Nepal resumed its stalled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccination</a> campaign on Tuesday with 1 million doses given by China after the Himalayan nation made international pleas for help with a shortage of doses.

Thousands of people, all 64 years old, lined up at vaccination centers even before they opened. People aged 60 to 63 are scheduled in the coming days.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/scientists-find-new-coronavirus-variant-in-india-which-causes-severe-pneumonia-pathological-changes-in-lungs-390159" hreflang="en">Scientists find new coronavirus variant in India which causes severe pneumonia, 'pathological changes in lungs'</a>

Nepal's vaccination campaign began in January but was stalled when neighbouring India suffered a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> surge and banned exports of the AstraZeneca vaccine it produces.

Nepal had received 1 million AstraZeneca doses donated by India and paid for 2 million more but never received half the shipment.

That left 1.4 million people over age 65 who received an initial dose of AstraZeneca vaccine still uncertain if they will receive their second.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kids-aged-5-and-up-get-shots-in-tests-for-covid-19-vaccine-390067" hreflang="en">Kids aged 5 and up get shots in tests for COVID-19 vaccine</a>

China's first donation of 800,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccine in March was snapped up quickly.

Desperate Nepal made several pleas to foreign governments and international donor agencies.

President Bidhya Devi Bhandari made calls to the Chinese leader and wrote to the presidents of India, the United States and Britain.

Another 1 million doses donated by China arrived this month.

“I am the happiest person today. I finally got the vaccine and I am now protected,” businessman Pawan Khanal said at a Kathmandu vaccine center.

“I want to really thank the government.”

“Not only me, but my family is also a lot safer now because we got our vaccine,” said another recipient, Gopal Shrestha, who came with his wife.

City and health officials said they had been frustrated because of not being able to provide answers to people desperately seeking vaccines. “Everybody wants to get vaccinated and protect themselves,” said Saroj Dhoj Mulmi, a city council member.

Nepal's coronavirus cases are declining after a lockdown imposed when infections surged. In April and May, hospitals were treating patients in corridors, parking garages and waiting areas while struggling with shortages of medicine and oxygen.

The 4,472 new cases of COVID-19 reported on Monday were about half of the daily numbers reported last month.

Nepal resumed its stalled coronavirus vaccination campaign on Tuesday with 1 million doses given by China after the Himalayan nation made international pleas for help with a shortage of doses.

Nepal resumed its stalled coronavirus vaccination campaign on Tuesday with 1 million doses given by China after the Himalayan nation made international pleas for help with a shortage of doses. Thousands of people, all 64 years old, lined up at vaccination centers even before they opened. People aged 60 to 63 are scheduled in the coming days. Also read | Scientists find new coronavirus variant in India which causes severe pneumonia, 'pathological changes in lungs' Nepal's vaccination campaign began in January but was stalled when neighbouring India suffered a coronavirus surge and banned exports of the AstraZeneca vaccine it produces. Nepal had received 1 million AstraZeneca doses donated by India and paid for 2 million more but never received half the shipment. That left 1.4 million people over age 65 who received an initial dose of AstraZeneca vaccine still uncertain if they will receive their second. Also read | Kids aged 5 and up get shots in tests for COVID-19 vaccine China's first donation of 800,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccine in March was snapped up quickly. Desperate Nepal made several pleas to foreign governments and international donor agencies. President Bidhya Devi Bhandari made calls to the Chinese leader and wrote to the presidents of India, the United States and Britain. Another 1 million doses donated by China arrived this month. “I am the happiest person today. I finally got the vaccine and I am now protected,” businessman Pawan Khanal said at a Kathmandu vaccine center. “I want to really thank the government.” “Not only me, but my family is also a lot safer now because we got our vaccine,” said another recipient, Gopal Shrestha, who came with his wife. City and health officials said they had been frustrated because of not being able to provide answers to people desperately seeking vaccines. “Everybody wants to get vaccinated and protect themselves,” said Saroj Dhoj Mulmi, a city council member. Nepal's coronavirus cases are declining after a lockdown imposed when infections surged. In April and May, hospitals were treating patients in corridors, parking garages and waiting areas while struggling with shortages of medicine and oxygen. The 4,472 new cases of COVID-19 reported on Monday were about half of the daily numbers reported last month.

Nepal resumes vaccination campaign with China's Sinopharm

Newly appointed Minister for Health and Population Sher Bahadur Tamang on Monday said that his priority is to make the country free from this unprecedented <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19 crisis</a>.&nbsp;

Speaking at the virtual press conference, Tamang said, "My first priority is to liberate the Nepali people from the deadly coronavirus."

He said that the government would make every effort to control the virus. "The government aims to vaccinate as many Nepalis as possible to control the virus."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-pm-oli-says-misunderstandings-with-india-resolved-389932" hreflang="en">Nepal PM Oli says 'misunderstandings' with India resolved</a>

Tamang pledged that he would do everything necessary to increase the scope of the COVID-19 testing.&nbsp;

"We believe the more tests we have,&nbsp;the more we can reduce the risk of further spread of the infection. Antigen test kits have been sent to every municipality to increase testings across the country," the minister told reporters.

Further promising on vaccinating people, the leader said, "Citizens above the age of 65 who have been given the first dose will soon be given second dose of vaccine."

He said the government is engaged in dialogues with its allies to provide Nepal with more <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccines</a>.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/new-constitutional-bench-formed-to-hear-petitions-against-house-dissolution-in-nepal-389756" hreflang="en">New Constitutional Bench formed to hear petitions against House dissolution in Nepal</a>

The Health Minister said the government has begun with the preparations on the third wave of coronavirus which is likely to affect children the most.&nbsp;

"Our ministry is aware, and discussions are undergoing to set up ICU beds for children," said Tamang.&nbsp;

He informed that the government has taken details of the infrastructure and workforce required for the treatment of children and accordingly it will be managed.&nbsp;

At the press conference, the Minister also expressed his commitment to deliver health equipment to remote areas.&nbsp;

On the reports of patients not getting treatment at government hospitals and having to pay high treatment costs at the private hospitals, he said, "The government has set a definite range for the treatment and a mechanism will be set up for monitoring."

He further guaranteed safety to health workers helping the country in fighting the pandemic.&nbsp;

Nepal on Monday reported 3,370 new COVID-19 cases with 92 deaths. As many as 6,951 people have recovered from the infection in the last 24 hours.

Newly appointed Minister for Health and Population Sher Bahadur Tamang on Monday said that his priority is to make the country free from this unprecedented COVID-19 crisis.

Newly appointed Minister for Health and Population Sher Bahadur Tamang on Monday said that his priority is to make the country free from this unprecedented COVID-19 crisis. Speaking at the virtual press conference, Tamang said, "My first priority is to liberate the Nepali people from the deadly coronavirus." He said that the government would make every effort to control the virus. "The government aims to vaccinate as many Nepalis as possible to control the virus." Also read | Nepal PM Oli says 'misunderstandings' with India resolved Tamang pledged that he would do everything necessary to increase the scope of the COVID-19 testing. "We believe the more tests we have, the more we can reduce the risk of further spread of the infection. Antigen test kits have been sent to every municipality to increase testings across the country," the minister told reporters. Further promising on vaccinating people, the leader said, "Citizens above the age of 65 who have been given the first dose will soon be given second dose of vaccine." He said the government is engaged in dialogues with its allies to provide Nepal with more COVID-19 vaccines. Also read | New Constitutional Bench formed to hear petitions against House dissolution in Nepal The Health Minister said the government has begun with the preparations on the third wave of coronavirus which is likely to affect children the most. "Our ministry is aware, and discussions are undergoing to set up ICU beds for children," said Tamang. He informed that the government has taken details of the infrastructure and workforce required for the treatment of children and accordingly it will be managed. At the press conference, the Minister also expressed his commitment to deliver health equipment to remote areas. On the reports of patients not getting treatment at government hospitals and having to pay high treatment costs at the private hospitals, he said, "The government has set a definite range for the treatment and a mechanism will be set up for monitoring." He further guaranteed safety to health workers helping the country in fighting the pandemic. Nepal on Monday reported 3,370 new COVID-19 cases with 92 deaths. As many as 6,951 people have recovered from the infection in the last 24 hours.

Priority is to make Nepal COVID-19 free, says newly appointed health minister

Nepal's embattled Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has said that 'misunderstandings' with India have been resolved and that the two countries should move forward looking at the future, asserting that neighbours share both love and problems.

In a recent interview to BBC Hindi Service, Oli accepted the fact that once, there were misunderstandings between the two neighbours. However, he did not elaborate on those issues.

Oli, in a televised address to the nation last month, said that the outstanding issues relating to the border issue with India will be resolved through diplomatic channels on the basis of historical accords, maps and factual documents.

He told BBC: "Yes, there were misunderstandings at one time, but now those misunderstandings are gone. We should not be stuck in past misunderstandings but move forward looking at the future. We have to pursue a positive relationship,"&nbsp;the 69-year-old Nepal Prime Minister, now heading a minority government, said.

Nepal's Opposition alliance has approached the Supreme Court against the 'unconstitutional' move of President Bidya Devi Bhandari to dissolve the House of Representatives and fresh elections on the recommendation of Prime Minister Oli.

Nepal has a unique relationship with India, unlike with any other country, Oli said. "Neighbours share both love and problems. Don't people in Chile or Argentina have a problem," he asked.

Ties between India and Nepal came under severe strain after Nepal last year published the new political map that showed three Indian territories - Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipulekh - as part of Nepal.

After Nepal released the map, India reacted sharply, calling it a 'unilateral act' and cautioning Kathmandu that such 'artificial enlargement' of territorial claims will not be acceptable to it.

India said that Nepal's action violated an understanding reached between the two countries to resolve the boundary issues through talks. The bilateral exchanges that had stalled due to the bitter boundary dispute were reset in the later part of 2020 with a series of high-level visits, as New Delhi emphasised that it sees itself as the Himalayan nation's 'foremost friend' and development partner.

Then Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali visited New Delhi in January this year and held wide-ranging talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar covering the entire expanse of bilateral ties.

Gyawali said both the countries have a common commitment to resolve the issue. "We have the common commitment to resolve it. The sanctity and security of the border is extremely important for expanding the overall developmental cooperation... We both have realised the urgency (to resolve the border issue)," he had said. Gyawali was the senior-most political leader from Nepal to visit India after relations nosedived following the boundary row.

On the issue of COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Oli said that India should help in a different way than other countries in controlling and ending the spread of the contagion.

Nepal and India have open borders, he said, adding that India should pay special attention to help Nepal in some places. Oli said that if the COVID-19 pandemic is controlled in India and not in Nepal, it would have no meaning as the virus would ultimately spread.

He thanked India for providing the vaccine for the first time and other healthcare supplies, but regretted that Nepal did not get as much help as it needed from India. There were high expectations from India, he said, adding that he would like to make a request to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"In view of these times and our friendly relations, India should extend full cooperation to Nepal. That doesn't mean I haven't got help from India. At this time, Nepal needs vaccinations, for which Nepal will and is urging both its neighbours and all countries. Whoever provides us vaccines, be it India, China, the US or the UK, it is fine to receive vaccines. It is not necessary to politicise it and we thank both our neighbours very much," Oli said.

