The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Friday voted strongly in favor of a resolution condemning alleged human rights violations in Ukraine stemming from the Russian aggression and setting up an independent international commission of inquiry to investigate them.&nbsp;

The 47-member Council voted on a draft resolution on the situation of human rights in Ukraine. The resolution was adopted with 32 votes in favour including Nepal, two against (Russia and Eritrea), and 13 abstentions, including India, China, and Pakistan.&nbsp;

"The Human Rights Council has decided to urgently establish an independent international commission of inquiry as a result of Russia's aggression against Ukraine," the UNHRC said in a tweet.

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Nepal has so far taken a strong and clear position against Russia on multiple occasions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Nepal had earlier voted in favour of a UN resolution on the Ukraine crisis at a rare United Nations General Assembly.&nbsp;

The resolution “deplores in the strongest terms the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine in violation of Article 2 (4) of the Charter”.

It also demands that the “Russian Federation immediately cease its use of force against Ukraine and to refrain from any further unlawful threat or use of force against any Member State”.&nbsp;

Amrit Rai, Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said Nepal opposes any threat or use of force against the territorial integrity and political independence of any sovereign country.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ukraine-crisis-nepal-asks-india-to-evacuate-its-nationals-gets-positive-response-458418" hreflang="en">Ukraine: Nepal asks India to evacuate its nationals; gets positive response</a>

“Nepal is deeply concerned with the deaths and human sufferings in Ukraine and calls for an urgent cessation of hostilities and violence,” Rai said in his statement.&nbsp;

“Violence breeds more violence; it never incubates peace. Make no mistake- there is no alternative to the path of peace. Diplomacy and dialogues are the only pathways to restoring and building lasting peace. My delegation welcomes starting of direct talks between the parties concerned,” he added.&nbsp;

Nepal urged both sides to resume and continue to engage in dialogue with utmost sincerity and commitment to peace and find a lasting political solution at the earliest.

The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Friday voted strongly in favor of a resolution condemning alleged human rights violations in Ukraine stemming from the Russian aggression and setting up an independent international commission of inquiry to investigate them.

The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Friday voted strongly in favor of a resolution condemning alleged human rights violations in Ukraine stemming from the Russian aggression and setting up an independent international commission of inquiry to investigate them. The 47-member Council voted on a draft resolution on the situation of human rights in Ukraine. The resolution was adopted with 32 votes in favour including Nepal, two against (Russia and Eritrea), and 13 abstentions, including India, China, and Pakistan. "The Human Rights Council has decided to urgently establish an independent international commission of inquiry as a result of Russia's aggression against Ukraine," the UNHRC said in a tweet. Nepal has so far taken a strong and clear position against Russia on multiple occasions. Nepal had earlier voted in favour of a UN resolution on the Ukraine crisis at a rare United Nations General Assembly. The resolution “deplores in the strongest terms the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine in violation of Article 2 (4) of the Charter”. It also demands that the “Russian Federation immediately cease its use of force against Ukraine and to refrain from any further unlawful threat or use of force against any Member State”. Amrit Rai, Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said Nepal opposes any threat or use of force against the territorial integrity and political independence of any sovereign country. Also read | Ukraine: Nepal asks India to evacuate its nationals; gets positive response “Nepal is deeply concerned with the deaths and human sufferings in Ukraine and calls for an urgent cessation of hostilities and violence,” Rai said in his statement. “Violence breeds more violence; it never incubates peace. Make no mistake- there is no alternative to the path of peace. Diplomacy and dialogues are the only pathways to restoring and building lasting peace. My delegation welcomes starting of direct talks between the parties concerned,” he added. Nepal urged both sides to resume and continue to engage in dialogue with utmost sincerity and commitment to peace and find a lasting political solution at the earliest.

32 countries including Nepal backs UNHRC to probe into Ukraine-Russia war violations

The Nepali government has reached out to the Indian government for the evacuation of its stranded nationals. New Delhi has given a positive response to Nepal's request.

Operation Ganga: India is undertaking a mega evacuation mission to evacuate its nationals from Ukraine, via its neighbouring countries like Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania.&nbsp;

On February 28th, at a United Nations Security Council meeting on the Ukraine crisis, Indian envoy to UN TS Tirumurti said, "We stand ready to help those from our neighbours and developing countries who are also stranded in Ukraine and may seek assistance. We also support all UN humanitarian efforts. "

In the past, India has also evacuated nationals from neighbouring countries during times of crisis. Amid the COVID crisis, India evacuated nationals of the Maldives, Nepal, and Bangladesh from China. Last year, when Afghanistan fell to the Taliban, India facilitated the evacuation of Nepali nationals from the country. In response to a question if India will help evacuate foreign nationals, Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "In principle, we are always ready to help other countries. If we get any specific requests, then our attitude towards them will be guided by this."

Since India issued its advisories, about 17,000 Indian nationals have left the Ukraine. During the last 24 hours, under Operation Ganga, six flights have landed in India, taking the total number of flights that have landed in India to 15 and the total number of Indians who have returned on these flights to 3,352.

The MEA control room has now attended 9,874 calls, nearly 10,000 calls, and responded to 7,657 emails. 
 
The Indian Air Force has also pitched in for evacuation efforts. The fourth flight of the Indian Air Force C-17 from Bucharest landed at the Hindan Air Base at Ghaziabad earlier today with 180 Indian nationals who left Ukraine. Today, the IAF is operating three more flights to various locations in the neighbourhood of the war-torn country.

The Nepali government has reached out to the Indian government for the evacuation of its stranded nationals. New Delhi has given a positive response to Nepal's request.

The Nepali government has reached out to the Indian government for the evacuation of its stranded nationals. New Delhi has given a positive response to Nepal's request. Operation Ganga: India is undertaking a mega evacuation mission to evacuate its nationals from Ukraine, via its neighbouring countries like Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. On February 28th, at a United Nations Security Council meeting on the Ukraine crisis, Indian envoy to UN TS Tirumurti said, "We stand ready to help those from our neighbours and developing countries who are also stranded in Ukraine and may seek assistance. We also support all UN humanitarian efforts. " In the past, India has also evacuated nationals from neighbouring countries during times of crisis. Amid the COVID crisis, India evacuated nationals of the Maldives, Nepal, and Bangladesh from China. Last year, when Afghanistan fell to the Taliban, India facilitated the evacuation of Nepali nationals from the country. In response to a question if India will help evacuate foreign nationals, Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "In principle, we are always ready to help other countries. If we get any specific requests, then our attitude towards them will be guided by this." Since India issued its advisories, about 17,000 Indian nationals have left the Ukraine. During the last 24 hours, under Operation Ganga, six flights have landed in India, taking the total number of flights that have landed in India to 15 and the total number of Indians who have returned on these flights to 3,352. The MEA control room has now attended 9,874 calls, nearly 10,000 calls, and responded to 7,657 emails. The Indian Air Force has also pitched in for evacuation efforts. The fourth flight of the Indian Air Force C-17 from Bucharest landed at the Hindan Air Base at Ghaziabad earlier today with 180 Indian nationals who left Ukraine. Today, the IAF is operating three more flights to various locations in the neighbourhood of the war-torn country.

Ukraine crisis: Nepal asks India to evacuate its nationals; gets positive response

Nepal's ruling coalition on Sunday ratified the much-debated Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact. The compact was endorsed by the ruling coalition parties amid obstructions by the main opposition party, CPN-UML, in the lower house of the parliament.

Following this development, the implementation of the compact will now take place. Finance Minister Janardan Sharma, on behalf of the government, presented the proposal for endorsement. Speaker of the House, Agni Prasad Sapkota, after rounds of deliberation, announced ratification of the agreement.

The ratification came after communist parties in the coalition government agreed to endorse the compact. Their support was won by including 'interpretive declaration' to the proposal. The proposal was later passed by the Council of Ministers.

