fair because no one would prefer to take my service. This hike does not stop here, we will see a rise in other daily items too,” Gopi Bhattarai, 45, who works as a transporter in Kathmandu told WION.&nbsp;

Earlier, the highest petrol price ever recorded was in March 2014 at 140 rupees per litre but had remained lower since then. But now, that record has been broken after eight years. Diesel and kerosene were priced at 109 rupees per litre at that time.&nbsp;

The corporation has said that the price of petroleum products is cheaper in Nepal than in the bordering Indian region. Compared to Raxaul in the Indian market, petrol is cheaper by 32.24 rupees per litre and diesel by 25.31 rupees per litre.

The monthly consumer price inflation climbed to its highest in 64 months in December, rising to 7.11 per cent year-on-year from 5.32 per cent in November, data from the country's central bank, Nepal Rastra Bank.&nbsp;

The year-on-year consumer price inflation stood at 7.11 per cent in the fifth month of 2021/22 compared to 2.93 per cent a year ago.

Amid rising inflation, Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) on Thursday said the price of petrol is likely to shoot up to 155 rupees per litre within the next two months.

Amid rising inflation, Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) on Thursday said the price of petrol is likely to shoot up to 155 rupees per litre within the next two months. The price of petrol in Nepal is already at the highest-ever level of 142 rupees a litre. The price of petroleum products reached an all-time high in Nepal after the state-owned supplier revised the price. On February 1, the NOC had fixed the price of petrol at 142 rupees per litre and diesel and kerosene at 125 rupees per litre each. The NOC has increased the price of petrol, diesel and kerosene by 3 rupees per litre each. Nepal Oil Corporation Managing Director Sushil Bhattarai told WION that the rise in the price of petroleum products in the world market and the rise in the exchange rate of the US dollar have added challenges to reduce losses over the months. International crude oil prices rose steadily to around $90 a barrel. “Due to which, the price of the petrol could reach up to 155 rupees per litre. In the last one month, in the internal price revision, Nepal has increased 6 rupees per litre,” Bhattarai said. The corporation has also increased the price of aviation fuel for domestic flights by 10 rupees per litre to 116 rupees and international flights by $100 per kiloliter to $1,095. Despite adjusting the prices of petroleum products in the domestic market, the Corporation's losses have not been reduced. The Corporation incurs a loss of around 2.23 billion rupees in the sale of petroleum products in 15 days. “While revising the price, we usually face criticism but the pricing formula is limiting us to revise the extent of 3 rupees per litre only at the time but we are also incurring a loss of 13 rupees per litre and 11 rupees per litre in petrol and diesel respectively. We are also incurring loss in LPG since we haven’t revised the price by 560 rupees per cylinder,” Bhattarai told WION. These revisions have tremendous implications on the public. The fuel price hike will lead to a rise in prices in almost all sectors such as transport, aviation, auto and textiles. “Price of the petroleum products is increasing and will continue but my daily earnings are same since the past five years. It has become difficult and we cannot increase our fair because no one would prefer to take my service. This hike does not stop here, we will see a rise in other daily items too,” Gopi Bhattarai, 45, who works as a transporter in Kathmandu told WION. Earlier, the highest petrol price ever recorded was in March 2014 at 140 rupees per litre but had remained lower since then. But now, that record has been broken after eight years. Diesel and kerosene were priced at 109 rupees per litre at that time. The corporation has said that the price of petroleum products is cheaper in Nepal than in the bordering Indian region. Compared to Raxaul in the Indian market, petrol is cheaper by 32.24 rupees per litre and diesel by 25.31 rupees per litre. The monthly consumer price inflation climbed to its highest in 64 months in December, rising to 7.11 per cent year-on-year from 5.32 per cent in November, data from the country's central bank, Nepal Rastra Bank. The year-on-year consumer price inflation stood at 7.11 per cent in the fifth month of 2021/22 compared to 2.93 per cent a year ago.