"On one hand, China has given us 1.8 million vaccines and on the other India has given 2.1 million vaccines. We have the help of both. We are also getting medical equipment from both. So, thank you both," the Prime Minister added.

Nepal's COVID-19 caseload crossed the 6,00,000 mark on Sunday as 3,479 more people were infected with the virus.

Nepal's embattled Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has said that 'misunderstandings' with India have been resolved and that the two countries should move forward looking at the future, asserting that neighbours share both love and problems.

Nepal's embattled Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has said that 'misunderstandings' with India have been resolved and that the two countries should move forward looking at the future, asserting that neighbours share both love and problems. In a recent interview to BBC Hindi Service, Oli accepted the fact that once, there were misunderstandings between the two neighbours. However, he did not elaborate on those issues. Oli, in a televised address to the nation last month, said that the outstanding issues relating to the border issue with India will be resolved through diplomatic channels on the basis of historical accords, maps and factual documents. He told BBC: "Yes, there were misunderstandings at one time, but now those misunderstandings are gone. We should not be stuck in past misunderstandings but move forward looking at the future. We have to pursue a positive relationship," the 69-year-old Nepal Prime Minister, now heading a minority government, said. Nepal's Opposition alliance has approached the Supreme Court against the 'unconstitutional' move of President Bidya Devi Bhandari to dissolve the House of Representatives and fresh elections on the recommendation of Prime Minister Oli. Nepal has a unique relationship with India, unlike with any other country, Oli said. "Neighbours share both love and problems. Don't people in Chile or Argentina have a problem," he asked. Ties between India and Nepal came under severe strain after Nepal last year published the new political map that showed three Indian territories - Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipulekh - as part of Nepal. After Nepal released the map, India reacted sharply, calling it a 'unilateral act' and cautioning Kathmandu that such 'artificial enlargement' of territorial claims will not be acceptable to it. India said that Nepal's action violated an understanding reached between the two countries to resolve the boundary issues through talks. The bilateral exchanges that had stalled due to the bitter boundary dispute were reset in the later part of 2020 with a series of high-level visits, as New Delhi emphasised that it sees itself as the Himalayan nation's 'foremost friend' and development partner. Then Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali visited New Delhi in January this year and held wide-ranging talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar covering the entire expanse of bilateral ties. Gyawali said both the countries have a common commitment to resolve the issue. "We have the common commitment to resolve it. The sanctity and security of the border is extremely important for expanding the overall developmental cooperation... We both have realised the urgency (to resolve the border issue)," he had said. Gyawali was the senior-most political leader from Nepal to visit India after relations nosedived following the boundary row. On the issue of COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Oli said that India should help in a different way than other countries in controlling and ending the spread of the contagion. Nepal and India have open borders, he said, adding that India should pay special attention to help Nepal in some places. Oli said that if the COVID-19 pandemic is controlled in India and not in Nepal, it would have no meaning as the virus would ultimately spread. He thanked India for providing the vaccine for the first time and other healthcare supplies, but regretted that Nepal did not get as much help as it needed from India. There were high expectations from India, he said, adding that he would like to make a request to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "In view of these times and our friendly relations, India should extend full cooperation to Nepal. That doesn't mean I haven't got help from India. At this time, Nepal needs vaccinations, for which Nepal will and is urging both its neighbours and all countries. Whoever provides us vaccines, be it India, China, the US or the UK, it is fine to receive vaccines. It is not necessary to politicise it and we thank both our neighbours very much," Oli said. "On one hand, China has given us 1.8 million vaccines and on the other India has given 2.1 million vaccines. We have the help of both. We are also getting medical equipment from both. So, thank you both," the Prime Minister added. Nepal's COVID-19 caseload crossed the 6,00,000 mark on Sunday as 3,479 more people were infected with the virus.

Nepal PM Oli says 'misunderstandings' with India resolved

A new Constitutional Bench of the Nepal Supreme Court was formed on Sunday to hear a bunch of petitions against the May 22 dissolution of the House of Representatives after differences among justices over its composition delayed the crucial hearing, according to media reports.

The bench was formed by Nepal's Chief Justice Cholendra Shamsher Rana on the seniority and expertise of the Supreme Court Justices. The new Constitutional Bench includes justices Dipak Kumar Karki, Anand Mohan Bhattarai, Mira Dhungana, Ishwar Prasad Khatiwada and the chief justice himself, The Himalayan Times reported.

Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari dissolved the 275-member House of Representatives on May 22 for the second time in five months and announced snap elections on November 12 and November 19 on the advice of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, heading a minority government.

Following the illness of Justice Bishwambhar Prasad Shrestha, his successor justices Bhattarai and Khatiwada were included in the Constitutional Bench. Earlier, the hearing was affected due to a dispute in the formation of the Constitutional Bench.

Chief Justice Rana had earlier picked justices Dipak Kumar Karki, Aanand Mohan Bhattarai, Tej Bahadur KC and Bam Kumar Shrestha for the bench to hear about 30 petitions registered against the 'unconstitutional' dissolution, the report said.

As many as 146 members of the dissolved House, including Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, who had staked a claim to form the new government under Article 76 (5) of the Constitution, have also filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking reinstatement of the House.

President Bhandari rejected the separate bids of both Prime Minister Oli and the Opposition alliance's claims to form a new government, saying the 'claims were insufficient'.&nbsp;

A controversy erupted after a lawyer of Deuba raised questions over two justices picked as members of the Constitutional Bench given their previous decision on the case of reviewing the Communist Party of Nepal's unity and registration.

After the justices under question, Tej Bahadur KC and Bam Kumar Shrestha, decided not to leave the bench, two other justices picked for the Constitutional Bench chose to opt-out of the bench. This forced Chief Justice Rana to reconstitute the bench to hear the writ petitions filed against the dissolution of Parliament.

Meanwhile, the Opposition alliance issued a joint statement on Saturday condemning the Cabinet reshuffle done by the Oli government. Oli on Friday reshuffled the Cabinet. The new Cabinet has three Deputy Prime Ministers, 12 cabinet ministers and two state ministers.

Oli has made a mockery of constitutional and democratic values by reshuffling the Cabinet at a time when his move dissolving the House is sub-judice in the Supreme Court, the Opposition alliance said in a statement.

The five-party alliance also said the government's announcement in the budget that it would allow the export of river materials from the Chure range could lead to desertification of the Tarai, and thus it was an anti-national and anti-people move. The alliance also condemned the government move to allow middlemen and racketeers to supply iodised salt.

Nepal plunged into a political crisis on December 20 last year after President Bhandari dissolved the House at the recommendation of Prime Minister Oli, amidst a tussle for power within the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP). Oli's move to dissolve the House sparked protests from a large section of the NCP led by his rival Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'.

However, two months later, Chief Justice Rana-led Constitutional Bench on February 23 overturned the decision and reinstated the House of Representatives.

A new Constitutional Bench of the Nepal Supreme Court was formed on Sunday to hear a bunch of petitions against the May 22 dissolution of the House of Representatives after differences among justices over its composition delayed the crucial hearing, according to media reports.

A new Constitutional Bench of the Nepal Supreme Court was formed on Sunday to hear a bunch of petitions against the May 22 dissolution of the House of Representatives after differences among justices over its composition delayed the crucial hearing, according to media reports. The bench was formed by Nepal's Chief Justice Cholendra Shamsher Rana on the seniority and expertise of the Supreme Court Justices. The new Constitutional Bench includes justices Dipak Kumar Karki, Anand Mohan Bhattarai, Mira Dhungana, Ishwar Prasad Khatiwada and the chief justice himself, The Himalayan Times reported. Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari dissolved the 275-member House of Representatives on May 22 for the second time in five months and announced snap elections on November 12 and November 19 on the advice of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, heading a minority government. Following the illness of Justice Bishwambhar Prasad Shrestha, his successor justices Bhattarai and Khatiwada were included in the Constitutional Bench. Earlier, the hearing was affected due to a dispute in the formation of the Constitutional Bench. Chief Justice Rana had earlier picked justices Dipak Kumar Karki, Aanand Mohan Bhattarai, Tej Bahadur KC and Bam Kumar Shrestha for the bench to hear about 30 petitions registered against the 'unconstitutional' dissolution, the report said. As many as 146 members of the dissolved House, including Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, who had staked a claim to form the new government under Article 76 (5) of the Constitution, have also filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking reinstatement of the House. President Bhandari rejected the separate bids of both Prime Minister Oli and the Opposition alliance's claims to form a new government, saying the 'claims were insufficient'. A controversy erupted after a lawyer of Deuba raised questions over two justices picked as members of the Constitutional Bench given their previous decision on the case of reviewing the Communist Party of Nepal's unity and registration. After the justices under question, Tej Bahadur KC and Bam Kumar Shrestha, decided not to leave the bench, two other justices picked for the Constitutional Bench chose to opt-out of the bench. This forced Chief Justice Rana to reconstitute the bench to hear the writ petitions filed against the dissolution of Parliament. Meanwhile, the Opposition alliance issued a joint statement on Saturday condemning the Cabinet reshuffle done by the Oli government. Oli on Friday reshuffled the Cabinet. The new Cabinet has three Deputy Prime Ministers, 12 cabinet ministers and two state ministers. Oli has made a mockery of constitutional and democratic values by reshuffling the Cabinet at a time when his move dissolving the House is sub-judice in the Supreme Court, the Opposition alliance said in a statement. The five-party alliance also said the government's announcement in the budget that it would allow the export of river materials from the Chure range could lead to desertification of the Tarai, and thus it was an anti-national and anti-people move. The alliance also condemned the government move to allow middlemen and racketeers to supply iodised salt. Nepal plunged into a political crisis on December 20 last year after President Bhandari dissolved the House at the recommendation of Prime Minister Oli, amidst a tussle for power within the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP). Oli's move to dissolve the House sparked protests from a large section of the NCP led by his rival Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'. However, two months later, Chief Justice Rana-led Constitutional Bench on February 23 overturned the decision and reinstated the House of Representatives.

New Constitutional Bench formed to hear petitions against House dissolution in Nepal

A faction of the key Madhesi Janata Samajwadi Party has joined the Nepal Cabinet on Friday, a move which is likely to strengthen the minority government being led by beleaguered Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli.

Oli has also expanded his Cabinet with the inclusion of eight ministers and two ministers of state from the Madhes-based JSP, according to sources of the party.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-pm-reorganises-cabinet-appoints-three-deputy-prime-ministers-389537">Nepal PM reorganises cabinet, appoints three deputy Prime Ministers</a>

A ceremony to administer the oath of office and secrecy to the newly-appointed ministers is expected to take place soon.

Rajendra Mahato has led the team with the portfolio of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development, according to JSP sources.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-sc-sends-all-petitions-against-house-dissolution-to-constitutional-bench-387824">Nepal SC sends all petitions against House dissolution to Constitutional Bench</a>

Other members of the Cabinet include Sharad Singh Bhandari, Laxman Lal Karna, Anil Kumar Jha, Chanda Chaudhary, Ekwal Miya, Bimal Shreevastav and Uma Shanker Argariya.