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has not only managed to stick to the deadline of February 28 given to the United States but also saved the coalition from breaking apart.

“Due to patience and tactful leadership of Prime Minister Sher B Deuba, he is able to obtain broader consensus to accept the developmental grant from US gov under MCC. It is passed by parliament with explanatory notes. It is now the duty of MCA Nepal to complete this project in time,” Prakash S Mahat, Nepali Congress Spokesperson said in a tweet.&nbsp;

While Nepali Congress was firm on its stance to ratify the agreement, its partners in government - CPN-Maoist Centre, CPN- Unified Socialist, Janata Samajwadi Party, and Rashtriya Janamorcha Party - were opposed to the same.

The interpretative declaration will seek clarification on the provisions that the parties opposing the MCC compact have been saying are against the interest of the country.

The declaration also interprets that the MCC compact won’t be part of any military strategy of the United States government in the Indo-Pacific. It also specifies that Nepal’s constitution would be above the MCC.

It also has the provision that Nepal can terminate the MCC compact within 30 days if it finds it to be against interests of the country.

The interpretative declaration has basically included all those provisions on which the US had earlier issued a clarification.

US reacts

Asserting on the strong ties Nepal and America share, the United States Embassy in Nepal on Sunday said relationship with Nepal is ‘broader than one agreement’.

The embassy in a statement said the Government of Nepal signed the MCC agreement in 2017 after determining its goals to modernize Nepal’s energy and transportation sectors with the hope of helping more than 23 million Nepalis.

“The decision whether to ratify the $500 million-dollar Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Nepal Compact has always rested with the Government of Nepal as a sovereign democratic nation,” the statement said.&nbsp;

Outlining on the benefits of the compact, the embassy said, “In the nearly 20 years since its inception, MCC compacts have helped alleviate poverty around the world by forming partnerships with developing countries who are committed to economic freedom, investing in their citizens, and good governance, including promoting democratic principles and combatting corruption.”

Nepal's ruling coalition on Sunday ratified the much-debated Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact. The compact was endorsed by the ruling coalition parties amid obstructions by the main opposition party, CPN-UML, in the lower house of the parliament.

Nepal's ruling coalition on Sunday ratified the much-debated Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact. The compact was endorsed by the ruling coalition parties amid obstructions by the main opposition party, CPN-UML, in the lower house of the parliament. Following this development, the implementation of the compact will now take place. Finance Minister Janardan Sharma, on behalf of the government, presented the proposal for endorsement. Speaker of the House, Agni Prasad Sapkota, after rounds of deliberation, announced ratification of the agreement. The ratification came after communist parties in the coalition government agreed to endorse the compact. Their support was won by including 'interpretive declaration' to the proposal. The proposal was later passed by the Council of Ministers. Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has not only managed to stick to the deadline of February 28 given to the United States but also saved the coalition from breaking apart. “Due to patience and tactful leadership of Prime Minister Sher B Deuba, he is able to obtain broader consensus to accept the developmental grant from US gov under MCC. It is passed by parliament with explanatory notes. It is now the duty of MCA Nepal to complete this project in time,” Prakash S Mahat, Nepali Congress Spokesperson said in a tweet. While Nepali Congress was firm on its stance to ratify the agreement, its partners in government - CPN-Maoist Centre, CPN- Unified Socialist, Janata Samajwadi Party, and Rashtriya Janamorcha Party - were opposed to the same. The interpretative declaration will seek clarification on the provisions that the parties opposing the MCC compact have been saying are against the interest of the country. The declaration also interprets that the MCC compact won’t be part of any military strategy of the United States government in the Indo-Pacific. It also specifies that Nepal’s constitution would be above the MCC. It also has the provision that Nepal can terminate the MCC compact within 30 days if it finds it to be against interests of the country. The interpretative declaration has basically included all those provisions on which the US had earlier issued a clarification. US reacts Asserting on the strong ties Nepal and America share, the United States Embassy in Nepal on Sunday said relationship with Nepal is ‘broader than one agreement’. The embassy in a statement said the Government of Nepal signed the MCC agreement in 2017 after determining its goals to modernize Nepal’s energy and transportation sectors with the hope of helping more than 23 million Nepalis. “The decision whether to ratify the $500 million-dollar Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Nepal Compact has always rested with the Government of Nepal as a sovereign democratic nation,” the statement said. Outlining on the benefits of the compact, the embassy said, “In the nearly 20 years since its inception, MCC compacts have helped alleviate poverty around the world by forming partnerships with developing countries who are committed to economic freedom, investing in their citizens, and good governance, including promoting democratic principles and combatting corruption.”

Nepal ratifies MCC, the US-offered infrastructure aid deal

2017: U.S.- Nepal sign $500 mn MCC agreement. 2022: U.S. grant leads to violent protests in Nepal. China warns the U.S. against carrying out "Coercive Diplomacy". U.S. sets Feb 28 deadline for MCC ratification. What will Nepal do?

Nepal: U.S.-China power struggle, explained | WION WIDEANGLE

Reaffirming that power sector cooperation is a strong pillar of the India-Nepal partnership, both the nations have agreed to pursue joint development of generation projects in Nepal, joint development of cross-border power transmission infrastructure among others.&nbsp;

India and Nepal held the 9th meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG, Joint Secretary level) and the Joint Steering Committee (JSC, Secretary level) on bilateral power sector cooperation in Kathmandu on February 23 and 24, 2022, respectively.&nbsp;

During the JSC and JWG meetings, according to the Indian Embassy in Nepal, both the nations have “agreed to pursue joint development of generation projects in Nepal, joint development of cross-border power transmission infrastructure, power trade under respective domestic regulations and policy framework, and capacity building assistance.”

The two sides also agreed to constitute a Joint Hydro Development Committee (JHDC) to further explore the development of viable hydropower projects in Nepal with a particular focus on storage projects.&nbsp;

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Nepal and India have agreed to form a joint technical team consisting of three members from each country to construct a large hydropower project.&nbsp;

The meeting discussed the existing transmission lines between the two countries, under construction and proposed interstate transmission lines, Arun III hydropower and transmission line, and interstate power trade.

The two sides have also agreed to increase the volume of electricity to be traded through the 400kV Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur cross-border transmission line to 600MW from the current 350MW.

During the meeting, there was an agreement to increase the volume of power to be traded through this transmission line once the 400kV Hetauda-Dhalkebar-Inaruwa transmission line is completed, possibly by December 2023.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepals-parliament-postponed-for-the-second-time-anti-mcc-protest-continues-456417">Also read |&nbsp;Nepal’s parliament postponed for the second time, anti-MCC protest continues</a>

In addition to this, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and the Power Grid Corporation of India would set up a joint company by April 2022 for the construction of the cross-border New Butwal Gorakhpur transmission line.&nbsp;

The 400 KV transmission line will span 140 kilometres (20 km in Nepali territory and the remaining 120 km in Indian territory).&nbsp;

The government of Nepal has to manage the budget to construct the project on its side.

Exporting more power to India before the onset of monsoon has been one of the major agendas of the meetings.&nbsp;

This comes at a time when Nepal is caught in a dilemma over whether to ratify the Millennium Challenge Corporation-Nepal Compact, a $500 million US grant to Nepal to be used in the construction of electricity transmission lines and road maintenance.

Major political parties, including those in the ruling coalition, are divided over whether to accept the US grant, which is yet to be ratified by parliament.&nbsp;

Hundreds of anti-MCC protesters broke through barricades and clashed with police. Police have used teargas, water cannon, and batons to stop the protesters.&nbsp;

Reaffirming that power sector cooperation is a strong pillar of the India-Nepal partnership, both the nations have agreed to pursue joint development of generation projects in Nepal, joint development of cross-border power transmission infrastructure among others.