Fuel prices likely to shoot up to Rs 155 within next two months in Nepal

Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba on Tuesday held a meeting with the officials of the country's Election Commission during which it was proposed to conduct the local level elections on May 18.&nbsp;

The government has been to and fro on taking decisions on election dates.&nbsp;

In a six-point proposal submitted to the government on Tuesday, the Commission said that it would cost more if the local level elections are not held in one phase.&nbsp;

The Election Commission has estimated that it will cost around Rs 12 billion to conduct the local polls in a single phase. The commission has said the previous local polls held in three phases had cost Rs 8 billion and two million voters have increased in the past five years.&nbsp;

"Works of collecting and updating the voter registration list, the review of the polling centres, and other logistics for holding the elections are currently underway. If the dates are announced on the proposed date the election commission is ready to hold polls," Shaligram Sharma Paudel," spokesperson at the Election Commission stated.

Deuba is preparing to convene a cabinet meeting to announce the polls after discussions with the officials.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister is of the view that if the elections to the local bodies are held before May 19, the day the elected representatives complete their five-year term, the Local Level Elections Act 2017 needs to be amended as suggested by some constitutional and legal experts.&nbsp;

The term of the locally-elected representatives is expiring on May 20 this year. The Election Commission had proposed local elections for April 27 in case of single-phase and on April 27 and May 5 in case of two phases.&nbsp;

The commission needs 120 days from the date of the announcement for election-related management and preparation.

A meeting of the ruling alliance held on Saturday had decided to hold local polls within mid-June. This was after differences had emerged between the ruling parties over the date of local elections scheduled for April.&nbsp;

Earlier, while addressing the nation on completing six months of the government formation, the Prime Minister said his leadership is committed to holding the elections on time and asked the Election Commission to prepare for it accordingly.&nbsp;

Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba on Tuesday held a meeting with the officials of the country's Election Commission during which it was proposed to conduct the local level elections on May 18.

Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba on Tuesday held a meeting with the officials of the country's Election Commission during which it was proposed to conduct the local level elections on May 18. The government has been to and fro on taking decisions on election dates. In a six-point proposal submitted to the government on Tuesday, the Commission said that it would cost more if the local level elections are not held in one phase. The Election Commission has estimated that it will cost around Rs 12 billion to conduct the local polls in a single phase. The commission has said the previous local polls held in three phases had cost Rs 8 billion and two million voters have increased in the past five years. "Works of collecting and updating the voter registration list, the review of the polling centres, and other logistics for holding the elections are currently underway. If the dates are announced on the proposed date the election commission is ready to hold polls," Shaligram Sharma Paudel," spokesperson at the Election Commission stated. Deuba is preparing to convene a cabinet meeting to announce the polls after discussions with the officials. The Prime Minister is of the view that if the elections to the local bodies are held before May 19, the day the elected representatives complete their five-year term, the Local Level Elections Act 2017 needs to be amended as suggested by some constitutional and legal experts. The term of the locally-elected representatives is expiring on May 20 this year. The Election Commission had proposed local elections for April 27 in case of single-phase and on April 27 and May 5 in case of two phases. The commission needs 120 days from the date of the announcement for election-related management and preparation. A meeting of the ruling alliance held on Saturday had decided to hold local polls within mid-June. This was after differences had emerged between the ruling parties over the date of local elections scheduled for April. Earlier, while addressing the nation on completing six months of the government formation, the Prime Minister said his leadership is committed to holding the elections on time and asked the Election Commission to prepare for it accordingly.

Nepal likely to hold local elections on May 18 in single phase

A six-month-old government, formed in July 2021, after Nepal witnessed political turmoil is once again being questioned as it stands divided on major issues.&nbsp;

There has been a widespread debate and discussion on the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s (MCC) Nepal Compact which offers $500 million in grants to Nepal for the construction of transmission lines and road maintenance projects.&nbsp;

The five-party ruling coalition led by the Nepali Congress appears desperate to endorse the MCC through the current session of the federal parliament, while the coalition partners, the CPN-Maoist Centre and CPN-Unified Socialist oppose the compact.&nbsp;

Since the beginning, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has been bidding for the compact. However, due to differences among the ruling alliances, Nepal has failed to ratify the compact in the parliament.&nbsp;

As PM Deuba is failing to pass it through an understanding with the coalition partners, he is now seeking support from the opposition CPN-UML party led by KP Sharma Oli who has hinted to extend his party's support if Deuba breaks ties with the coalition partners.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chinese-embassy-issues-statement-as-voices-against-china-rise-in-nepal-444688">Also read |&nbsp;Chinese embassy issues statement as voices against China rise in Nepal</a>

On January 8, PM Deuba met Oli to discuss the solutions to stop the parliament obstructions that the opposition is creating since October.&nbsp;

The UML has maintained that it will make its position clear on the MCC only after the coalition government takes a decision.&nbsp;

The CPN-Maoists, during its recently held national convention, endorsed a document that said the compact will be approved only after amendments and only based on broad political consensus.