Similarly, Renuka Gurung and Chandra Kanta Chaudhary have been appointed ministers of state.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/political-developments-in-nepal-an-internal-matter-says-india-387525">Political developments in Nepal an internal matter, says India</a>&nbsp;

However, the Upendra Yadav-led faction of the JSP has joined the opposition alliance led by the Nepali Congress and the CPN-Maoist Centre to protest against Prime Minister Oli's move to dissolve the House of Representatives for the second time and announce mid-term polls.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepal-pm-oli-dissolves-parliament-declared-fresh-elections-386744/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Madhesi parties in Nepal claim to be representing the cause of Madhesis, who are inhabitants of the Terai region. The community shares strong cultural and family bonds with India.

The Opposition parties have filed a petition against Oli's move to dissolve the House in the Supreme Court.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-president-calls-on-parties-to-form-new-government-386529">Nepal President calls on parties to form new government</a>

Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari dissolved the 275-member House of Representatives on May 22 for the second time in five months and announced snap elections on November 12 and November 19 on the advice of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, heading a minority government.

As many as 146 members of the dissolved House, including Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, who had staked a claim to form the new government under Article 76 (5) of the Constitution, have also filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking reinstatement of the House.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-president-dissolves-parliament-new-election-in-november-386646">Nepal president dissolves parliament, new election in November</a>

President Bhandari rejected the separate bids of both Prime Minister Oli and the Opposition alliance's claims to form a new government, saying the "claims were insufficient."

Earlier on December 20, the president dissolved Parliament and called snap polls on April 30 and May 10. However, two months later, Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana-led Constitutional Bench on February 23 overturned the decision and reinstated the House of Representatives.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-calls-new-elections-amid-pandemic-crisis-386958">Nepal calls new elections amid pandemic crisis</a>

Nepal plunged into a political crisis on December 20, last year after President Bhandari dissolved the House at the recommendation of Prime Minister Oli, amidst a tussle for power within the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP). 
Oli's move to dissolve the House sparked protests from a large section of the NCP led by his rival Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'.

A faction of the key Madhesi Janata Samajwadi Party has joined the Nepal Cabinet on Friday, a move which is likely to strengthen the minority government being led by beleaguered Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli.

A faction of the key Madhesi Janata Samajwadi Party has joined the Nepal Cabinet on Friday, a move which is likely to strengthen the minority government being led by beleaguered Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli. Oli has also expanded his Cabinet with the inclusion of eight ministers and two ministers of state from the Madhes-based JSP, according to sources of the party. Also Read | Nepal PM reorganises cabinet, appoints three deputy Prime Ministers A ceremony to administer the oath of office and secrecy to the newly-appointed ministers is expected to take place soon. Rajendra Mahato has led the team with the portfolio of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development, according to JSP sources. Also Read | Nepal SC sends all petitions against House dissolution to Constitutional Bench Other members of the Cabinet include Sharad Singh Bhandari, Laxman Lal Karna, Anil Kumar Jha, Chanda Chaudhary, Ekwal Miya, Bimal Shreevastav and Uma Shanker Argariya. Similarly, Renuka Gurung and Chandra Kanta Chaudhary have been appointed ministers of state. Also Read | Political developments in Nepal an internal matter, says India However, the Upendra Yadav-led faction of the JSP has joined the opposition alliance led by the Nepali Congress and the CPN-Maoist Centre to protest against Prime Minister Oli's move to dissolve the House of Representatives for the second time and announce mid-term polls. Madhesi parties in Nepal claim to be representing the cause of Madhesis, who are inhabitants of the Terai region. The community shares strong cultural and family bonds with India. The Opposition parties have filed a petition against Oli's move to dissolve the House in the Supreme Court. Also Read | Nepal President calls on parties to form new government Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari dissolved the 275-member House of Representatives on May 22 for the second time in five months and announced snap elections on November 12 and November 19 on the advice of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, heading a minority government. As many as 146 members of the dissolved House, including Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, who had staked a claim to form the new government under Article 76 (5) of the Constitution, have also filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking reinstatement of the House. Also Read | Nepal president dissolves parliament, new election in November President Bhandari rejected the separate bids of both Prime Minister Oli and the Opposition alliance's claims to form a new government, saying the "claims were insufficient." Earlier on December 20, the president dissolved Parliament and called snap polls on April 30 and May 10. However, two months later, Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana-led Constitutional Bench on February 23 overturned the decision and reinstated the House of Representatives. Also Read | Nepal calls new elections amid pandemic crisis Nepal plunged into a political crisis on December 20, last year after President Bhandari dissolved the House at the recommendation of Prime Minister Oli, amidst a tussle for power within the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP). Oli's move to dissolve the House sparked protests from a large section of the NCP led by his rival Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'.

Cracks appear in key Madhesi party as dissidents switch sides to join Nepal PM Oli's Cabinet

Nepal Prime Minister Oli reorganises cabinet, appoints 3 deputy prime ministers. 10 leaders from JSP-N have been given plush portfolios. Find out more about Nepal's numbers game and CPN-UML's grand alliance with JSP-N.

Nepal: Prime Minister Oli appoints 3 deputy prime ministers

After joining hands with Janata Samajwadi Party Nepal, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, on Friday, reconstituted his cabinet.&nbsp;

Ten Janata Samajwadi Party leaders have been included in the Oli-led cabinet and among which two have been appointed as the state ministers.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-rejects-uk-tabloids-report-claiming-emergence-of-covid-19-nepal-variant-389337" hreflang="en">Nepal rejects UK tabloid's report claiming emergence of COVID-19 'Nepal variant'</a>

President Bidya Devi Bhandari administered the oath of offices and secrecy to the new cabinet as the ministers at Shital Niwas, the office of the President.

Special Economic Advisor to PM Moti Lal Dugar told WION that there are currently seven portfolios under Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli which includes Defence Ministry and Home Ministry.&nbsp;

He said the portfolios under the PM will be assigned to other leaders in the coming days.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/covid-19-800000-doses-of-chinese-vaccine-arrive-in-nepal-388808" hreflang="en">COVID-19: 800,000 doses of Chinese vaccine arrive in Nepal</a>

PM Oil appointed UML leader Bishnu Poudel as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Raghubir Mahaseth as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and JSP leader Rajendra Mahato as Deputy Prime Minister and Urban Development Minister.

In the previous government, UML general secretary Ishwor Pokharel was the only deputy prime minister.

Sher Bahadur Tamang has replaced Hridayesh Tripathi as the new Health Minister.&nbsp;

JSP leader Sarad Singh Bhandari has been appointed as the new Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister. Earlier, the ministry was led by CPN-Maoist leader Top Bahadur Rayamajhi.&nbsp;

Anil Kumar Jha has been given charge of Ministry of Water Supply, Laxman Lal Karna has been given charge of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation Ministry, Bimal Prasad Shrivastav is in charge of Labour, Employment and Social Security Ministry and Uma Shankar Aragaria has been appointed as Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister.

Similarly, Chanda Chaudhary has become the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizen and Ekwal Mia has become the Minister for Youth and Sports.

Chandrakant Chaudhary will be the Minister of State for Energy and Renuka Gurung Women and Children.

Earlier, when the Prime Minister tried to get a vote of confidence, 12 out of 32 JSP MPs voted against him.

The Upendra Yadav faction has said that Mahanta Thakur, Rajendra Mahato, Laxman Lal Karna and Sarvendranath Shukla have been expelled from the party while the Mahanta Thakur faction has also expelled Upendra Yadav from the party.

After joining hands with Janata Samajwadi Party Nepal, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, on Friday, reconstituted his cabinet. Ten Janata Samajwadi Party leaders have been included in the Oli-led cabinet and among which two have been appointed as the state ministers.

After joining hands with Janata Samajwadi Party Nepal, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, on Friday, reconstituted his cabinet. Ten Janata Samajwadi Party leaders have been included in the Oli-led cabinet and among which two have been appointed as the state ministers. Also read | Nepal rejects UK tabloid's report claiming emergence of COVID-19 'Nepal variant' President Bidya Devi Bhandari administered the oath of offices and secrecy to the new cabinet as the ministers at Shital Niwas, the office of the President. Special Economic Advisor to PM Moti Lal Dugar told WION that there are currently seven portfolios under Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli which includes Defence Ministry and Home Ministry. He said the portfolios under the PM will be assigned to other leaders in the coming days. Also read | COVID-19: 800,000 doses of Chinese vaccine arrive in Nepal PM Oil appointed UML leader Bishnu Poudel as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Raghubir Mahaseth as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and JSP leader Rajendra Mahato as Deputy Prime Minister and Urban Development Minister. In the previous government, UML general secretary Ishwor Pokharel was the only deputy prime minister. Sher Bahadur Tamang has replaced Hridayesh Tripathi as the new Health Minister. JSP leader Sarad Singh Bhandari has been appointed as the new Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister. Earlier, the ministry was led by CPN-Maoist leader Top Bahadur Rayamajhi. Anil Kumar Jha has been given charge of Ministry of Water Supply, Laxman Lal Karna has been given charge of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation Ministry, Bimal Prasad Shrivastav is in charge of Labour, Employment and Social Security Ministry and Uma Shankar Aragaria has been appointed as Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister. Similarly, Chanda Chaudhary has become the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizen and Ekwal Mia has become the Minister for Youth and Sports. Chandrakant Chaudhary will be the Minister of State for Energy and Renuka Gurung Women and Children. Earlier, when the Prime Minister tried to get a vote of confidence, 12 out of 32 JSP MPs voted against him. The Upendra Yadav faction has said that Mahanta Thakur, Rajendra Mahato, Laxman Lal Karna and Sarvendranath Shukla have been expelled from the party while the Mahanta Thakur faction has also expelled Upendra Yadav from the party.

Nepal PM reorganises cabinet, appoints three deputy Prime Ministers

Amid Nepal reporting a shortage of COVID-19 vaccines, a consignment of 800,000 doses from China&nbsp;landed in Kathmandu on Tuesday. The vaccine and&nbsp;syringes were airlifted from Beijing to Kathmandu by a chartered flight of Nepal Airlines Corporation.

This development comes after Chinese President Xi Jinping announced one million doses for Nepal on May 26 during the telephone conversation with Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari, out of which 800,000 have arrived.&nbsp;

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal said the remaining 200,000 doses of the vaccine are being provided to Nepal by the Government of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.&nbsp;

“Accordingly, 50,400 doses of the vaccine and syringes have been handed over to the officials of the Ministry of Health and Population this morning, and another batch of 50,400 vaccines and syringes is scheduled to arrive in Kathmandu this evening,” Nepal Foreign Ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

The ministry has confirmed that the consignment of remaining 99,200 vaccines and syringes will arrive in Kathmandu tomorrow.

In March, China had provided 800,000 doses of Vero Cell vaccine to Nepal. Nepal had also received a million shots of AstraZeneca vaccine from India.&nbsp; Nepal had begun its vaccination drive in January, but the campaign has been suspended due to lack of vaccines.

President Xi Jinping during the conversation with President Bhandari had said China attaches great importance to the development of China-Nepal relations&nbsp;and is willing to share China's development opportunities with Nepal to accelerate Belt and Road cooperation, steadily advance the building of the trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network, and continuously lift the two countries' strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity to higher levels.