Reaffirming that power sector cooperation is a strong pillar of the India-Nepal partnership, both the nations have agreed to pursue joint development of generation projects in Nepal, joint development of cross-border power transmission infrastructure among others. India and Nepal held the 9th meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG, Joint Secretary level) and the Joint Steering Committee (JSC, Secretary level) on bilateral power sector cooperation in Kathmandu on February 23 and 24, 2022, respectively. During the JSC and JWG meetings, according to the Indian Embassy in Nepal, both the nations have “agreed to pursue joint development of generation projects in Nepal, joint development of cross-border power transmission infrastructure, power trade under respective domestic regulations and policy framework, and capacity building assistance.” The two sides also agreed to constitute a Joint Hydro Development Committee (JHDC) to further explore the development of viable hydropower projects in Nepal with a particular focus on storage projects. According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Nepal and India have agreed to form a joint technical team consisting of three members from each country to construct a large hydropower project. The meeting discussed the existing transmission lines between the two countries, under construction and proposed interstate transmission lines, Arun III hydropower and transmission line, and interstate power trade. The two sides have also agreed to increase the volume of electricity to be traded through the 400kV Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur cross-border transmission line to 600MW from the current 350MW. During the meeting, there was an agreement to increase the volume of power to be traded through this transmission line once the 400kV Hetauda-Dhalkebar-Inaruwa transmission line is completed, possibly by December 2023. Also read | Nepal’s parliament postponed for the second time, anti-MCC protest continues In addition to this, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and the Power Grid Corporation of India would set up a joint company by April 2022 for the construction of the cross-border New Butwal Gorakhpur transmission line. The 400 KV transmission line will span 140 kilometres (20 km in Nepali territory and the remaining 120 km in Indian territory). The government of Nepal has to manage the budget to construct the project on its side. Exporting more power to India before the onset of monsoon has been one of the major agendas of the meetings. This comes at a time when Nepal is caught in a dilemma over whether to ratify the Millennium Challenge Corporation-Nepal Compact, a $500 million US grant to Nepal to be used in the construction of electricity transmission lines and road maintenance. Major political parties, including those in the ruling coalition, are divided over whether to accept the US grant, which is yet to be ratified by parliament. Hundreds of anti-MCC protesters broke through barricades and clashed with police. Police have used teargas, water cannon, and batons to stop the protesters.

India, Nepal agree on joint development of cross border transmission lines

The government of India and Nepal have reached an agreement to form a joint task force on a proposal to construct a hydropower project with joint investment of both nations.&nbsp;

The agreement was reached at the ninth meeting of the Nepal-India energy secretary-level joint steering committee here today, said Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Chiranjibi Chataut.&nbsp;

As per the agreement, a joint technical team will be formed to carry out the study as per the proposal made by India.

A press release issued by the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation state that Nepal and India have agreed to form a joint technical team consisting of three members from each country to construct a large hydropower project.&nbsp;

The meeting discussed the existing transmission lines between the two countries, under construction and proposed interstate transmission lines, Arun III hydropower and transmission line, and interstate power trade.

The two sides have agreed to increase the volume of electricity to be traded through the 400kV Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur cross-border transmission line to 600MW from the current 350MW.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepals-parliament-postponed-for-the-second-time-anti-mcc-protest-continues-456417">Also read |&nbsp;Nepal’s parliament postponed for the second time, anti-MCC protest continues</a>

During the meeting, there was an agreement to increase the volume of power to be traded through this transmission line once the 400kV Hetauda-Dhalkebar-Inaruwa transmission line is completed. It is expected to be complete by December 2023.

In addition, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and the Power Grid Corporation of India would set up a joint company by April 2022 for the construction of the cross-border New Butwal Gorakhpur transmission line.&nbsp;

The 400 KV transmission line will span 140 kilometres (20 km in Nepali territory and the remaining 120 km in Indian territory).&nbsp; 
The government of Nepal has to manage the budget to construct the project on its side.

Exporting more power to India before the onset of the monsoon was one of the agenda items of the joint secretary-level joint working group and secretary-level joint steering committee meetings between the two countries held on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively, in Kathmandu.

This comes at a time when Nepal is caught in a dilemma over the Millennium Challenge Corporation-Nepal Compact. It is a $500 million US grant to Nepal to be used in the construction of electricity transmission lines and road maintenance.

Major political parties, including those in the ruling coalition, are divided over whether to accept the US grant, which has yet to be ratified by parliament.&nbsp;

Hundreds of anti-MCC protesters broke through barricades and clashed with police. Police have used teargas, water cannon and batons to stop the protesters.&nbsp;

The government of India and Nepal have reached an agreement to form a joint task force on a proposal to construct a hydropower project with joint investment of both nations.

The government of India and Nepal have reached an agreement to form a joint task force on a proposal to construct a hydropower project with joint investment of both nations. The agreement was reached at the ninth meeting of the Nepal-India energy secretary-level joint steering committee here today, said Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Chiranjibi Chataut. As per the agreement, a joint technical team will be formed to carry out the study as per the proposal made by India. A press release issued by the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation state that Nepal and India have agreed to form a joint technical team consisting of three members from each country to construct a large hydropower project. The meeting discussed the existing transmission lines between the two countries, under construction and proposed interstate transmission lines, Arun III hydropower and transmission line, and interstate power trade. The two sides have agreed to increase the volume of electricity to be traded through the 400kV Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur cross-border transmission line to 600MW from the current 350MW. Also read | Nepal’s parliament postponed for the second time, anti-MCC protest continues During the meeting, there was an agreement to increase the volume of power to be traded through this transmission line once the 400kV Hetauda-Dhalkebar-Inaruwa transmission line is completed. It is expected to be complete by December 2023. In addition, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and the Power Grid Corporation of India would set up a joint company by April 2022 for the construction of the cross-border New Butwal Gorakhpur transmission line. The 400 KV transmission line will span 140 kilometres (20 km in Nepali territory and the remaining 120 km in Indian territory). The government of Nepal has to manage the budget to construct the project on its side. Exporting more power to India before the onset of the monsoon was one of the agenda items of the joint secretary-level joint working group and secretary-level joint steering committee meetings between the two countries held on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively, in Kathmandu. This comes at a time when Nepal is caught in a dilemma over the Millennium Challenge Corporation-Nepal Compact. It is a $500 million US grant to Nepal to be used in the construction of electricity transmission lines and road maintenance. Major political parties, including those in the ruling coalition, are divided over whether to accept the US grant, which has yet to be ratified by parliament. Hundreds of anti-MCC protesters broke through barricades and clashed with police. Police have used teargas, water cannon and batons to stop the protesters.

India, Nepal to construct new hydropower project with joint investment

Nepal’s House of Representatives on Friday was for the second time postponed to hold a discussion on the contentious USD 500 million Millennium Corporation Challenge (MCC) programme as the ruling alliance failed to reach a consensus on the endorsement of the US-funded grant assistance.

The session will be held on February 27, as per the parliament secretariat.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-pm-opposition-leader-meeting-remains-inconclusive-on-mcc-455492">Nepal PM, opposition leader meeting remains inconclusive on MCC</a>&nbsp;

It was tabled in the lower house of Parliament on February 20 for ratification amid protests against it from some political parties. The US government has set February 28 as the deadline to endorse the grant project from Parliament.

Following Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba's continuous efforts to ratify the compact in the parliament, a large-scale protest is being held in the capital, Kathmandu.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Deuba has intensified his meetings with ruling leaders, including the opposition.

Earlier, the Prime Minister along with other senior party leaders held talks with main opposition CPN-UML chairperson KP Sharma Oli twice seeking support to ratify the MCC. Leaders of the ruling alliance Nepali Congress sought collaboration with CPN-UML by splitting the coalition.