It has been five years since the government reached an agreement with the US. Multiple governments, including that of the Nepali Congress, the CPN-UML, and the Maoists, all worked and negotiated with the MCC to present Nepal’s proposal.&nbsp;

Then Finance Minister Gyanendra Bahadur Karki, who is currently the Communication and Information Technology Minister, signed the MCC Compact on behalf of Nepal in 2017.

The MCC is not only the issue threatening the coalition government, but also the decision on local election dates.&nbsp;

After a lot of flip-flopping, the government has made a decision on the election after coalition parties, the Maoist Centre and CPN-US tried to delay the polls as they do not have a stronghold at the local level.&nbsp;

A meeting of the senior leaders of the ruling coalition held at PM Deuba’s official residence in Baluwatar on Saturday decided to suggest the government hold the local level elections by mid-June, government spokesperson and Minister for communication and information technology Gyanendra Bahadur Kati said.&nbsp;

The debate over the local polls began by Maoist Centre chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal after he proposed parliamentary elections in April-May instead of local elections.

The Election Commission has been saying that the local level elections should be held within May 19, 2022, as the tenure of the local representatives will expire on that day.

However, PM Deuba is yet to announce the dates of the polls.&nbsp;

A six-month-old government, formed in July 2021, after Nepal witnessed political turmoil is once again being questioned as it stands divided on major issues. There has been a widespread debate and discussion on the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s (MCC) Nepal Compact which offers $500 million in grants to Nepal for the construction of transmission lines and road maintenance projects.

A six-month-old government, formed in July 2021, after Nepal witnessed political turmoil is once again being questioned as it stands divided on major issues. There has been a widespread debate and discussion on the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s (MCC) Nepal Compact which offers $500 million in grants to Nepal for the construction of transmission lines and road maintenance projects. The five-party ruling coalition led by the Nepali Congress appears desperate to endorse the MCC through the current session of the federal parliament, while the coalition partners, the CPN-Maoist Centre and CPN-Unified Socialist oppose the compact. Since the beginning, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has been bidding for the compact. However, due to differences among the ruling alliances, Nepal has failed to ratify the compact in the parliament. As PM Deuba is failing to pass it through an understanding with the coalition partners, he is now seeking support from the opposition CPN-UML party led by KP Sharma Oli who has hinted to extend his party's support if Deuba breaks ties with the coalition partners. Also read | Chinese embassy issues statement as voices against China rise in Nepal On January 8, PM Deuba met Oli to discuss the solutions to stop the parliament obstructions that the opposition is creating since October. The UML has maintained that it will make its position clear on the MCC only after the coalition government takes a decision. The CPN-Maoists, during its recently held national convention, endorsed a document that said the compact will be approved only after amendments and only based on broad political consensus. It has been five years since the government reached an agreement with the US. Multiple governments, including that of the Nepali Congress, the CPN-UML, and the Maoists, all worked and negotiated with the MCC to present Nepal’s proposal. Then Finance Minister Gyanendra Bahadur Karki, who is currently the Communication and Information Technology Minister, signed the MCC Compact on behalf of Nepal in 2017. The MCC is not only the issue threatening the coalition government, but also the decision on local election dates. After a lot of flip-flopping, the government has made a decision on the election after coalition parties, the Maoist Centre and CPN-US tried to delay the polls as they do not have a stronghold at the local level. A meeting of the senior leaders of the ruling coalition held at PM Deuba’s official residence in Baluwatar on Saturday decided to suggest the government hold the local level elections by mid-June, government spokesperson and Minister for communication and information technology Gyanendra Bahadur Kati said. The debate over the local polls began by Maoist Centre chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal after he proposed parliamentary elections in April-May instead of local elections. The Election Commission has been saying that the local level elections should be held within May 19, 2022, as the tenure of the local representatives will expire on that day. However, PM Deuba is yet to announce the dates of the polls.