“Nepal attaches great importance to its relations with China, firmly adheres to the one-China policy, firmly supports China in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity and will never allow any forces to use the Nepali territory for any anti-China activities,” said the China’s Foreign Ministry.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Nepal also received 1500 oxygen cylinders under the grant assistance from the Chinese government. Along with this, 527,500 KN95 face masks were also received from the China Cultural Media Group.&nbsp;

Amid Nepal reporting a shortage of COVID-19 vaccines, a consignment of 800,000 doses from China landed in Kathmandu on Tuesday. The vaccine and syringes were airlifted from Beijing to Kathmandu by a chartered flight of Nepal Airlines Corporation.

Amid Nepal reporting a shortage of COVID-19 vaccines, a consignment of 800,000 doses from China landed in Kathmandu on Tuesday. The vaccine and syringes were airlifted from Beijing to Kathmandu by a chartered flight of Nepal Airlines Corporation. This development comes after Chinese President Xi Jinping announced one million doses for Nepal on May 26 during the telephone conversation with Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari, out of which 800,000 have arrived. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal said the remaining 200,000 doses of the vaccine are being provided to Nepal by the Government of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. “Accordingly, 50,400 doses of the vaccine and syringes have been handed over to the officials of the Ministry of Health and Population this morning, and another batch of 50,400 vaccines and syringes is scheduled to arrive in Kathmandu this evening,” Nepal Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The ministry has confirmed that the consignment of remaining 99,200 vaccines and syringes will arrive in Kathmandu tomorrow. In March, China had provided 800,000 doses of Vero Cell vaccine to Nepal. Nepal had also received a million shots of AstraZeneca vaccine from India. Nepal had begun its vaccination drive in January, but the campaign has been suspended due to lack of vaccines. President Xi Jinping during the conversation with President Bhandari had said China attaches great importance to the development of China-Nepal relations and is willing to share China's development opportunities with Nepal to accelerate Belt and Road cooperation, steadily advance the building of the trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network, and continuously lift the two countries' strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity to higher levels. “Nepal attaches great importance to its relations with China, firmly adheres to the one-China policy, firmly supports China in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity and will never allow any forces to use the Nepali territory for any anti-China activities,” said the China’s Foreign Ministry. Earlier in the day, Nepal also received 1500 oxygen cylinders under the grant assistance from the Chinese government. Along with this, 527,500 KN95 face masks were also received from the China Cultural Media Group.

COVID-19: 800,000 doses of Chinese vaccine arrive in Nepal

On the recommendation of the Council of Ministers, President Bidya Devi Bhandari had earlier issued an ordinance to amend the Nepal Citizenship Act.&nbsp;Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Lilanath Shrestha believes the government has brought the ordinance on citizenship as per the constitution of Nepal and the order of the Supreme Court.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION, Shrestha said, “As many as 45,000 applications was [sic]&nbsp;submitted seeking for citizenships but could not be processed as the law was not enacted as per the provisions of the constitution.”&nbsp;

The ordinance,&nbsp;part of a continued demand of the Madhesh-based parties&nbsp;comes at a time when Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is trying to win over the support of Mahantha Thakur-Rajendra Mahato faction of Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal (JSPN).

The ordinance, however, neglects the call of other rights organisations that&nbsp;have demanded equality between a mother and a father in their eligibility to allow their children to become citizens of Nepal.&nbsp;

What is in the Citizenship Ordinance?&nbsp;

The ordinance will allow the children of citizens by birth and children of Nepali mothers to obtain Nepali Citizenship. Children of those citizens by birthright who have acquired their citizenship before September 20, 2015, will be able to obtain their citizenship by descent. Earlier, children of citizens were not able to obtain the same due to federal law.

Similarly, someone born in Nepal&nbsp;whose mother is a Nepali national&nbsp;and the father cannot be identified will be able to obtain citizenship by descent. However, if the father is a foreign national, the citizenship will be subject to dismissal.&nbsp;

Interim Constitution of Nepal, 2006 allowed the granting of citizenship by birth to those who were born within the borders of Nepal and settled in Nepal till mid-April 1990.&nbsp;

In the case of a child born to a Nepali woman citizen married to a foreign national, it is said that if the child has been residing in Nepal permanently and has not obtained foreign citizenship, the person can obtain neutralised citizenship in accordance with&nbsp;federal law.&nbsp;

Earlier, those under the age of 16 could not get citizenship and there was no provision on how the children of citizens by birthright could acquire their citizenship. To address this issue, an amendment was made in Nepali Citizenship Act, paving way for children of those who obtained Nepali citizenship.&nbsp;

What difference will it make?&nbsp;

Lilanath Shrestha&nbsp;told WION that a huge problem has been solved.&nbsp;"People who have been living here since decades could not enjoy property rights or educational rights. The Supreme Court had ordered the government to make changes in the citizenship act and address the problems", Shrestha said.

The ordinance will pave&nbsp;way for a person born to a Nepali citizen mother and residing in Nepal and whose father cannot be identified to obtain the citizenship of descendent.&nbsp;The ordinance has made no amendment regarding the rights of neutralised citizenship.&nbsp;

The constitution states that a foreign woman who marries a Nepali citizen can take the neutralised citizenship of Nepal according to&nbsp;law.&nbsp;

Earlier, a parliamentary panel had proposed an amendment in Nepal's Citizenship Act under which they proposed that a foreign woman marrying a Nepali national would have&nbsp;to wait for seven&nbsp;years to get naturalised citizenship.

Opposition parties, especially the Janata Samajbadi Party criticised the proposal and said Madhesis are being discriminated against in Nepal’s diverse set up.

On the recommendation of the Council of Ministers, President Bidya Devi Bhandari had earlier issued an ordinance to amend the Nepal Citizenship Act. Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Lilanath Shrestha believes the government has brought the ordinance on citizenship as per the constitution of Nepal and the order of the Supreme Court.

On the recommendation of the Council of Ministers, President Bidya Devi Bhandari had earlier issued an ordinance to amend the Nepal Citizenship Act. Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Lilanath Shrestha believes the government has brought the ordinance on citizenship as per the constitution of Nepal and the order of the Supreme Court. Speaking to WION, Shrestha said, “As many as 45,000 applications was [sic] submitted seeking for citizenships but could not be processed as the law was not enacted as per the provisions of the constitution.” The ordinance, part of a continued demand of the Madhesh-based parties comes at a time when Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is trying to win over the support of Mahantha Thakur-Rajendra Mahato faction of Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal (JSPN). The ordinance, however, neglects the call of other rights organisations that have demanded equality between a mother and a father in their eligibility to allow their children to become citizens of Nepal. What is in the Citizenship Ordinance? The ordinance will allow the children of citizens by birth and children of Nepali mothers to obtain Nepali Citizenship. Children of those citizens by birthright who have acquired their citizenship before September 20, 2015, will be able to obtain their citizenship by descent. Earlier, children of citizens were not able to obtain the same due to federal law. Similarly, someone born in Nepal whose mother is a Nepali national and the father cannot be identified will be able to obtain citizenship by descent. However, if the father is a foreign national, the citizenship will be subject to dismissal. Interim Constitution of Nepal, 2006 allowed the granting of citizenship by birth to those who were born within the borders of Nepal and settled in Nepal till mid-April 1990. In the case of a child born to a Nepali woman citizen married to a foreign national, it is said that if the child has been residing in Nepal permanently and has not obtained foreign citizenship, the person can obtain neutralised citizenship in accordance with federal law. Earlier, those under the age of 16 could not get citizenship and there was no provision on how the children of citizens by birthright could acquire their citizenship. To address this issue, an amendment was made in Nepali Citizenship Act, paving way for children of those who obtained Nepali citizenship. What difference will it make? Lilanath Shrestha told WION that a huge problem has been solved. "People who have been living here since decades could not enjoy property rights or educational rights. The Supreme Court had ordered the government to make changes in the citizenship act and address the problems", Shrestha said. The ordinance will pave way for a person born to a Nepali citizen mother and residing in Nepal and whose father cannot be identified to obtain the citizenship of descendent. The ordinance has made no amendment regarding the rights of neutralised citizenship. The constitution states that a foreign woman who marries a Nepali citizen can take the neutralised citizenship of Nepal according to law. Earlier, a parliamentary panel had proposed an amendment in Nepal's Citizenship Act under which they proposed that a foreign woman marrying a Nepali national would have to wait for seven years to get naturalised citizenship. Opposition parties, especially the Janata Samajbadi Party criticised the proposal and said Madhesis are being discriminated against in Nepal’s diverse set up.

What is the new ordinance to amend Nepal Citizenship Act?

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Friday emphasized the importance of vaccine to overcome the coronavirus pandmeic and assured the public on the availability of the vaccines. He was addressing the nation.

"I urge the citizens who have been vaccinated with the first dose to be sure that the second dose will be provided. I would like to assure that all adult citizens will be vaccinated, and the pandemic will be brought under control by providing more vaccines,” said Oli

The PM said Nepal had received more than 3.2 million vaccines through grants and one million vaccines through procurement.

Thanking the countries for extending help to Nepal in fighting the COVID-19, Oil said, “We are grateful to India, China and its Sichuan and Tibetan governments, the United States, Spain, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, Switzerland, Germany, Thailand, Singapore, New Zealand, Finland and other friendly nations for their significant support in our fight against COVID.”

The PM said the pandemic has hit developing countries the hardest and that, "Developing countries will fall further behind as there is a shortage of life-saving medicines, including vaccines. Today, the unequal distribution of vaccines has become a topic of global debate.”

Speaking on the ongoing political developments, the Prime Minister said there haD been repeated obstacles in our efforts to ensure political stability and strengthen our democracy.&nbsp;

He noted that Nepal has been recommended for upgrading from underdeveloped to developing countries and that economic growth WAS promising before the onset of the pandemic.

"For the first time, the export trade has crossed the one trillion target, the trade deficit is declining. Employment opportunities are increasing in the country and the outflow of labor is decreasing, ”said Oli.

PM Oli said that his government's priority is to modernize and commercialize agriculture and move it forward in coordination with industry and services.

He said there are many development projects on the way for Nepal and is also planning on expansion of roads, railways, water and airways.&nbsp;

"On the basis of historical treaties, maps, facts and evidence, the remaining issues arising from the border relations with allied India will be resolved through diplomatic channels.”

Earlier in his address to the foreign media, the PM had said that his government is engaged in dialogue with India to bring back the disputed tri-junction of Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani area from India's control.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Friday emphasized the importance of vaccine to overcome the coronavirus pandmeic and assured the public on the availability of the vaccines.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Friday emphasized the importance of vaccine to overcome the coronavirus pandmeic and assured the public on the availability of the vaccines. He was addressing the nation. "I urge the citizens who have been vaccinated with the first dose to be sure that the second dose will be provided. I would like to assure that all adult citizens will be vaccinated, and the pandemic will be brought under control by providing more vaccines,” said Oli The PM said Nepal had received more than 3.2 million vaccines through grants and one million vaccines through procurement. Thanking the countries for extending help to Nepal in fighting the COVID-19, Oil said, “We are grateful to India, China and its Sichuan and Tibetan governments, the United States, Spain, the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, Switzerland, Germany, Thailand, Singapore, New Zealand, Finland and other friendly nations for their significant support in our fight against COVID.” The PM said the pandemic has hit developing countries the hardest and that, "Developing countries will fall further behind as there is a shortage of life-saving medicines, including vaccines. Today, the unequal distribution of vaccines has become a topic of global debate.” Speaking on the ongoing political developments, the Prime Minister said there haD been repeated obstacles in our efforts to ensure political stability and strengthen our democracy. He noted that Nepal has been recommended for upgrading from underdeveloped to developing countries and that economic growth WAS promising before the onset of the pandemic. "For the first time, the export trade has crossed the one trillion target, the trade deficit is declining. Employment opportunities are increasing in the country and the outflow of labor is decreasing, ”said Oli. PM Oli said that his government's priority is to modernize and commercialize agriculture and move it forward in coordination with industry and services. He said there are many development projects on the way for Nepal and is also planning on expansion of roads, railways, water and airways. "On the basis of historical treaties, maps, facts and evidence, the remaining issues arising from the border relations with allied India will be resolved through diplomatic channels.” Earlier in his address to the foreign media, the PM had said that his government is engaged in dialogue with India to bring back the disputed tri-junction of Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani area from India's control.