Once again, the same demands were reiterated by Oli including the resignation of Speaker Agni Prasad Sapkota or the expulsion of 14 lawmakers, including Madhav Kumar Nepal.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-police-fire-tear-gas-water-cannon-to-disperse-protest-against-us-funded-projects-454806">Nepal police fire tear gas, water cannon to disperse protest against US funded projects</a>

A Speaker can be removed by a two-thirds majority of the House, and it will need 181 votes, which the Congress (61) and UML (97) lack. So, they need the support of other parties.

It can be seen Deuba and Oli are trying to reach a deal to ratify the compact, for which the Prime Minister is under immense pressure from the US. However, there hasn’t been any concrete output of the meetings yet.&nbsp;

Later, ruling party CPN-Maoist Centre Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal held talks with Oli in an attempt to convince the UML Chair to oppose the MCC compact in the House.&nbsp;

Major political parties, including those in the ruling coalition, are divided over whether to accept the US grant, which has yet to be ratified by parliament.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Deuba is keen on saving the alliance and is once again holding a meeting on Friday with ruling leaders-- Dahal, Madhav Kumar Nepal and Upendra Yadav opposing the compact.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Nepal PM Deuba fails to garner consent for MCC as coalition divided over the grant

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepal-pm-deuba-fails-to-garner-consent-for-mcc-as-coalition-divided-over-the-grant-454229/embed" width="560">​​​​​​​</iframe>

Meanwhile, hundreds of anti-MCC protesters broke through barricades and clashed with police. Police have used teargas, water cannon, and batons to stop the protesters.&nbsp;

The grant from the MCC does not need to be repaid and Washington says it comes without conditions.

But opponents, many wary of US&nbsp;influence in the region, say the aid would undermine Nepal's laws and sovereignty, as it would not have sufficient oversight over the projects.&nbsp;

The U.S. Embassy in Nepal says the grant would be "a gift from the American people and a partnership between our nations" that would bring jobs and infrastructure and improve the lives of some of the world's poorest people.

Nepal’s House of Representatives on Friday was for the second time postponed to hold a discussion on the contentious USD 500 million Millennium Corporation Challenge (MCC) programme as the ruling alliance failed to reach a consensus on the endorsement of the US-funded grant assistance.

Nepal’s House of Representatives on Friday was for the second time postponed to hold a discussion on the contentious USD 500 million Millennium Corporation Challenge (MCC) programme as the ruling alliance failed to reach a consensus on the endorsement of the US-funded grant assistance. The session will be held on February 27, as per the parliament secretariat. Also read | Nepal PM, opposition leader meeting remains inconclusive on MCC It was tabled in the lower house of Parliament on February 20 for ratification amid protests against it from some political parties. The US government has set February 28 as the deadline to endorse the grant project from Parliament. Following Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba's continuous efforts to ratify the compact in the parliament, a large-scale protest is being held in the capital, Kathmandu. Prime Minister Deuba has intensified his meetings with ruling leaders, including the opposition. Earlier, the Prime Minister along with other senior party leaders held talks with main opposition CPN-UML chairperson KP Sharma Oli twice seeking support to ratify the MCC. Leaders of the ruling alliance Nepali Congress sought collaboration with CPN-UML by splitting the coalition. Once again, the same demands were reiterated by Oli including the resignation of Speaker Agni Prasad Sapkota or the expulsion of 14 lawmakers, including Madhav Kumar Nepal. Also read | Nepal police fire tear gas, water cannon to disperse protest against US funded projects A Speaker can be removed by a two-thirds majority of the House, and it will need 181 votes, which the Congress (61) and UML (97) lack. So, they need the support of other parties. It can be seen Deuba and Oli are trying to reach a deal to ratify the compact, for which the Prime Minister is under immense pressure from the US. However, there hasn’t been any concrete output of the meetings yet. Later, ruling party CPN-Maoist Centre Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal held talks with Oli in an attempt to convince the UML Chair to oppose the MCC compact in the House. Major political parties, including those in the ruling coalition, are divided over whether to accept the US grant, which has yet to be ratified by parliament. Prime Minister Deuba is keen on saving the alliance and is once again holding a meeting on Friday with ruling leaders-- Dahal, Madhav Kumar Nepal and Upendra Yadav opposing the compact. Watch | Nepal PM Deuba fails to garner consent for MCC as coalition divided over the grant Meanwhile, hundreds of anti-MCC protesters broke through barricades and clashed with police. Police have used teargas, water cannon, and batons to stop the protesters. The grant from the MCC does not need to be repaid and Washington says it comes without conditions. But opponents, many wary of US influence in the region, say the aid would undermine Nepal's laws and sovereignty, as it would not have sufficient oversight over the projects. The U.S. Embassy in Nepal says the grant would be "a gift from the American people and a partnership between our nations" that would bring jobs and infrastructure and improve the lives of some of the world's poorest people.

Nepal’s parliament postponed for the second time, anti-MCC protest continues

The government of Nepal has made a change in the laws related to the marriage of Indian women to Nepalese citizens.&nbsp;

The open border between India and Nepal results in hundreds of marriages of Indian women to locals of Nepal every year.&nbsp;

However, the process of getting citizenship after the marriage was cumbersome as one had to make rounds of the court to make a marriage certificate.&nbsp;

Important to note that the previous government of Nepal had curtailed the political and social rights of Indian women.&nbsp;

Apart from that, the Indian women married to a Nepali citizen had to make a strict law like waiting for seven years to get a certificate of citizenship.&nbsp;

However, after much opposition, the seven-year law had to be withdrawn. Now the Deuwa government of Nepal has made another law for Indian women marrying in Nepal.&nbsp;

Turmoil in Nepal

Meanwhile, the South Asian nation's is facing turmoil as police in Kathmandu fired teargas and water cannon to disperse protesters opposed to a US-funded infrastructure programme that was presented in parliament for ratification on Sunday, witnesses and officials in Nepal's capital said.&nbsp;

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a US government aid agency, agreed in 2017 to provide $500 million in grants to fund a 300-kilometre&nbsp;electricity transmission line and a road improvement project in Nepal.&nbsp;

Government officials said the grant will not have to be repaid and has no conditions attached, but opponents say the agreement would undermine Nepal's laws and sovereignty as lawmakers would have insufficient oversight of the board directing the infrastructure project.&nbsp;

The government of Nepal has made a change in the laws related to the marriage of Indian women to Nepalese citizens. The open border between India and Nepal results in hundreds of marriages of Indian women to locals of Nepal every year.

The government of Nepal has made a change in the laws related to the marriage of Indian women to Nepalese citizens. The open border between India and Nepal results in hundreds of marriages of Indian women to locals of Nepal every year. However, the process of getting citizenship after the marriage was cumbersome as one had to make rounds of the court to make a marriage certificate. Important to note that the previous government of Nepal had curtailed the political and social rights of Indian women. Apart from that, the Indian women married to a Nepali citizen had to make a strict law like waiting for seven years to get a certificate of citizenship. However, after much opposition, the seven-year law had to be withdrawn. Now the Deuwa government of Nepal has made another law for Indian women marrying in Nepal. Turmoil in Nepal Meanwhile, the South Asian nation's is facing turmoil as police in Kathmandu fired teargas and water cannon to disperse protesters opposed to a US-funded infrastructure programme that was presented in parliament for ratification on Sunday, witnesses and officials in Nepal's capital said. The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a US government aid agency, agreed in 2017 to provide $500 million in grants to fund a 300-kilometre electricity transmission line and a road improvement project in Nepal. Government officials said the grant will not have to be repaid and has no conditions attached, but opponents say the agreement would undermine Nepal's laws and sovereignty as lawmakers would have insufficient oversight of the board directing the infrastructure project.

Indian women married in Nepal will no longer have to go to court as government changes law

The Government of Nepal is on the 'brink of breakdown'. An American project has split the ruling coalition. 2 parties are threatening to breakaway. Protests have begun in Kathmandu.