Key issues in Nepal threaten ruling coalition government again

In a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus, the local administration in Nepal's Kathmandu valley has decided to impose an odd-even rule for vehicles starting from Friday midnight.&nbsp;

Chief Administrative Officers of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur held a meeting on Thursday and made the decision to enforce the rule for both public and private vehicles starting Friday midnight.

Acting Chief District Officer of Kathmandu, Suprabha Khanal Dhungel, shared that an order has been issued to operate public and private vehicles including two-wheelers with odd registration numbers on odd days and even registration numbers on even days in Kathmandu valley.

The order also stipulates that public transport should not have more passengers than the seating capacity, that all passengers should be required to wear masks.&nbsp;

Similarly, it is mentioned in the order that the head of the office will make proper management of the service flow in all the public and government bodies in the district.&nbsp;

The government had earlier made vaccination cards mandatory in public places. The number of people receiving vaccines has increased with the implementation of this decision.&nbsp;

Authorities earlier extended a ban on large public gatherings in Kathmandu valley, home to more than four million people, until February 12 from January 29 to try to control the spread of the virus.

On Thursday, 12,338 people tested positive for Covid-19, of which 6,981 were from the Kathmandu valley—5001 of Kathmandu, 1,130 of Lalitpur and 850 of Bhaktapur.&nbsp;

As per the Reuters COVID tracker, COVID-19 infections are increasing in Nepal, with 6,638 new infections reported on average each day. That’s 74% of the peak — the highest daily average reported on May 12.&nbsp;

In the last 13 days, the country has reported almost 58,000 COVID-19 cases.&nbsp;

According to the Ministry of Health and Population, 53 per cent of eligible Nepali people have received one dose COVID-19 vaccine and 41.4 per cent have received full doses of vaccines.

In a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus, the local administration in Nepal's Kathmandu valley has decided to impose an odd-even rule for vehicles starting from Friday midnight.

In a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus, the local administration in Nepal's Kathmandu valley has decided to impose an odd-even rule for vehicles starting from Friday midnight. Chief Administrative Officers of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur held a meeting on Thursday and made the decision to enforce the rule for both public and private vehicles starting Friday midnight. Acting Chief District Officer of Kathmandu, Suprabha Khanal Dhungel, shared that an order has been issued to operate public and private vehicles including two-wheelers with odd registration numbers on odd days and even registration numbers on even days in Kathmandu valley. The order also stipulates that public transport should not have more passengers than the seating capacity, that all passengers should be required to wear masks. Similarly, it is mentioned in the order that the head of the office will make proper management of the service flow in all the public and government bodies in the district. The government had earlier made vaccination cards mandatory in public places. The number of people receiving vaccines has increased with the implementation of this decision. Authorities earlier extended a ban on large public gatherings in Kathmandu valley, home to more than four million people, until February 12 from January 29 to try to control the spread of the virus. On Thursday, 12,338 people tested positive for Covid-19, of which 6,981 were from the Kathmandu valley—5001 of Kathmandu, 1,130 of Lalitpur and 850 of Bhaktapur. As per the Reuters COVID tracker, COVID-19 infections are increasing in Nepal, with 6,638 new infections reported on average each day. That’s 74% of the peak — the highest daily average reported on May 12. In the last 13 days, the country has reported almost 58,000 COVID-19 cases. According to the Ministry of Health and Population, 53 per cent of eligible Nepali people have received one dose COVID-19 vaccine and 41.4 per cent have received full doses of vaccines.

Restrictions clamped in Kathmandu valley as COVID-19 cases are at 74% of peak

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba on Friday assured that there will be three-tier elections within this year and has also directed the electoral body to start the preparations.&nbsp;

While addressing the nation on completing six months of the government formation, the Prime Minister said his leadership is committed to holding the elections on time and asked the Election Commission to prepare for it accordingly.&nbsp;

“It is the government’s responsibility to hold three-tier elections within a year. I urge the authorities concerned to make preparations for the elections,” said Prime Minister Deuba.