Nepal PM Oli assures availability of COVID-19 vaccines to public 

Nepal government on Saturday unveiled a massive spending plan focused on healthcare and infrastructure, as the country is battling the deadly second wave of coronavirus.&nbsp;

Union Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel presented the budget 2021-22 from the PMO’s residence in Baluwatar through ordinance following the dissolution of the House of Representatives on May 22.&nbsp;

Paudel announced the total budget of NRs 1.647 trillion for the upcoming year of which NRs 122.77 billion has been allocated to the Ministry of Health and Population.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-pm-oli-assures-availability-of-covid-19-vaccines-to-public-388136" hreflang="en">Nepal PM Oli assures availability of COVID-19 vaccines to public&nbsp;</a>

The government allocated NRs 4 billion to purchase health kits and medical equipment necessary to fight against COVID-19 pandemic and NRs&nbsp;26.55 billion allocated for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines.

In addition to this, government hospitals will provide free treatment to COVID-19 patients and have announced an exemption of custom fees and VAT on the import of medical supplies related to coronavirus.&nbsp;

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had earlier assured the availability of COVID-19 vaccines to the people of the country.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-extends-covid-aid-to-nepal-including-a-million-doses-of-vaccines-387550" hreflang="en">China extends Covid aid to Nepal including a million doses of vaccines</a>

Paudel also announced NRs 180.04 billion for the Ministry of Education.&nbsp;

As the pandemic has hit the tourism industry and is further impacting the country’s economy, the Nepal government has decided to provide free visas to tourists for one month to promote tourism. It has also planned to launch an integrated tourism promotion programme.&nbsp;

For the next fiscal year, NRs 45.09 billion has been allocated to the agriculture sector. The irrigation service is to be extended to 29,400 hectares of agricultural land next year.&nbsp;

The government has allocated NRs 2.77 billion for the development of industrial infrastructure, the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport to get NRs 163.36 billion budget.

In an effort to expand the railways, NRs 10.3 billion has been allocated for the development of railways in the country.

Light vehicles run with petrol will be replaced by electric vehicles by the year 2031 and 500 charging stations, terminal buildings and other infrastructures will be built across the country with the involvement of the private sector.

All members of Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) will be provided free of cost treatment in all state-owned hospitals, along with provision of accident insurance worth NRs 700,000 for journalists.&nbsp;

The Finance Minister promised to control illegal movements and crime and announced plans to build&nbsp;120 border outposts of APF along the country’s international borders.&nbsp;

The government has announced plans to&nbsp;issue national identity cards to seven million Nepalis in the next fiscal year, and all Nepalis will get national ID cards within the next two years.

Nepal government on Saturday unveiled a massive spending plan focused on healthcare and infrastructure, as the country is battling the deadly second wave of coronavirus.

Nepal government on Saturday unveiled a massive spending plan focused on healthcare and infrastructure, as the country is battling the deadly second wave of coronavirus. Union Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel presented the budget 2021-22 from the PMO’s residence in Baluwatar through ordinance following the dissolution of the House of Representatives on May 22. Paudel announced the total budget of NRs 1.647 trillion for the upcoming year of which NRs 122.77 billion has been allocated to the Ministry of Health and Population. Also read | Nepal PM Oli assures availability of COVID-19 vaccines to public The government allocated NRs 4 billion to purchase health kits and medical equipment necessary to fight against COVID-19 pandemic and NRs 26.55 billion allocated for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines. In addition to this, government hospitals will provide free treatment to COVID-19 patients and have announced an exemption of custom fees and VAT on the import of medical supplies related to coronavirus. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had earlier assured the availability of COVID-19 vaccines to the people of the country. Also read | China extends Covid aid to Nepal including a million doses of vaccines Paudel also announced NRs 180.04 billion for the Ministry of Education. As the pandemic has hit the tourism industry and is further impacting the country’s economy, the Nepal government has decided to provide free visas to tourists for one month to promote tourism. It has also planned to launch an integrated tourism promotion programme. For the next fiscal year, NRs 45.09 billion has been allocated to the agriculture sector. The irrigation service is to be extended to 29,400 hectares of agricultural land next year. The government has allocated NRs 2.77 billion for the development of industrial infrastructure, the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport to get NRs 163.36 billion budget. In an effort to expand the railways, NRs 10.3 billion has been allocated for the development of railways in the country. Light vehicles run with petrol will be replaced by electric vehicles by the year 2031 and 500 charging stations, terminal buildings and other infrastructures will be built across the country with the involvement of the private sector. All members of Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) will be provided free of cost treatment in all state-owned hospitals, along with provision of accident insurance worth NRs 700,000 for journalists. The Finance Minister promised to control illegal movements and crime and announced plans to build 120 border outposts of APF along the country’s international borders. The government has announced plans to issue national identity cards to seven million Nepalis in the next fiscal year, and all Nepalis will get national ID cards within the next two years.

Nepal unveils annual budget, focus on COVID-19, economy

Nepal has got a diplomatic mission in China's Chengdu - a city where India was promised a consulate. Is this China's message to India? Is this China wooing Nepal? Or Both? Palki Sharma has the answer.

Gravitas: Nepal gets a consulate in Chengdu, China

Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli on Thursday called on international community to supply the nation with Covid vaccines. He said that the Himalayan nation would need about 40 million vaccines.&nbsp;

The country of nearly 30 million people has so far received just over three million doses from various sources, with another million promised by Beijing.

A new wave of infections has overwhelmed hospitals in Nepal.

"We appeal to the international community to make vaccines available... We are ready to purchase if donations are not possible," KP Sharma Oli told reporters.

"It is difficult to take small numbers because double doses are required. So we hope that vaccines arrive in large quantities. We have to vaccinate about 20 million people, so we need almost 40 million vaccines."

Number of Covid infections started soaring in Nepal in early April and peaked in mid-May. At this time, the country was recording more than 9000 infections a day.

The healthcare system in Nepal remains under pressure though the daily rises have declined slightly.

"The situation is heading towards being controlled but we are not yet in a situation where we can say (the cases) are decreasing," Oli added.

Nepal began its vaccination campaign in January with a gift of one million doses of AstraZeneca-Oxford jabs from India.

The government had ordered two million more AstraZeneca-Oxford shots from India but a spike in cases saw New Delhi freeze its exports, leaving Nepal with only the million delivered in January.

China donated 800,000 Sinopharm shots, while a further 348,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine had arrived under the Covax programme to help poorer countries in March. Media reports said up to 13 million shots were meant to be sent by Covax.

China said on Wednesday that it would send another million vaccine doses under a grant.

Epidemiologist Lhamo Sherpa said developing countries like Nepal badly needed more shots.

"It is important to pressure the international community for vaccines," he told AFP.

Western nations "are talking about wearing or not wearing masks or vaccinating children, while here even the old, vulnerable population have not received it," Sherpa said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli on Thursday called on international community to supply the nation with Covid vaccines. He said that the Himalayan nation would need about 40 million vaccines.

Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli on Thursday called on international community to supply the nation with Covid vaccines. He said that the Himalayan nation would need about 40 million vaccines. The country of nearly 30 million people has so far received just over three million doses from various sources, with another million promised by Beijing. A new wave of infections has overwhelmed hospitals in Nepal. "We appeal to the international community to make vaccines available... We are ready to purchase if donations are not possible," KP Sharma Oli told reporters. "It is difficult to take small numbers because double doses are required. So we hope that vaccines arrive in large quantities. We have to vaccinate about 20 million people, so we need almost 40 million vaccines." Number of Covid infections started soaring in Nepal in early April and peaked in mid-May. At this time, the country was recording more than 9000 infections a day. The healthcare system in Nepal remains under pressure though the daily rises have declined slightly. "The situation is heading towards being controlled but we are not yet in a situation where we can say (the cases) are decreasing," Oli added. Nepal began its vaccination campaign in January with a gift of one million doses of AstraZeneca-Oxford jabs from India. The government had ordered two million more AstraZeneca-Oxford shots from India but a spike in cases saw New Delhi freeze its exports, leaving Nepal with only the million delivered in January. China donated 800,000 Sinopharm shots, while a further 348,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine had arrived under the Covax programme to help poorer countries in March. Media reports said up to 13 million shots were meant to be sent by Covax. China said on Wednesday that it would send another million vaccine doses under a grant. Epidemiologist Lhamo Sherpa said developing countries like Nepal badly needed more shots. "It is important to pressure the international community for vaccines," he told AFP. Western nations "are talking about wearing or not wearing masks or vaccinating children, while here even the old, vulnerable population have not received it," Sherpa said. (With inputs from agencies)

Nepal PM sends SOS to the world for Covid vaccines

Deadly waves of COVID-19 are sweeping across South Asia. Families are losing loved ones, & vaccines are running out. WION correspondents show you what's happening in 4 different countries.

COVID-19 in South Asia: 4 countries, 4 Ground reports

Nepal's Supreme Court on Thursday sent all the 19 petitions challenging the dissolution of the House of Representatives by the President to the Constitutional Bench.

As many as 30 petitions, including one by the Opposition alliance, have been filed at the Supreme Court, challenging Friday's House dissolution by President Bidya Devi Bhandari and rejection of Opposition leader Sher Bahadur Deuba's claim by the President for the post of prime minister.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepals-opposition-parties-to-move-court-against-presidents-decision-386870">Nepal's opposition parties to move court against president's decision</a>&nbsp;

After a preliminary hearing on the 19 petitions, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Cholendra Shumsher Rana decided to send them all to the Constitutional Bench, the Kathmandu Post reported.

"A single bench of Chief Justice Rana has decided to send all the petitions related to the House dissolution to the Constitutional Bench," Kishor Poudel, a communication expert at the Supreme Court, told the newspaper.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-calls-new-elections-amid-pandemic-crisis-386958">Nepal calls new elections amid pandemic crisis</a>

These cases will now be heard along with eleven others, including the one filed by 146 lawmakers demanding appointment of Nepali Congress President Deuba as the prime minister.

Eleven petitions were directly registered at the Constitutional Bench.