Nepal: MCC grant tabled in Parliament

Police&nbsp;in Kathmandu&nbsp;fired&nbsp;teargas&nbsp;and&nbsp;water&nbsp;cannon&nbsp;to&nbsp;disperse&nbsp;protesters opposed to a U.S.-funded&nbsp;infrastructure programme that was set to be presented in parliament for ratification on Sunday, witnesses and officials in&nbsp;Nepal's capital said.

Some&nbsp;protesters were injured in the clashes, they said.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a U.S. government aid agency, agreed in 2017 to provide $500 million in grants to fund a 300-kilometre (187 mile) electricity transmission line and a road improvement project in&nbsp;Nepal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mcc-ratification-nepals-sovereign-decision-us-454675">MCC ratification Nepal’s sovereign decision: US&nbsp;</a>

Government officials said the grant will not have to be repaid and comes with no strings, but opponents say the agreement would undermine&nbsp;Nepal's laws and sovereignty as lawmakers would have insufficient oversight of the board directing the infrastructure project.

Major political parties including members of the ruling coalition are split over whether to accept or reject the U.S. grant money.

The U.S. Embassy in&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;described the $500 million MCC grant as "a gift from the American people and a partnership between our nations that will bring jobs and infrastructure to&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;and improve the lives of&nbsp;Nepalis."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-diplomat-says-us-and-british-spies-cant-be-trusted-on-ukraine-454775">Russian diplomat says: US and British spies can't be trusted on Ukraine</a>

"This project was requested by the&nbsp;Nepali government and the&nbsp;Nepali people and designed to transparently reduce poverty and grow the economy of&nbsp;Nepal," the embassy said in a statement issued late on Saturday.

"Whether&nbsp;Nepali leaders ratify MCC is a decision for&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;to make, as a sovereign democratic nation, and&nbsp;Nepal's decision alone," it added.

Watch |&nbsp;Nepal PM Deuba fails to garner consent for MCC as coalition divided over the grant

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Nepal&nbsp;relies heavily on foreign aid, and donors coordinate development aid policy through the&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;Development Forum, whose members include donor countries and international financial organisations.

Police in Kathmandu fired teargas and water cannon to disperse protesters opposed to a U.S.-funded infrastructure programme that was set to be presented in parliament for ratification on Sunday, witnesses and officials in Nepal's capital said.

Police in Kathmandu fired teargas and water cannon to disperse protesters opposed to a U.S.-funded infrastructure programme that was set to be presented in parliament for ratification on Sunday, witnesses and officials in Nepal's capital said. Some protesters were injured in the clashes, they said. The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a U.S. government aid agency, agreed in 2017 to provide $500 million in grants to fund a 300-kilometre (187 mile) electricity transmission line and a road improvement project in Nepal. Also read | MCC ratification Nepal’s sovereign decision: US Government officials said the grant will not have to be repaid and comes with no strings, but opponents say the agreement would undermine Nepal's laws and sovereignty as lawmakers would have insufficient oversight of the board directing the infrastructure project. Major political parties including members of the ruling coalition are split over whether to accept or reject the U.S. grant money. The U.S. Embassy in Nepal described the $500 million MCC grant as "a gift from the American people and a partnership between our nations that will bring jobs and infrastructure to Nepal and improve the lives of Nepalis." Also read | Russian diplomat says: US and British spies can't be trusted on Ukraine "This project was requested by the Nepali government and the Nepali people and designed to transparently reduce poverty and grow the economy of Nepal," the embassy said in a statement issued late on Saturday. "Whether Nepali leaders ratify MCC is a decision for Nepal to make, as a sovereign democratic nation, and Nepal's decision alone," it added. Watch | Nepal PM Deuba fails to garner consent for MCC as coalition divided over the grant Nepal relies heavily on foreign aid, and donors coordinate development aid policy through the Nepal Development Forum, whose members include donor countries and international financial organisations.

Nepal police fire tear gas, water cannon to disperse protest against US funded projects

Amid growing opposition over a United States-funded infrastructure programme in Nepal, the US embassy in Kathmandu on Saturday said the decision to ratify the compact solely rests with the Nepal government.

In September 2017, the US government signed a $500 million compact with the Government of Nepal under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) initiative.&nbsp;

The compact aims to fund the maintenance of road quality, increase the availability and reliability of electricity, and facilitate cross-border electricity trade between Nepal and India.

It aims to spur investments, accelerate economic growth, and reduce poverty in the Himalayan country.

Issuing a statement a day before the parliament session’s schedule, the embassy said, “This $500 million MCC grant is a gift from the American people and a partnership between our nations that will bring jobs and infrastructure to Nepal and improve the lives of Nepalis.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/frustration-mounts-in-nepal-over-mcc-453927">Frustration mounts in Nepal over MCC</a>

“This project was requested by the Nepali government and the Nepali people, and is designed to transparently reduce poverty and grow the economy of the country,” it added.&nbsp;

According to the MCC agency, Nepal faces extensive economic development challenges caused by an inadequate supply of electricity and high transportation costs to move both goods and people.&nbsp;

It says that MCC Nepal Compact marks a new chapter in the US-Nepal Partnership and is designed to increase the availability of electricity and lower the cost of transportation in Nepal.

An additional $130 million contribution from the Government of Nepal in support of the compact—the largest up-front partner country contribution in MCC’s history—will enable even greater impact and benefits for the Nepali people.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-headway-on-mcc-in-nepal-after-all-party-meeting-453337">No headway on MCC in Nepal after all-party meeting</a>

Meanwhile, the coalition of five-ruling parties in Nepal has failed to reach a common ground so far on the parliament ratification.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, who came to power only in July last year, has assured the US that the pact will be ratified in the ongoing winter session.&nbsp;

Coalition partners, mainly communists, and the opposition believe that the compact will undermine the country's constitution and that the US may use Nepal's soil against China under its Indo-Pacific strategy.&nbsp;

There has been a wide range of protests against the compact across the country.&nbsp;

Following which, US Ambassador to Nepal Randy Berry on Friday said, “Violence and incitement to violence are never acceptable.”

“We are a strong supporter of free speech and public discourse based on facts, including on MCC. The right to express one’s views is intrinsic to democracy, and people must be allowed to peacefully share their views. Violence and incitement to violence are never acceptable,” Berry said in a tweet.&nbsp;

The session of the House of Representatives on Friday concluded without the controversial MCC being tabled in parliament due to a lack of consensus among the coalition partners.

Adjourning the session, Speaker Agni Sapkota informed that the next meeting on the issue will be held on Sunday at 1 pm.

Amid growing opposition over a United States-funded infrastructure programme in Nepal, the US embassy in Kathmandu on Saturday said the decision to ratify the compact solely rests with the Nepal government.