Deuba's remarks come at a time when differences have emerged between the ruling parties over the date of local elections scheduled for April.&nbsp;

As per the constitutional mandate, local-level polls should be held in April. However, the parties in the ruling coalition are divided on whether to hold local polls or parliamentary elections first. The CPN (Maoist Center) and CPN (Unified Socialist) have been pitching for holding parliamentary elections in April while other parties are for holding local polls at first.

The term of locally-elected representatives is ending on May 20.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/preparations-for-nepal-national-assembly-elections-have-now-begun-441943">Also read |&nbsp;Preparations for Nepal National Assembly elections have now begun</a>

Earlier, the Election Commission had proposed elections be held on April 27 if held in a single phase, and on April 27 and May 5 if held in two phases.&nbsp;

Major parties are under pressure not to create a vacuum at the local level.

Referring to the obstruction in parliament, he said the government was committed to initiating dialogue and consensus among all the political parties in the parliament.&nbsp;

He was of the view that dialogue and consensus among parties were needed to resolve contentious issues under consideration in the parliament.&nbsp;

While adding challenges that the Covid pandemic has brought to the lives of people, the Prime Minister appealed to citizens to adhere to all the standards of public health as cases are surging in the country.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Deuba has said that the economy will be taken into consideration while enforcing restrictions to prevent and control the pandemic.&nbsp;

Expressing his commitment to ensuring that Covid patients will get effective treatment, the Prime Minister said that the vaccination campaign will be continued by adopting safety measures.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba on Friday assured that there will be three-tier elections within this year and has also directed the electoral body to start the preparations.

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba on Friday assured that there will be three-tier elections within this year and has also directed the electoral body to start the preparations. While addressing the nation on completing six months of the government formation, the Prime Minister said his leadership is committed to holding the elections on time and asked the Election Commission to prepare for it accordingly. “It is the government’s responsibility to hold three-tier elections within a year. I urge the authorities concerned to make preparations for the elections,” said Prime Minister Deuba. Deuba's remarks come at a time when differences have emerged between the ruling parties over the date of local elections scheduled for April. As per the constitutional mandate, local-level polls should be held in April. However, the parties in the ruling coalition are divided on whether to hold local polls or parliamentary elections first. The CPN (Maoist Center) and CPN (Unified Socialist) have been pitching for holding parliamentary elections in April while other parties are for holding local polls at first. The term of locally-elected representatives is ending on May 20. Also read | Preparations for Nepal National Assembly elections have now begun Earlier, the Election Commission had proposed elections be held on April 27 if held in a single phase, and on April 27 and May 5 if held in two phases. Major parties are under pressure not to create a vacuum at the local level. Referring to the obstruction in parliament, he said the government was committed to initiating dialogue and consensus among all the political parties in the parliament. He was of the view that dialogue and consensus among parties were needed to resolve contentious issues under consideration in the parliament. While adding challenges that the Covid pandemic has brought to the lives of people, the Prime Minister appealed to citizens to adhere to all the standards of public health as cases are surging in the country. Prime Minister Deuba has said that the economy will be taken into consideration while enforcing restrictions to prevent and control the pandemic. Expressing his commitment to ensuring that Covid patients will get effective treatment, the Prime Minister said that the vaccination campaign will be continued by adopting safety measures.

Nepal PM Deuba urges electoral body to prepare for three-tier elections

Nepal has made significant progress in the nutrition of mothers and children at risk due to inequities and the COVID-19 pandemic, said the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).&nbsp;

Despite periods of political and economic instability, Nepal achieved globally renowned progress in reducing child stunting and scaling up nutrition services during the Millennium Development Goals era (2002 -2016).&nbsp;

However, the country still faces considerable nutrition-related challenges. Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets on stunting and wasting is not advancing at the speed, scale or equity required and maybe further derailed by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

UNICEF's "Nutrition in Nepal: Three decades of progress for children and women", brings together a set of nine original articles that examine the drivers of success and identify where greater policy and programmatic action is needed to achieve the SDG nutrition targets.