Some of the petitioners had demanded an interim against the dissolution and calling of the House meeting to present the national budget. Rana, however, refused. According to the constitutional provision, the government must present the federal budget at the federal Parliament on Jestha 15, which is May 29 this year.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-president-dissolves-parliament-new-election-in-november-386646">Nepal president dissolves parliament, new election in November</a>

Since there is no Parliament, the government is planning to bring the budget through an ordinance.

According to court officials, the Constitutional Bench will start hearing from Friday.

The Constitution envisions a five-member Constitutional Bench which is led by Chief Justice Rana. The members of the bench are selected by Rana.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-president-calls-on-parties-to-form-new-government-386529">Nepal President calls on parties to form new government</a>

President Bhandari dissolved the 275-member House of Representatives on Saturday for the second time in five months and announced snap elections on November 12 and November 19 on the advice of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, heading a minority government.

She rejected the bids of both embattled Prime Minister Oli and the Opposition alliance's claims to form a government. Oli and Nepali Congress President Deuba had staked separate claims to the premiership, saying the "claims were insufficient."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/political-developments-in-nepal-an-internal-matter-says-india-387525">Political developments in Nepal an internal matter, says India</a>

Nepal's Opposition alliance on Monday filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court demanding restoration of the House of Representatives and appointment of Deuba as the Prime Minister. Others had also filed petitions against the dissolution of the House of Representatives.

Earlier on December 20, the President had dissolved the Parliament and called snap polls on April 30 and May 10. However, two months later, the Rana-led Constitutional Bench on February 23 overturned the decision and reinstated the House.

Constitutional experts have criticised Oli and Bhandari for their complicity in trampling upon the Constitution. Nepal plunged into a political crisis on December 20 last year after President Bhandari dissolved the House and announced fresh elections on April 30 and May 10 at the recommendation of Prime Minister Oli, amidst a tussle for power within the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP).

Oli's move to dissolve the House sparked protests from a large section of the NCP led by his rival Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'.

In February, the apex court reinstated the dissolved House, in a setback to Oli who was preparing for snap polls.

Nepal's Supreme Court on Thursday sent all the 19 petitions challenging the dissolution of the House of Representatives by the President to the Constitutional Bench.

Nepal's Supreme Court on Thursday sent all the 19 petitions challenging the dissolution of the House of Representatives by the President to the Constitutional Bench. As many as 30 petitions, including one by the Opposition alliance, have been filed at the Supreme Court, challenging Friday's House dissolution by President Bidya Devi Bhandari and rejection of Opposition leader Sher Bahadur Deuba's claim by the President for the post of prime minister. Also Read | Nepal's opposition parties to move court against president's decision After a preliminary hearing on the 19 petitions, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Cholendra Shumsher Rana decided to send them all to the Constitutional Bench, the Kathmandu Post reported. "A single bench of Chief Justice Rana has decided to send all the petitions related to the House dissolution to the Constitutional Bench," Kishor Poudel, a communication expert at the Supreme Court, told the newspaper. Also Read | Nepal calls new elections amid pandemic crisis These cases will now be heard along with eleven others, including the one filed by 146 lawmakers demanding appointment of Nepali Congress President Deuba as the prime minister. Eleven petitions were directly registered at the Constitutional Bench. Some of the petitioners had demanded an interim against the dissolution and calling of the House meeting to present the national budget. Rana, however, refused. According to the constitutional provision, the government must present the federal budget at the federal Parliament on Jestha 15, which is May 29 this year. Also Read | Nepal president dissolves parliament, new election in November Since there is no Parliament, the government is planning to bring the budget through an ordinance. According to court officials, the Constitutional Bench will start hearing from Friday. The Constitution envisions a five-member Constitutional Bench which is led by Chief Justice Rana. The members of the bench are selected by Rana. Also Read | Nepal President calls on parties to form new government President Bhandari dissolved the 275-member House of Representatives on Saturday for the second time in five months and announced snap elections on November 12 and November 19 on the advice of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, heading a minority government. She rejected the bids of both embattled Prime Minister Oli and the Opposition alliance's claims to form a government. Oli and Nepali Congress President Deuba had staked separate claims to the premiership, saying the "claims were insufficient." Also Read | Political developments in Nepal an internal matter, says India Nepal's Opposition alliance on Monday filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court demanding restoration of the House of Representatives and appointment of Deuba as the Prime Minister. Others had also filed petitions against the dissolution of the House of Representatives. Earlier on December 20, the President had dissolved the Parliament and called snap polls on April 30 and May 10. However, two months later, the Rana-led Constitutional Bench on February 23 overturned the decision and reinstated the House. Constitutional experts have criticised Oli and Bhandari for their complicity in trampling upon the Constitution. Nepal plunged into a political crisis on December 20 last year after President Bhandari dissolved the House and announced fresh elections on April 30 and May 10 at the recommendation of Prime Minister Oli, amidst a tussle for power within the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP). Oli's move to dissolve the House sparked protests from a large section of the NCP led by his rival Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'. In February, the apex court reinstated the dissolved House, in a setback to Oli who was preparing for snap polls.

Nepal SC sends all petitions against House dissolution to Constitutional Bench

Referring to the ongoing political developments in Nepal, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs&nbsp;on Wednesday called it&nbsp;an internal matter, adding that it&nbsp;should be dealt by Nepal under its own domestic framework and democratic processes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The political crisis has deepened in Nepal amid the COVID-19 pandemic after President Bidya Devi Bhandari dissolved parliament following unsuccessful attempts to obtain a majority to form a new government by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and opposition leader Sher Bahadur Deuba.

The statement issued by the official spokesperson of the Indian External Affairs Ministry, Arindam Bagchi, said, “We have taken note of the recent political developments in Nepal. We view these as internal matters of Nepal to be dealt by them under their own domestic framework and democratic processes.”

The president has also announced fresh general elections in November.&nbsp;“As a neighbour and friend, India remains unwavering in its support for Nepal and its people on their journey toward progress, peace, stability and development,” Bagchi added in the statement.

A coalition of five Nepalese opposition political parties on Saturday decided to legally challenge President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s move to dissolve the Parliament on&nbsp;the recommendation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.&nbsp;

In a joint statement issued at the end of a meeting called to discuss the developments, the opposition leaders expressed their commitment to “defend the constitutional rights of Nepali citizens achieved at the end of years of political struggle.”

Referring to the ongoing political developments in Nepal, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday called it an internal matter, adding that it should be dealt by Nepal under its own domestic framework and democratic processes.

Referring to the ongoing political developments in Nepal, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday called it an internal matter, adding that it should be dealt by Nepal under its own domestic framework and democratic processes. The political crisis has deepened in Nepal amid the COVID-19 pandemic after President Bidya Devi Bhandari dissolved parliament following unsuccessful attempts to obtain a majority to form a new government by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and opposition leader Sher Bahadur Deuba. The statement issued by the official spokesperson of the Indian External Affairs Ministry, Arindam Bagchi, said, “We have taken note of the recent political developments in Nepal. We view these as internal matters of Nepal to be dealt by them under their own domestic framework and democratic processes.” The president has also announced fresh general elections in November. “As a neighbour and friend, India remains unwavering in its support for Nepal and its people on their journey toward progress, peace, stability and development,” Bagchi added in the statement. A coalition of five Nepalese opposition political parties on Saturday decided to legally challenge President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s move to dissolve the Parliament on the recommendation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. In a joint statement issued at the end of a meeting called to discuss the developments, the opposition leaders expressed their commitment to “defend the constitutional rights of Nepali citizens achieved at the end of years of political struggle.”

Political developments in Nepal an internal matter, says India

Nepal's parliament was dissolved for the second time in five months Saturday and new elections called for November as the Himalayan country battled political turmoil alongside the coronavirus pandemic.

President Bidhya Devi Bhandari made the order after declaring that neither Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli nor Sher Bahadur Deuba, leader of the opposition Nepali Congress, had a majority to form a new government.

Political rivalries between the communist prime minister and his former Maoist allies hit a new peak as the country battles a severe coronavirus wave with acute shortages of oxygen and vaccines.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepals-opposition-parties-to-move-court-against-presidents-decision-386870" hreflang="en">Nepal's opposition parties to move court against president's decision</a>

Authorities have been reporting about 200 deaths a day, but experts say there are a lot more and the United Nations has launched an emergency Covid-19 appeal saying that Nepal is at "breaking point".

Bhandari dissolved parliament in the early hours of Saturday after a new breakdown in talks.

"The president... has dissolved the current House of Representatives and fixed the first phase of general elections on November 12 and the second phase on November 19," his office said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-president-calls-on-parties-to-form-new-government-386529" hreflang="en">Nepal President calls on parties to form new government</a>

Oli was reappointed the prime minister only last week as no leader could muster a majority after the veteran communist lost a vote of confidence.&nbsp;

The 69-year-old had a month to win a new vote of confidence in parliament but the president called on other parties to try to form a government as Oli struggled to win support.&nbsp;

Bhandari, who hails from the ruling party and is considered close to Oli, has been criticised for agreeing so quickly to Oli's recommendation for a new election.

Chandrakanta Gyawali, a constitutional expert, said the president has "derailed from the spirit of the constitution" by giving in to Oli so easily.&nbsp;

"This decision could be challenged in the court again. The prime minister has repeatedly attacked the constitution," Gyawali said. &nbsp;

In December, Oli dismissed the legislature and called elections, accusing members of his Nepal Communist Party of blocking his moves.

After nearly two months of protests, the Supreme Court reinstated parliament, saying Oli's move was unconstitutional.

Oli became prime minister in 2018 and secured a two-thirds majority of parliament through a merger between his party, the CPN-UML, and a former rebel party, CPN (Maoist Centre).

Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal has turned against Oli again however, setting off the hostilities.

Nepal's parliament was dissolved for the second time in five months Saturday and new elections called for November as the Himalayan country battled political turmoil alongside the coronavirus pandemic.

Nepal's parliament was dissolved for the second time in five months Saturday and new elections called for November as the Himalayan country battled political turmoil alongside the coronavirus pandemic. President Bidhya Devi Bhandari made the order after declaring that neither Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli nor Sher Bahadur Deuba, leader of the opposition Nepali Congress, had a majority to form a new government. Political rivalries between the communist prime minister and his former Maoist allies hit a new peak as the country battles a severe coronavirus wave with acute shortages of oxygen and vaccines. Also read | Nepal's opposition parties to move court against president's decision Authorities have been reporting about 200 deaths a day, but experts say there are a lot more and the United Nations has launched an emergency Covid-19 appeal saying that Nepal is at "breaking point". Bhandari dissolved parliament in the early hours of Saturday after a new breakdown in talks. "The president... has dissolved the current House of Representatives and fixed the first phase of general elections on November 12 and the second phase on November 19," his office said in a statement. Also read | Nepal President calls on parties to form new government Oli was reappointed the prime minister only last week as no leader could muster a majority after the veteran communist lost a vote of confidence. The 69-year-old had a month to win a new vote of confidence in parliament but the president called on other parties to try to form a government as Oli struggled to win support. Bhandari, who hails from the ruling party and is considered close to Oli, has been criticised for agreeing so quickly to Oli's recommendation for a new election. Chandrakanta Gyawali, a constitutional expert, said the president has "derailed from the spirit of the constitution" by giving in to Oli so easily. "This decision could be challenged in the court again. The prime minister has repeatedly attacked the constitution," Gyawali said. In December, Oli dismissed the legislature and called elections, accusing members of his Nepal Communist Party of blocking his moves. After nearly two months of protests, the Supreme Court reinstated parliament, saying Oli's move was unconstitutional. Oli became prime minister in 2018 and secured a two-thirds majority of parliament through a merger between his party, the CPN-UML, and a former rebel party, CPN (Maoist Centre). Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal has turned against Oli again however, setting off the hostilities.