Amid growing opposition over a United States-funded infrastructure programme in Nepal, the US embassy in Kathmandu on Saturday said the decision to ratify the compact solely rests with the Nepal government. In September 2017, the US government signed a $500 million compact with the Government of Nepal under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) initiative. The compact aims to fund the maintenance of road quality, increase the availability and reliability of electricity, and facilitate cross-border electricity trade between Nepal and India. It aims to spur investments, accelerate economic growth, and reduce poverty in the Himalayan country. Issuing a statement a day before the parliament session’s schedule, the embassy said, “This $500 million MCC grant is a gift from the American people and a partnership between our nations that will bring jobs and infrastructure to Nepal and improve the lives of Nepalis.” Also read | Frustration mounts in Nepal over MCC “This project was requested by the Nepali government and the Nepali people, and is designed to transparently reduce poverty and grow the economy of the country,” it added. According to the MCC agency, Nepal faces extensive economic development challenges caused by an inadequate supply of electricity and high transportation costs to move both goods and people. It says that MCC Nepal Compact marks a new chapter in the US-Nepal Partnership and is designed to increase the availability of electricity and lower the cost of transportation in Nepal. An additional $130 million contribution from the Government of Nepal in support of the compact—the largest up-front partner country contribution in MCC’s history—will enable even greater impact and benefits for the Nepali people. Also read | No headway on MCC in Nepal after all-party meeting Meanwhile, the coalition of five-ruling parties in Nepal has failed to reach a common ground so far on the parliament ratification. Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, who came to power only in July last year, has assured the US that the pact will be ratified in the ongoing winter session. Coalition partners, mainly communists, and the opposition believe that the compact will undermine the country's constitution and that the US may use Nepal's soil against China under its Indo-Pacific strategy. There has been a wide range of protests against the compact across the country. Following which, US Ambassador to Nepal Randy Berry on Friday said, “Violence and incitement to violence are never acceptable.” “We are a strong supporter of free speech and public discourse based on facts, including on MCC. The right to express one’s views is intrinsic to democracy, and people must be allowed to peacefully share their views. Violence and incitement to violence are never acceptable,” Berry said in a tweet. The session of the House of Representatives on Friday concluded without the controversial MCC being tabled in parliament due to a lack of consensus among the coalition partners. Adjourning the session, Speaker Agni Sapkota informed that the next meeting on the issue will be held on Sunday at 1 pm.

MCC ratification Nepal’s sovereign decision: US 

The international arm of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) on Thursday announced to deploy Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Nepal to bolster interoperable real-time person-to-person (P2P), person to merchant (P2M) and potential cross-border P2P remittances between Nepal and India. 
 
Nepal is the first country outside India to adopt UPI as the payments platform, driving the digitalisation of cash transactions.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-dismisses-reports-of-threatening-nepal-over-mcc-453416">&nbsp;US dismisses reports of threatening Nepal over MCC</a> 
 
The NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the global arm of the NPCI joined hands with the Gateway Payments Service Pvt Ltd, an authorised Payment System Operators in Nepal, and Manam Infotech Private Limited to deploy UPI in the country. 
 
"The partnership will enable consumers within Nepal to transact swiftly using state-of-the-art UPI platform and deliver a seamless user experience. We are confident that this initiative will stand as a testimony to NIPL's technological capabilities and vision of scaling our unique offerings globally," said Ritesh Shukla, CEO of NIPL. 
 
It will also enable the way forward for real-time cross-border P2P remittances between Nepal and India.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/frustration-mounts-in-nepal-over-mcc-453927">Frustration mounts in Nepal over MCC</a> 
 
In 2021, UPI enabled 39 billion financial transactions amounting to commerce worth $940 billion, which is equivalent to approximately 31 per cent of India's GDP. 
 
"The same UPI service has created a significant positive impact in India in terms of the country's digital payment transformation. We expect UPI in Nepal would play a pivotal role in transforming the digital economy of the country and dreams of building a less-cash society," said Rajesh Prasad Manandhar, CEO of GPS. 
 
Mobile penetration of over 135 per cent, with 65 per cent of the population using smartphones, provides a bedrock for seamless replication of the digital revolution in India to be replicated in Nepal.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Nepal's ruling coalition on the 'brink of breakdown'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-nepals-ruling-coalition-on-the-brink-of-breakdown-454149/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe> 
 
Over the next few months, all three companies will work closely together to deploy UPI in Nepal. along with all the functionalities and features presently available in India. 
 
"We believe this partnership will eliminate all the barriers of payment transformation within Nepal and across the border thereby transforming the regional economy," said Naga Babu Ramineni, Director of Manam.</div>

The international arm of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) on Thursday announced to deploy Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Nepal to bolster interoperable real-time person-to-person (P2P), person to merchant (P2M) and potential cross-border P2P remittances between Nepal and India.

The international arm of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) on Thursday announced to deploy Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Nepal to bolster interoperable real-time person-to-person (P2P), person to merchant (P2M) and potential cross-border P2P remittances between Nepal and India. Nepal is the first country outside India to adopt UPI as the payments platform, driving the digitalisation of cash transactions. Also read | US dismisses reports of threatening Nepal over MCC The NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the global arm of the NPCI joined hands with the Gateway Payments Service Pvt Ltd, an authorised Payment System Operators in Nepal, and Manam Infotech Private Limited to deploy UPI in the country. "The partnership will enable consumers within Nepal to transact swiftly using state-of-the-art UPI platform and deliver a seamless user experience. We are confident that this initiative will stand as a testimony to NIPL's technological capabilities and vision of scaling our unique offerings globally," said Ritesh Shukla, CEO of NIPL. It will also enable the way forward for real-time cross-border P2P remittances between Nepal and India. Also read | Frustration mounts in Nepal over MCC In 2021, UPI enabled 39 billion financial transactions amounting to commerce worth $940 billion, which is equivalent to approximately 31 per cent of India's GDP. "The same UPI service has created a significant positive impact in India in terms of the country's digital payment transformation. We expect UPI in Nepal would play a pivotal role in transforming the digital economy of the country and dreams of building a less-cash society," said Rajesh Prasad Manandhar, CEO of GPS. Mobile penetration of over 135 per cent, with 65 per cent of the population using smartphones, provides a bedrock for seamless replication of the digital revolution in India to be replicated in Nepal. Watch | Gravitas: Nepal's ruling coalition on the 'brink of breakdown' Over the next few months, all three companies will work closely together to deploy UPI in Nepal. along with all the functionalities and features presently available in India. "We believe this partnership will eliminate all the barriers of payment transformation within Nepal and across the border thereby transforming the regional economy," said Naga Babu Ramineni, Director of Manam.

NPCI to deploy UPI payments platform in Nepal, 1st outside India

The Government of Nepal is on the 'brink of breakdown'. An American project has split the ruling coalition. 2 parties are threatening to breakaway. Protests have begun in Kathmandu. US suspects China's hand behind the crisis.

Nepal's PM struggles to build consensus

The Government of Nepal is on the 'brink of breakdown'. An American project has split the ruling coalition. 2 parties are threatening to breakaway. Protests have begun in Kathmandu. US suspects China's hand behind the crisis. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Nepal's ruling coalition on the 'brink of breakdown'

Nepal PM Deuba fails to garner consent for MCC as coalition divided over the grant

Nepal Police on Wednesday fired water cannons and tear gas on protesters agitating against the United States-funded infrastructure programme, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) in capital&nbsp;Kathmandu.&nbsp;

Cadres of various political parties staged a demonstration against the MCC outside the parliament in Kathmandu following which police used water cannons to disperse the crowd.&nbsp;

Another group affiliated with a communist political party burned the MCC Pact draft during the protest while chanting slogans against the compact.&nbsp;

Major opposition comes from Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba's own coalition partners including Maoist politicians -- seen as traditionally close to China have been demanding amendment in the compact arguing it undermines Nepal's sovereignty.

The government was planning to table the MCC in the Parliament today but Prime Minister Deuba and CPN-Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ had a meeting in the afternoon and decided not to table the compact in the meeting of the House of Representatives.

Nepali Congress stepped back from tabling the compact following the threat of Maoist Center and Unified Socialist to quit the government.&nbsp;The delay in the ratification is also because China influences some ruling parties.&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;

Meanwhile, MCC headquarters has clearly stated that any further delays could lead to the end of the US grant for Nepal.&nbsp;The future of the ruling coalition looks uncertain with MCC Nepal Compact becoming the dividing factor.

Prime Minister Deuba has called a meeting of the coalition on Thursday to hold the decisive discussion on the compact.

Nepal Police on Wednesday fired water cannons and tear gas on protesters agitating against the United States-funded infrastructure programme, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) in capital Kathmandu.