Stunting in children (under the age of two) decreased by 24-percentage points between 1996 (57 per cent) and 2016 (33 per cent). This was due to the increased coverage of health and nutrition services and improvements in household wealth, parental education, and sanitation.&nbsp;

More women took sufficient iron and folic acid supplements during their pregnancy, with an increase in the percentage from only 6 per cent in 2001 to 71 per cent in 2016.&nbsp;

“Optimal maternal and child nutrition is the basis for developing a resilient society. The decline in the number of malnourished children, improvements in health facilities and services, and the multisectoral approach used in Nepal over the past three decades are a testament to Nepal government commitment to reducing all forms of malnutrition,” EU Ambassador to Nepal, H.E. Nona Deprez.&nbsp;

Today, Nepal has a very different policy and programmatic landscape from that at the start of the MDG era, and there are new opportunities and challenges in the quest to achieve the national and global targets on nutrition.&nbsp;

Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has become a human and socio-economic crisis that threatens to unravel past progress on nutrition.

“The learning from the past 25 years that are incorporated in the supplement of the Maternal and Child Nutrition Journal are invaluable. These will inform and contribute to future improvements within the nutrition programme in Nepal,” said Ms. Elke Wisch, UNICEF Representative to Nepal.

UNICEF also calls upon the government and partners to improve the health of children in Nepal.&nbsp;

Nepal has made significant progress in the nutrition of mothers and children at risk due to inequities and the COVID-19 pandemic, said the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

Nepal has made significant progress in the nutrition of mothers and children at risk due to inequities and the COVID-19 pandemic, said the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). Despite periods of political and economic instability, Nepal achieved globally renowned progress in reducing child stunting and scaling up nutrition services during the Millennium Development Goals era (2002 -2016). However, the country still faces considerable nutrition-related challenges. Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets on stunting and wasting is not advancing at the speed, scale or equity required and maybe further derailed by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. UNICEF's "Nutrition in Nepal: Three decades of progress for children and women", brings together a set of nine original articles that examine the drivers of success and identify where greater policy and programmatic action is needed to achieve the SDG nutrition targets. Stunting in children (under the age of two) decreased by 24-percentage points between 1996 (57 per cent) and 2016 (33 per cent). This was due to the increased coverage of health and nutrition services and improvements in household wealth, parental education, and sanitation. More women took sufficient iron and folic acid supplements during their pregnancy, with an increase in the percentage from only 6 per cent in 2001 to 71 per cent in 2016. “Optimal maternal and child nutrition is the basis for developing a resilient society. The decline in the number of malnourished children, improvements in health facilities and services, and the multisectoral approach used in Nepal over the past three decades are a testament to Nepal government commitment to reducing all forms of malnutrition,” EU Ambassador to Nepal, H.E. Nona Deprez. Today, Nepal has a very different policy and programmatic landscape from that at the start of the MDG era, and there are new opportunities and challenges in the quest to achieve the national and global targets on nutrition. Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has become a human and socio-economic crisis that threatens to unravel past progress on nutrition. “The learning from the past 25 years that are incorporated in the supplement of the Maternal and Child Nutrition Journal are invaluable. These will inform and contribute to future improvements within the nutrition programme in Nepal,” said Ms. Elke Wisch, UNICEF Representative to Nepal. UNICEF also calls upon the government and partners to improve the health of children in Nepal.

Nepal makes significant progress in nutrition of mothers, children at risk: UNICEF

Nepal Government has opened up COVID-19 vaccine booster dose to frontline workers as infection surge in the country. The Ministry of Health and Population said to qualify, it must be at least six months since the person's second dose.

Nepal Government has opened up COVID-19 vaccine booster dose to frontline workers as infection surge in the country. The Ministry of Health and Population said to qualify, it must be at least six months since the person's second dose. The booster shots will be restricted to frontline workers for one week after which they'll be offered to people 60 and older. The same vaccines that had been administered in the prior phases will be provided to the receivers. In the frontline it includes, doctors, nurses, paramedics, hospital staff, journalists, bureaucrats. COVID-19 infections are increasing in Nepal, with 3,648 new infections reported on average each day. That’s 41 per cent of the peak — the highest daily average reported on May 12. As of Monday, 122,13032 people, or 40.2 per cent of over 30 million population, have been fully vaccinated in Nepal. The country has received 40,388,840 doses of vaccines so far. Anticipating a new wave of infections, Nepal has banned large public gatherings and closed schools across the Himalayan nation for nearly three weeks after a spike in coronavirus cases. The COVID-19 Crisis Management Committee (CCMC) has also made vaccination cards compulsory to enter public places such as government offices, hotels, cinema halls, stadiums and domestic flights, effective from January 17. Earlier, Nepal also banned on gatherings of more than 25 people in public spaces and announced the closing down of schools till January 29. The Ministry of Health has intensified its COVID-19 vaccination campaign in the three districts of the Valley amid the recent rise in coronavirus cases.