Nepal calls new elections amid pandemic crisis

A coronavirus outbreak on Mount Everest has infected at least 100 climbers and support staff, an expert mountaineering guide said, giving the first comprehensive estimate amid official Nepalese denials that the disease has spread to the world's highest peak.&nbsp;

Lukas Furtenbach of Austria, who last week became the only prominent outfitter to halt his Everest expedition due to virus fears, said on Saturday one of his foreign guides and six Nepali Sherpa guides have tested positive.&nbsp;

"I think with all the confirmed cases, we know now confirmed from (rescue) pilots, from insurance, from doctors, from expedition leaders. I have the positive tests so we can prove this," Furtenbach said in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu.&nbsp;

"We have at least 100 people positive for Covid in base camp, and then the numbers might be something like 150 or 200," he said.&nbsp;

He said it was obvious there were many cases at the Everest base camp because he could visibly see people were sick, and could hear people coughing in their tents.&nbsp;

A total of 408 foreign climbers were issued permits to climb Everest this season, aided by several hundred Sherpas and support staff, who've been stationed at base camp since April.&nbsp;

Nepalese mountaineering officials have denied there are any active cases this season among climbers and support staff at all base camps for the country's Himalayan mountains. Mountaineering was closed last year due to the pandemic.&nbsp;

Nepalese officials could not immediately be reached for comment on Saturday. Other climbing teams have not announced any COVID-19 infections among their members or staff. Several climbers have reported testing positive after they were brought down from the Everest base camp.&nbsp;

Furtenbach said most teams on the mountain were not carrying virus testing kits, and that before his team pulled out, they had helped conduct tests and had confirmed two cases.&nbsp;

Most teams are still at base camp, hoping for clear weather next week so they can make a final push to the summit before the climbing season closes at the end of the month, Furtenbach said.&nbsp;

In late April, a Norwegian climber became the first to test positive at the Everest base camp. He was flown by helicopter to Kathmandu, where he was treated and later returned home.&nbsp;

Nepal is experiencing a virus surge, with record numbers of new infections and deaths. China last week canceled climbing from its side of Mount Everest due to fears the virus could be spread from the Nepalese side.&nbsp;

Nepal reported 8,607 new infections and 177 deaths on Friday, bringing the nation's totals since the pandemic began to more than 497,000 infections and 6,024 deaths. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A coronavirus outbreak on Mount Everest has infected at least 100 climbers and support staff, an expert mountaineering guide said, giving the first comprehensive estimate amid official Nepalese denials that the disease has spread to the world's highest peak.

A coronavirus outbreak on Mount Everest has infected at least 100 climbers and support staff, an expert mountaineering guide said, giving the first comprehensive estimate amid official Nepalese denials that the disease has spread to the world's highest peak. Lukas Furtenbach of Austria, who last week became the only prominent outfitter to halt his Everest expedition due to virus fears, said on Saturday one of his foreign guides and six Nepali Sherpa guides have tested positive. "I think with all the confirmed cases, we know now confirmed from (rescue) pilots, from insurance, from doctors, from expedition leaders. I have the positive tests so we can prove this," Furtenbach said in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu. "We have at least 100 people positive for Covid in base camp, and then the numbers might be something like 150 or 200," he said. He said it was obvious there were many cases at the Everest base camp because he could visibly see people were sick, and could hear people coughing in their tents. A total of 408 foreign climbers were issued permits to climb Everest this season, aided by several hundred Sherpas and support staff, who've been stationed at base camp since April. Nepalese mountaineering officials have denied there are any active cases this season among climbers and support staff at all base camps for the country's Himalayan mountains. Mountaineering was closed last year due to the pandemic. Nepalese officials could not immediately be reached for comment on Saturday. Other climbing teams have not announced any COVID-19 infections among their members or staff. Several climbers have reported testing positive after they were brought down from the Everest base camp. Furtenbach said most teams on the mountain were not carrying virus testing kits, and that before his team pulled out, they had helped conduct tests and had confirmed two cases. Most teams are still at base camp, hoping for clear weather next week so they can make a final push to the summit before the climbing season closes at the end of the month, Furtenbach said. In late April, a Norwegian climber became the first to test positive at the Everest base camp. He was flown by helicopter to Kathmandu, where he was treated and later returned home. Nepal is experiencing a virus surge, with record numbers of new infections and deaths. China last week canceled climbing from its side of Mount Everest due to fears the virus could be spread from the Nepalese side. Nepal reported 8,607 new infections and 177 deaths on Friday, bringing the nation's totals since the pandemic began to more than 497,000 infections and 6,024 deaths. (With inputs from agencies)

Guide: Over 100 virus cases on Everest despite Nepal denials 

A coalition of five Nepalese opposition political parties on Saturday decided to legally challenge President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s move to dissolve the Parliament on&nbsp;the recommendation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.&nbsp;

Bhandari had earlier announced in a statement that the House of Representatives has been dissolved in accordance with Article 76 (7) of the Constitution,

The grouping of opposition parties includes Nepali Congress, CPN-Maoist Centre, Nepal-Khanal faction of CPN-UML, Upendra Yadav led faction of Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) and Rastriya Janamorcha Party (RJP). The parties have decided to move the court on Sunday with collective writ petitions against the "unconstitutional and undemocratic" move by the president and prime minister.&nbsp;

In a joint statement issued at the end of a meeting called to discuss the developments, the opposition leaders expressed their commitment to “defend the constitutional rights of Nepali citizens achieved at the end of years of political struggle.”

The statement was signed by Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, CPN-Maoist Centre leader Prachanda, CPN-UML leader Madhav Kumar Nepal, JSP chair Upendra Yadav and leader of RJP.&nbsp;

Lawmakers of the coalition have decided to approach the Supreme Court to scrap the president’s decision.

Deuba&nbsp;claims&nbsp;to have support from all 61 candidates in his party, in addition to all&nbsp;49 from CPN-Maoist Centre, 26 from Nepal-Khanal faction, 12 from Yadav faction and one from the Rastriya Janamorcha Party.&nbsp;

The Nepalese president dissolved the House of Representatives at midnight on Friday for the second time in five months and announced an early election in November, rejecting both Oli and the opposition alliance’s claims to form a government.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, PM Oli has urged the Election Commission to start the preparations for the mid-term election.&nbsp; While addressing a press conference earlier, Oli had said election could be held despite the pandemic.&nbsp;Nepal is fighting the deadly second wave of coronavirus and is reporting more than 8,000 new infections on a daily basis.&nbsp;

A coalition of five Nepalese opposition political parties on Saturday decided to legally challenge President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s move to dissolve the Parliament on the recommendation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

A coalition of five Nepalese opposition political parties on Saturday decided to legally challenge President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s move to dissolve the Parliament on the recommendation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Bhandari had earlier announced in a statement that the House of Representatives has been dissolved in accordance with Article 76 (7) of the Constitution, The grouping of opposition parties includes Nepali Congress, CPN-Maoist Centre, Nepal-Khanal faction of CPN-UML, Upendra Yadav led faction of Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) and Rastriya Janamorcha Party (RJP). The parties have decided to move the court on Sunday with collective writ petitions against the "unconstitutional and undemocratic" move by the president and prime minister. In a joint statement issued at the end of a meeting called to discuss the developments, the opposition leaders expressed their commitment to “defend the constitutional rights of Nepali citizens achieved at the end of years of political struggle.” The statement was signed by Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, CPN-Maoist Centre leader Prachanda, CPN-UML leader Madhav Kumar Nepal, JSP chair Upendra Yadav and leader of RJP. Lawmakers of the coalition have decided to approach the Supreme Court to scrap the president’s decision. Deuba claims to have support from all 61 candidates in his party, in addition to all 49 from CPN-Maoist Centre, 26 from Nepal-Khanal faction, 12 from Yadav faction and one from the Rastriya Janamorcha Party. The Nepalese president dissolved the House of Representatives at midnight on Friday for the second time in five months and announced an early election in November, rejecting both Oli and the opposition alliance’s claims to form a government. Meanwhile, PM Oli has urged the Election Commission to start the preparations for the mid-term election. While addressing a press conference earlier, Oli had said election could be held despite the pandemic. Nepal is fighting the deadly second wave of coronavirus and is reporting more than 8,000 new infections on a daily basis.

Nepal's opposition parties to move court against president's decision

Nepal plunged into fresh political turmoil on Saturday as President Bidya Devi Bhandari dissolved parliament and fixed general elections in November amid a worsening COVID-19 outbreak. 
 
The surprise announcement comes after a presidential statement said neither the caretaker Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, nor opposition leader Sher Bahadur Deuba were able to demonstrate a majority to form a new government by the Friday deadline set by Bhandari. 
 
“The president has dissolved the House of Representatives and ordered the first phase of general elections on November 12 and the second phase on November 19,” a presidential statement issued after midnight said. 
 
It said the decision was made on the recommendation of the cabinet headed by caretaker Prime Minister Oli, whose December 2020 dissolution of parliament sparked weeks of protests and was reversed by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional in February. 
 
There was no immediate comment from political parties about the latest move. 
 
Nepal is battling a deadly second wave of the pandemic and is reporting 8,207 new infections on average each day.

Nepal plunged into fresh political turmoil on Saturday as President Bidya Devi Bhandari dissolved parliament and fixed general elections in November amid a worsening COVID-19 outbreak.

Nepal plunged into fresh political turmoil on Saturday as President Bidya Devi Bhandari dissolved parliament and fixed general elections in November amid a worsening COVID-19 outbreak. The surprise announcement comes after a presidential statement said neither the caretaker Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, nor opposition leader Sher Bahadur Deuba were able to demonstrate a majority to form a new government by the Friday deadline set by Bhandari. “The president has dissolved the House of Representatives and ordered the first phase of general elections on November 12 and the second phase on November 19,” a presidential statement issued after midnight said. It said the decision was made on the recommendation of the cabinet headed by caretaker Prime Minister Oli, whose December 2020 dissolution of parliament sparked weeks of protests and was reversed by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional in February. There was no immediate comment from political parties about the latest move. Nepal is battling a deadly second wave of the pandemic and is reporting 8,207 new infections on average each day.

Nepal president dissolves parliament, new election in November

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli dissolved parliament at midnight and declared a date for elections. The fresh polls are slated to be held in two phases on the 12th and 19th November this year.

Nepal PM Oli dissolves Parliament, declared fresh elections

Bangladesh,&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;and&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;are close to running&nbsp;out&nbsp;of coronavirus&nbsp;vaccines, authorities said Friday, and are hoping China and Russia will bolster South Asia's efforts to tackle a devastating pandemic wave.

COVID-19 cases and deaths have hit record levels across India and its neighbours in recent weeks and all are counting on&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;campaigns to head off the next surge.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-259591-new-covid-19-cases-4209-deaths-386414">India reports 2,59,591 new COVID-19 cases, 4,209 deaths</a>

But India's move last month to ban&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;exports because of growing domestic shortages has badly hit other countries, and the three South Asian nations have slowed their vaccination campaigns as they scour international markets for new stocks.