Nepal Police on Wednesday fired water cannons and tear gas on protesters agitating against the United States-funded infrastructure programme, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) in capital Kathmandu. Cadres of various political parties staged a demonstration against the MCC outside the parliament in Kathmandu following which police used water cannons to disperse the crowd. Another group affiliated with a communist political party burned the MCC Pact draft during the protest while chanting slogans against the compact. Major opposition comes from Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba's own coalition partners including Maoist politicians -- seen as traditionally close to China have been demanding amendment in the compact arguing it undermines Nepal's sovereignty. The government was planning to table the MCC in the Parliament today but Prime Minister Deuba and CPN-Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ had a meeting in the afternoon and decided not to table the compact in the meeting of the House of Representatives. Nepali Congress stepped back from tabling the compact following the threat of Maoist Center and Unified Socialist to quit the government. The delay in the ratification is also because China influences some ruling parties. 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. Meanwhile, MCC headquarters has clearly stated that any further delays could lead to the end of the US grant for Nepal. The future of the ruling coalition looks uncertain with MCC Nepal Compact becoming the dividing factor. Prime Minister Deuba has called a meeting of the coalition on Thursday to hold the decisive discussion on the compact.

Frustration mounts in Nepal over MCC

Nepal witnessed fresh protests over the millennium corporation compact grant. Police fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protesters even as the political uncertainty in the issue continues.

Nepal: Police fires tear gas to disperse the crowd as protesters rally against US grant

Agni Sapkota, Speaker of Nepal Parliament's House of Representatives, called an all-party meeting on Monday amid heightened political tension triggered by controversy about Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Nepal Compact.

The meeting came after registration of an impeachment motion against Supreme Court Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana by ruling parties.

The all-party meeting called by House Speaker Agni Sapkota ended without any conclusion. However, the speaker said a wide range of issues were discussed with the leaders.&nbsp;

While speaking to reporters post the meeting, the speaker said, “Views expressed by leaders were accurately noted. Political parties represented in parliament have a decisive role to play in the ratification of the MCC Compact through parliament. I have been saying that my role is limited to an umpire. Every leader expressed their opinions on the compact. To which I have been very open to.”

The speaker said leaders also shared their views on the house deadlock.&nbsp;

According to a leader present in the meeting, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba insisted on moving the MCC Compact forward.&nbsp;

“In the meeting, leaders of major political parties also discussed initiatives to be taken to lift the obstruction in parliament,” said Sapkota.&nbsp;

The speaker added that important bills related to citizenship and civil aviation should be passed. The bills approved from the National Assembly and sent back to the House of Representatives should be passed.

Echoing similar views, leader of CPN (Unified Socialist) Jeevan Ram Shrestha who participated in the meeting said that the speaker called the all-party meeting in the context of running the parliament. A total of 42 bills, including citizenship, are stuck in the House of Representatives due to continuous obstruction by the main opposition CPN-UML.

The main opposition party, CPN-UML, has been obstructing parliament demanding the resignation of parliament. The UML, however, had boycotted the all-party meeting called by Speaker Sapkota.&nbsp;

UML leaders have been accusing the speaker of playing a role in splitting their party.

As the main opposition CPN-UML continues to obstruct the parliament, main political parties remain divided on the MCC Nepal Compact. Efforts are underway to seek consensus on the parliament session called for Wednesday and the MCC Nepal Compact.

The MCC debate has yet again postponed the scheduled house meeting. The United States has given the government of Nepal a deadline of February 28 to endorse the compact from the Parliament.&nbsp;

Agni Sapkota, Speaker of Nepal Parliament's House of Representatives, called an all-party meeting on Monday amid heightened political tension triggered by controversy about Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Nepal Compact.

Agni Sapkota, Speaker of Nepal Parliament's House of Representatives, called an all-party meeting on Monday amid heightened political tension triggered by controversy about Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Nepal Compact. The meeting came after registration of an impeachment motion against Supreme Court Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana by ruling parties. The all-party meeting called by House Speaker Agni Sapkota ended without any conclusion. However, the speaker said a wide range of issues were discussed with the leaders. While speaking to reporters post the meeting, the speaker said, “Views expressed by leaders were accurately noted. Political parties represented in parliament have a decisive role to play in the ratification of the MCC Compact through parliament. I have been saying that my role is limited to an umpire. Every leader expressed their opinions on the compact. To which I have been very open to.” The speaker said leaders also shared their views on the house deadlock. According to a leader present in the meeting, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba insisted on moving the MCC Compact forward. “In the meeting, leaders of major political parties also discussed initiatives to be taken to lift the obstruction in parliament,” said Sapkota. The speaker added that important bills related to citizenship and civil aviation should be passed. The bills approved from the National Assembly and sent back to the House of Representatives should be passed. Echoing similar views, leader of CPN (Unified Socialist) Jeevan Ram Shrestha who participated in the meeting said that the speaker called the all-party meeting in the context of running the parliament. A total of 42 bills, including citizenship, are stuck in the House of Representatives due to continuous obstruction by the main opposition CPN-UML. The main opposition party, CPN-UML, has been obstructing parliament demanding the resignation of parliament. The UML, however, had boycotted the all-party meeting called by Speaker Sapkota. UML leaders have been accusing the speaker of playing a role in splitting their party. As the main opposition CPN-UML continues to obstruct the parliament, main political parties remain divided on the MCC Nepal Compact. Efforts are underway to seek consensus on the parliament session called for Wednesday and the MCC Nepal Compact. The MCC debate has yet again postponed the scheduled house meeting. The United States has given the government of Nepal a deadline of February 28 to endorse the compact from the Parliament.

No headway on MCC in Nepal after all-party meeting

The US embassy in Nepal has rejected reports suggesting America is threatening Nepal to ratify the proposed grant assistance under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).&nbsp;

The MCC has become a toxic factor between Nepal’s major political parties. Nepal’s political parties are sharply divided over the issue of whether to accept the US grant assistance under the MCC agreement, which is under consideration in the House of Representatives.&nbsp;

Nepal and the United States signed the MCC agreement in 2017.&nbsp;

“We have not threatened Nepali leaders – that is false.&nbsp;&nbsp;But we are asking Nepal to follow through on its commitments.&nbsp;&nbsp;Whether the Nepali leaders ratify MCC is a decision for Nepal to make, as a sovereign democratic nation, and Nepal's decision alone,” US Ambassador to Nepal Randy Berry said in a statement to WION.&nbsp;

“After years of delays on following through on Nepal’s promise, we simply ask that ratifying the agreement be brought to a vote so the people, through their elected officials have their say,” he added.

Ambassador Berry said this year marks the 75th year of ties between Nepal and the United States and America has stood with Nepal through "monumental and incredible changes".

"The relationship between the United States and Nepal is broader than one agreement. During these 75 years, Nepal has seen monumental and incredible changes.&nbsp;We have stood with Nepal through these changes and supported the country with development aid, disaster response and preparedness assistance, health and education programs, and more,” ambassador Berry said.&nbsp;

Commenting on the uncertainty of the compact ratification, he said, “But in general, withdrawing from a signed bilateral agreement would have an impact on any two countries’ relationship.”&nbsp;

Speaking on the compact, ambassador said, “We have had discussions with Nepali leaders – but not in the way characterized by some press and online discourse.&nbsp;&nbsp;As verifiable by public documents or statements, Nepali leaders understand that MCC will bring jobs and infrastructure to Nepal – it is why the government of Nepal asked us for an MCC Compact in the first place.”