Nepal opens up COVID-19 vaccine booster doses to frontline workers

The leaders of the ruling alliance on Tuesday agreed to hold local elections in April and May, as proposed by the country’s Election Commission.

A meeting was convened by the ruling five-party alliance led by Nepali Congress leader Ram Chandra Paudel at the prime minister’s residence in Baluwatar to decide on the fate of elections.

Government spokesperson and Minister for Communication and Information Technology Gyanendra Bahadur Karki, who is also a member of the committee, said the elections will be held on time.&nbsp;

“The discussion was focused on holding the local election on time. The election will be held as per the provision in the Constitution. We have been consulting with the Election Commission,” Karki said.&nbsp;

Underlining the government’s commitment to strengthen federalism, he said, “The government is serious about making federalism stronger and provide effective service to the people through the local government by holding elections on time as mandated by the Constitution.”

The meeting, which saw the attendance of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Federal Council Chairman of Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) Baburam Bhattarai, Rashtriya Janamorcha vice-chair Durga Paudel among others, also discussed the upcoming national assembly elections that are scheduled to be held on January 26.&nbsp;

For a long time, local level polls, as proposed by Election Commission, remained in limbo as major political parties were seeking more time for preparations.

The Election Commission set the date for local polls on April 27, if it were to be held in a single phase. And April 27 and May 5, if it is held in two phases.

The main opposition CPN-UML is pressing for holding local elections on the commission-proposed date, while the ruling coalition partners the CPN (Maoist Centre) and the CPN (Unified Socialist) wanted to delay it.

The local elections are going to be held in six metropolitan cities, 11 sub-metropolitan cities, 276 municipalities and 460 rural municipalities.

It will be the second time that local level elections would be held since the adoption of the new constitution in September 2015.

The leaders of the ruling alliance on Tuesday agreed to hold local elections in April and May, as proposed by the country’s Election Commission. A meeting was convened by the ruling five-party alliance led by Nepali Congress leader Ram Chandra Paudel at the prime minister’s residence in Baluwatar to decide on the fate of elections.

The leaders of the ruling alliance on Tuesday agreed to hold local elections in April and May, as proposed by the country’s Election Commission. A meeting was convened by the ruling five-party alliance led by Nepali Congress leader Ram Chandra Paudel at the prime minister’s residence in Baluwatar to decide on the fate of elections. Government spokesperson and Minister for Communication and Information Technology Gyanendra Bahadur Karki, who is also a member of the committee, said the elections will be held on time. “The discussion was focused on holding the local election on time. The election will be held as per the provision in the Constitution. We have been consulting with the Election Commission,” Karki said. Underlining the government’s commitment to strengthen federalism, he said, “The government is serious about making federalism stronger and provide effective service to the people through the local government by holding elections on time as mandated by the Constitution.” The meeting, which saw the attendance of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Federal Council Chairman of Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) Baburam Bhattarai, Rashtriya Janamorcha vice-chair Durga Paudel among others, also discussed the upcoming national assembly elections that are scheduled to be held on January 26. For a long time, local level polls, as proposed by Election Commission, remained in limbo as major political parties were seeking more time for preparations. The Election Commission set the date for local polls on April 27, if it were to be held in a single phase. And April 27 and May 5, if it is held in two phases. The main opposition CPN-UML is pressing for holding local elections on the commission-proposed date, while the ruling coalition partners the CPN (Maoist Centre) and the CPN (Unified Socialist) wanted to delay it. The local elections are going to be held in six metropolitan cities, 11 sub-metropolitan cities, 276 municipalities and 460 rural municipalities. It will be the second time that local level elections would be held since the adoption of the new constitution in September 2015.

Nepal's ruling coalition parties agree to hold local elections in April 

Nepal government on Sunday urged India to stop the road construction in Lipulekh area and asserted that it is committed to resolve the border issues on the basis of evidences and through diplomatic channels.&nbsp;

Calling the steps to construct the road as 'unilateral', Communications and Information Technology Minister Gyanendra Bahadur Karki, who is also the Nepal government’s spokesperson said, “Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipulekh are integral part of Nepal”. &nbsp;

His remarks come at a time when there were protests in Nepal against the construction of a road in Lipulekh by India.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-pms-announcement-to-build-road-in-lipulekh-provokes-outrage-in-nepal-444400" hreflang="en">Modi's announcement to build road in Lipulekh provokes outrage in Nepal</a>

“The Government of Nepal has been repeatedly urging to halt construction/widening road within Nepal's territory. As per the spirit of long-standing unique bilateral relations between Nepal and India; we must address the issues based on historical treaties and evidences,” Karki said while addressing the press on decisions taken by the cabinet.&nbsp;

Indian Embassy in Kathmandu on Saturday said the position of the government of India on the India-Nepal boundary is known and has been conveyed to the Nepali government.&nbsp;

The outrage began after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an election rally in the Haldwani area of Uttarakhand on December 30, had announced that his government has extended a road to Lipulekh and further expansion work is going on. &nbsp;

Lipulekh, which lies at the tri-junction between India’s northern Uttarakhand state, China and Nepal, is claimed by Kathmandu.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-provides-over-14-tonnes-of-humanitarian-assistance-to-afghanistan-445271" hreflang="en">Nepal provides over 14 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan</a>

Earlier, the ruling Nepali Congress issued a statement and demanded India to immediately withdraw its troops stationed in the Kalapani region and amicably resolve the border row through high-level diplomatic negotiation based on historical facts and evidence.&nbsp;

"Nepali Congress is clear that Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani are Nepalese territories. The issue of the road construction in Lipulekh against the agreement reached at the Nepal-India Joint Commission to resolve all bilateral issues through diplomatic negotiations is objectionable and this must be stopped immediately,” the statement said. &nbsp;

Major political parties in Nepal have issued statements objecting to India’s expansion of roads in Lipulekh.&nbsp;

Nepal government on Sunday urged India to stop the road construction in Lipulekh area and asserted that it is committed to resolve the border issues on the basis of evidences and through diplomatic channels.

Nepal government on Sunday urged India to stop the road construction in Lipulekh area and asserted that it is committed to resolve the border issues on the basis of evidences and through diplomatic channels. Calling the steps to construct the road as 'unilateral', Communications and Information Technology Minister Gyanendra Bahadur Karki, who is also the Nepal government’s spokesperson said, “Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipulekh are integral part of Nepal”. His remarks come at a time when there were protests in Nepal against the construction of a road in Lipulekh by India. Also Read: Modi's announcement to build road in Lipulekh provokes outrage in Nepal “The Government of Nepal has been repeatedly urging to halt construction/widening road within Nepal's territory. As per the spirit of long-standing unique bilateral relations between Nepal and India; we must address the issues based on historical treaties and evidences,” Karki said while addressing the press on decisions taken by the cabinet. Indian Embassy in Kathmandu on Saturday said the position of the government of India on the India-Nepal boundary is known and has been conveyed to the Nepali government. The outrage began after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an election rally in the Haldwani area of Uttarakhand on December 30, had announced that his government has extended a road to Lipulekh and further expansion work is going on. Lipulekh, which lies at the tri-junction between India’s northern Uttarakhand state, China and Nepal, is claimed by Kathmandu. Also Read: Nepal provides over 14 tonnes of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan Earlier, the ruling Nepali Congress issued a statement and demanded India to immediately withdraw its troops stationed in the Kalapani region and amicably resolve the border row through high-level diplomatic negotiation based on historical facts and evidence. "Nepali Congress is clear that Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani are Nepalese territories. The issue of the road construction in Lipulekh against the agreement reached at the Nepal-India Joint Commission to resolve all bilateral issues through diplomatic negotiations is objectionable and this must be stopped immediately,” the statement said. Major political parties in Nepal have issued statements objecting to India’s expansion of roads in Lipulekh.

Nepal govt urges India to stop construction at Lipulekh border

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