“Unfortunately, this development program has been mired in disinformation.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is disinformation about a program which is based on transparency, accountability, and democracy – who would be against that?” he added in the statement.&nbsp;

As per reports, US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu had raised the issue earlier during his separate telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and other ruling leaders.&nbsp;

It is said that Lu warned that “if Nepali political leadership failed to endorse the MCC compact grant within the stipulated deadline of February 28, the US would be forced to review its ties with Nepal”.&nbsp;

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Deuba and CPN Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ on Feb 3, the United States has given the government of Nepal a deadline of February 28 to endorse the compact from the Parliament.&nbsp;

The letter had 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 the letter, Nepal has committed to passing the compact with the required parliamentary majority within four-five months, the deadline which is approaching.&nbsp;

As the deadline is hovering over the head of the Prime Minister, it seems the ruling alliance is in favour of finding a consensus on the MCC Nepal compact before it enters into the parliament.&nbsp;

The US embassy in Nepal has rejected reports suggesting America is threatening Nepal to ratify the proposed grant assistance under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).

The US embassy in Nepal has rejected reports suggesting America is threatening Nepal to ratify the proposed grant assistance under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). The MCC has become a toxic factor between Nepal’s major political parties. Nepal’s political parties are sharply divided over the issue of whether to accept the US grant assistance under the MCC agreement, which is under consideration in the House of Representatives. Nepal and the United States signed the MCC agreement in 2017. “We have not threatened Nepali leaders – that is false. But we are asking Nepal to follow through on its commitments. Whether the Nepali leaders ratify MCC is a decision for Nepal to make, as a sovereign democratic nation, and Nepal's decision alone,” US Ambassador to Nepal Randy Berry said in a statement to WION. “After years of delays on following through on Nepal’s promise, we simply ask that ratifying the agreement be brought to a vote so the people, through their elected officials have their say,” he added. Ambassador Berry said this year marks the 75th year of ties between Nepal and the United States and America has stood with Nepal through "monumental and incredible changes". "The relationship between the United States and Nepal is broader than one agreement. During these 75 years, Nepal has seen monumental and incredible changes. We have stood with Nepal through these changes and supported the country with development aid, disaster response and preparedness assistance, health and education programs, and more,” ambassador Berry said. Commenting on the uncertainty of the compact ratification, he said, “But in general, withdrawing from a signed bilateral agreement would have an impact on any two countries’ relationship.” Speaking on the compact, ambassador said, “We have had discussions with Nepali leaders – but not in the way characterized by some press and online discourse. As verifiable by public documents or statements, Nepali leaders understand that MCC will bring jobs and infrastructure to Nepal – it is why the government of Nepal asked us for an MCC Compact in the first place.” “Unfortunately, this development program has been mired in disinformation. This is disinformation about a program which is based on transparency, accountability, and democracy – who would be against that?” he added in the statement. As per reports, US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu had raised the issue earlier during his separate telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and other ruling leaders. It is said that Lu warned that “if Nepali political leadership failed to endorse the MCC compact grant within the stipulated deadline of February 28, the US would be forced to review its ties with Nepal”. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Deuba and CPN Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ on Feb 3, the United States has given the government of Nepal a deadline of February 28 to endorse the compact from the Parliament. The letter had 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 the letter, Nepal has committed to passing the compact with the required parliamentary majority within four-five months, the deadline which is approaching. As the deadline is hovering over the head of the Prime Minister, it seems the ruling alliance is in favour of finding a consensus on the MCC Nepal compact before it enters into the parliament.

US dismisses reports of threatening Nepal over MCC

Ruling parties in Nepal have filed an impeachment motion against Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana. The top judge has been accused of seeking political benefits.

Impeachment Motion: Nepal's top judge accused of seeking political benefits

Tensions between China and Nepal are starting to show as the northern neighbour tightens its grip. Beijing has imposed a blockade against container trucks entering Nepal; two of the most crucial trading points have come under the lens. According to China, consumer items scheduled to be exported cross-border don't have a permit and this is costing Kathmandu millions of rupees.

China's border blockade adds to Nepal's woes

The political uncertainty in Nepal over the Millennium Corporation Compact continues. In the latest, Nepal's political parties rallied against the deal in the capital city of Kathmandu, the protest comes after Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba efforts to find a common ground in the deal.

Slogans rejecting MCC echoes in streets of Nepal

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.

<img alt="Maps" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="25c39907-2992-4461-b539-455605b203f0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/image_3.png" />

(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

A Nepalese govt report accuses China is encroaching into Nepal. Why has Nepal kept this document a secret? Why has it not told the world about Chinese expansionism? Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas Ukraine Direct: Leaked report accuses China of encroaching into Nepal

A leaked Nepalese government report accuses China of encroaching into Nepal along the border. The report was commissioned last September following claims that China has been trespassing in the district of Humla.

Leaked report accuses China of encroaching along Nepal border

China has been encroaching into Nepal along the border shared by the two countries, BBC reported citing a leaked Nepalese government report. &nbsp;

This seems to be the first time when there have been official claims from Nepal about Chinese interference in its territory. &nbsp;

In September 2021, the report was formed by a taskforce, which was sent to the district of Humla, in the far west of Nepal after there were claims of China trespassing in the region. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-communist-party-lobby-against-mcc-us-sets-deadline-to-ratify-compact-451090" hreflang="en">Nepal Communist party lobby against MCC, US sets deadline to ratify compact</a>

The team, which consisted of representatives from the police and the government, found that surveillance activities by Chinese security forces restricted religious activities on the Nepalese side of the border in Lalungjong. &nbsp;&nbsp;

China had also been limiting grazing by Nepalese farmers, concluded the report. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Nepalese security forces should be stationed in the area to ensure security, the report said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-new-trend-myanmar-families-disown-kin-fighting-military-rule-to-avert-oppression-451113" hreflang="en">In new trend, Myanmar families disown kin fighting military rule to avert oppression</a>

Nepal and China should reactivate a dormant mechanism set up to solve these issues, it suggested. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Chinese embassy in Kathmandu has denied that there is any kind of encroachment. &nbsp;

The report has not yet been published for undisclosed reasons. &nbsp;

In recent years, Nepalese government has improved ties with China. The findings of the report are highly likely to have an effect on this relationship. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

China has been encroaching into Nepal along the border shared by the two countries, BBC reported citing a leaked Nepalese government report. This seems to be the first time when there have been official claims from Nepal about Chinese interference in its territory.

China has been encroaching into Nepal along the border shared by the two countries, BBC reported citing a leaked Nepalese government report. This seems to be the first time when there have been official claims from Nepal about Chinese interference in its territory. In September 2021, the report was formed by a taskforce, which was sent to the district of Humla, in the far west of Nepal after there were claims of China trespassing in the region. Also Read: Nepal Communist party lobby against MCC, US sets deadline to ratify compact The team, which consisted of representatives from the police and the government, found that surveillance activities by Chinese security forces restricted religious activities on the Nepalese side of the border in Lalungjong. China had also been limiting grazing by Nepalese farmers, concluded the report. Nepalese security forces should be stationed in the area to ensure security, the report said. Also Read: In new trend, Myanmar families disown kin fighting military rule to avert oppression Nepal and China should reactivate a dormant mechanism set up to solve these issues, it suggested. Chinese embassy in Kathmandu has denied that there is any kind of encroachment. The report has not yet been published for undisclosed reasons. In recent years, Nepalese government has improved ties with China. The findings of the report are highly likely to have an effect on this relationship. (With inputs from agencies)

China encroaching into Nepal along border, says report

A leaked report commissioned by the Nepal government last September accuses china of encroaching into Nepal along the border that the two countries share. It's the first time that Nepal has officially accused China of interference in its territory.

Report: China encroaching Nepal's territory

The United States of America has given Nepal a deadline of February 28 to secure parliamentary ratification of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) deal. 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.

US sets deadline of Feb 28 to secure parliamentary ratification of MCC deal

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

Three sherpa siblings are on a mission to complete the grand slam of mountaineering. Mariam Wardak brings you a detailed account of their latest expedition - the South Pole.

South Asia Diary: First Nepalese expedition to the South Pole

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Leaked report accuses China of encroaching along Nepal border