Bangladesh&nbsp;has about one million doses of AstraZeneca's Covishield and Chinese Sinopharm jabs and was expecting 100,000 Pfizer shots, but all will be gone in "days", government health chief A.B.M.&nbsp;Khorshed Alam said.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-approves-purchase-of-covid-vaccines-from-china-386133">Bangladesh approves purchase of Covid vaccines from China</a>

The country of 168 million people has reported some 800,000 infections and 12,200 deaths. As in other South Asian nations, experts say the true toll is much higher.

Bangladesh&nbsp;had a deal to buy 30 million Covishield doses from the Serum Institute of India, the world's biggest&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;maker. Only seven million had been delivered when India halted exports last month.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-delivers-half-a-million-vaccines-to-bangladesh-384611">China delivers half a million vaccines to Bangladesh</a>

It has since contacted China and Russia to get their&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;and Western countries who may have surplus AstraZeneca shots.&nbsp;

One deal with China for an unspecified number of Sinopharm shots was approved on Wednesday,&nbsp;officials&nbsp;said.

But China's Ambassador Li Jiming said&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;should not expect commercial supplies before December. He told the bdnews24.com portal that "the queue is too long".

'Vaccines&nbsp;must be available'

Nepal&nbsp;has an estimated 1.5 million people waiting for a second shot of Covishield, with supplies also held up by the Indian export ban. It is now getting through dwindling numbers of Sinopharm jabs given by China.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/help-pours-in-for-nepal-to-fight-the-covid-pandemic-386328">Help pours in for Nepal to fight the Covid pandemic</a>

Sri&nbsp;Lanka, with a population of 21 million, has about 115,000&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;doses left and has slowed its inoculations to 15,000 a day as it also negotiates with other countries,&nbsp;officials&nbsp;said.

The new pandemic wave saw the daily death toll hit a record 38 on Thursday.&nbsp;

India's export ban froze&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka's deal to buy 13.5 million Covishield doses from Serum International, authorities said.

Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;is now going through 600,000 gifted Sinopharm doses and is hoping to receive 26 million shots from Russia and China.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said governments and pharmaceutical companies had to help struggling Asian nations where hospitals are overflowing with sufferers.

"Tens of thousands of lives are being lost each week and&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;must be available so that we can prevent further terrible tolls in the weeks and months ahead," said Alexander Matheou, Asia Pacific head of the IFRC.

Even India, one of the world's major pharmaceutical and&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;producers, is looking for foreign supplies.

India has already started importing Sputnik V from Russia as its ambitious target of inoculating 300 million people by the end of July is slowed by shortages.

About 150 million people have had a first dose and 40 million the second jab. But daily injections have fallen from 3.6 million a day in April to 1.4 million on Thursday.

Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is to visit the United States next week and media reports said he would meet executives from US&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;makers.

Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka are close to running out of coronavirus vaccines, authorities said Friday, and are hoping China and Russia will bolster South Asia's efforts to tackle a devastating pandemic wave.

Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka are close to running out of coronavirus vaccines, authorities said Friday, and are hoping China and Russia will bolster South Asia's efforts to tackle a devastating pandemic wave. COVID-19 cases and deaths have hit record levels across India and its neighbours in recent weeks and all are counting on vaccine campaigns to head off the next surge. Also Read | India reports 2,59,591 new COVID-19 cases, 4,209 deaths But India's move last month to ban vaccine exports because of growing domestic shortages has badly hit other countries, and the three South Asian nations have slowed their vaccination campaigns as they scour international markets for new stocks. Bangladesh has about one million doses of AstraZeneca's Covishield and Chinese Sinopharm jabs and was expecting 100,000 Pfizer shots, but all will be gone in "days", government health chief A.B.M. Khorshed Alam said. Also Read | Bangladesh approves purchase of Covid vaccines from China The country of 168 million people has reported some 800,000 infections and 12,200 deaths. As in other South Asian nations, experts say the true toll is much higher. Bangladesh had a deal to buy 30 million Covishield doses from the Serum Institute of India, the world's biggest vaccine maker. Only seven million had been delivered when India halted exports last month. Also Read | China delivers half a million vaccines to Bangladesh It has since contacted China and Russia to get their vaccines and Western countries who may have surplus AstraZeneca shots. One deal with China for an unspecified number of Sinopharm shots was approved on Wednesday, officials said. But China's Ambassador Li Jiming said Bangladesh should not expect commercial supplies before December. He told the bdnews24.com portal that "the queue is too long". 'Vaccines must be available' Nepal has an estimated 1.5 million people waiting for a second shot of Covishield, with supplies also held up by the Indian export ban. It is now getting through dwindling numbers of Sinopharm jabs given by China. Also Read | Help pours in for Nepal to fight the Covid pandemic Sri Lanka, with a population of 21 million, has about 115,000 vaccine doses left and has slowed its inoculations to 15,000 a day as it also negotiates with other countries, officials said. The new pandemic wave saw the daily death toll hit a record 38 on Thursday. India's export ban froze Sri Lanka's deal to buy 13.5 million Covishield doses from Serum International, authorities said. Sri Lanka is now going through 600,000 gifted Sinopharm doses and is hoping to receive 26 million shots from Russia and China. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said governments and pharmaceutical companies had to help struggling Asian nations where hospitals are overflowing with sufferers. "Tens of thousands of lives are being lost each week and vaccines must be available so that we can prevent further terrible tolls in the weeks and months ahead," said Alexander Matheou, Asia Pacific head of the IFRC. Even India, one of the world's major pharmaceutical and vaccine producers, is looking for foreign supplies. India has already started importing Sputnik V from Russia as its ambitious target of inoculating 300 million people by the end of July is slowed by shortages. About 150 million people have had a first dose and 40 million the second jab. But daily injections have fallen from 3.6 million a day in April to 1.4 million on Thursday. Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is to visit the United States next week and media reports said he would meet executives from US vaccine makers.

Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka nearly out of COVID-19 vaccines: Officials

Authorities in Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka said on Friday that the countries were close to running out of coronavirus vaccines. They expressed hope that China and Russia would bolster South Asia's efforts to tackle the pandemic.

Covid-19 cases and deaths have hit record levels across India and its neighbours in recent weeks and all are counting on vaccine campaigns to head off the next surge.&nbsp;

However, India's decision to ban vaccine exports because of growing domestic shortages has hit other countries in the region

Bangladesh has about one million doses of AstraZeneca's Covishield and Chinese Sinopharm jabs, and was expecting 100,000 Pfizer shots, but all will be gone in "days", government health chief A.B.M. Khorshed Alam said.&nbsp;

The country of 168 million people has reported some 800,000 infections and 12,200 deaths. As in other South Asian nations, experts say the true toll is much higher.

Bangladesh had a deal to buy 30 million Covishield doses from the Serum Institute of India, the world's biggest vaccine maker. Only seven million had been delivered when India halted exports last month.

It has since contacted China and Russia to get their vaccines and Western countries that may have surplus AstraZeneca shots.&nbsp;

One deal with China for an unspecified number of Sinopharm shots was approved on Wednesday, officials said. 
But China's Ambassador Li Jiming said Bangladesh should not expect commercial supplies before December. He told the bdnews24.com portal that "the queue is too long".

'Vaccines must be available'

Nepal has an estimated 1.5 million people waiting for a second shot of Covishield, with supplies also held up by the Indian export ban. It is now getting through dwindling numbers of Sinopharm jabs given by China.

Sri Lanka, with a population of 21 million, has about 115,000 vaccine doses left and has slowed its inoculations to 15,000 a day as it also negotiates with other countries, officials said.

The new pandemic wave saw the daily death toll hit a record 38 on Thursday.&nbsp;

India's export ban froze Sri Lanka's deal to buy 13.5 million Covishield doses from Serum International, authorities said.

Sri Lanka is now going through 600,000 gifted Sinopharm doses and is hoping to receive 26 million shots from Russia and China.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said governments and pharmaceutical companies had to help struggling Asian nations where hospitals are overflowing with sufferers.

"Tens of thousands of lives are being lost each week and vaccines must be available so that we can prevent further terrible tolls in the weeks and months ahead," said Alexander Matheou, Asia Pacific head of the IFRC.

Even India, one of the world's major pharmaceutical and vaccine producers, is looking for foreign supplies. 
India has already started importing Sputnik V from Russia as its ambitious target of inoculating 300 million people by the end of July is slowed by shortages.

About 150 million people have had a first dose and 40 million the second jab. But daily injections have fallen from 3.6 million a day in April to 1.4 million on Thursday.

Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is to visit the United States next week and media reports said he would meet executives from US vaccine makers.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Authorities in Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka said on Friday that the countries were close to running out of coronavirus vaccines. They expressed hope that China and Russia would bolster South Asia's efforts to tackle the pandemic.

Authorities in Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka said on Friday that the countries were close to running out of coronavirus vaccines. They expressed hope that China and Russia would bolster South Asia's efforts to tackle the pandemic. Covid-19 cases and deaths have hit record levels across India and its neighbours in recent weeks and all are counting on vaccine campaigns to head off the next surge. However, India's decision to ban vaccine exports because of growing domestic shortages has hit other countries in the region Bangladesh has about one million doses of AstraZeneca's Covishield and Chinese Sinopharm jabs, and was expecting 100,000 Pfizer shots, but all will be gone in "days", government health chief A.B.M. Khorshed Alam said. The country of 168 million people has reported some 800,000 infections and 12,200 deaths. As in other South Asian nations, experts say the true toll is much higher. Bangladesh had a deal to buy 30 million Covishield doses from the Serum Institute of India, the world's biggest vaccine maker. Only seven million had been delivered when India halted exports last month. It has since contacted China and Russia to get their vaccines and Western countries that may have surplus AstraZeneca shots. One deal with China for an unspecified number of Sinopharm shots was approved on Wednesday, officials said. But China's Ambassador Li Jiming said Bangladesh should not expect commercial supplies before December. He told the bdnews24.com portal that "the queue is too long". 'Vaccines must be available' Nepal has an estimated 1.5 million people waiting for a second shot of Covishield, with supplies also held up by the Indian export ban. It is now getting through dwindling numbers of Sinopharm jabs given by China. Sri Lanka, with a population of 21 million, has about 115,000 vaccine doses left and has slowed its inoculations to 15,000 a day as it also negotiates with other countries, officials said. The new pandemic wave saw the daily death toll hit a record 38 on Thursday. India's export ban froze Sri Lanka's deal to buy 13.5 million Covishield doses from Serum International, authorities said. Sri Lanka is now going through 600,000 gifted Sinopharm doses and is hoping to receive 26 million shots from Russia and China. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said governments and pharmaceutical companies had to help struggling Asian nations where hospitals are overflowing with sufferers. "Tens of thousands of lives are being lost each week and vaccines must be available so that we can prevent further terrible tolls in the weeks and months ahead," said Alexander Matheou, Asia Pacific head of the IFRC. Even India, one of the world's major pharmaceutical and vaccine producers, is looking for foreign supplies. India has already started importing Sputnik V from Russia as its ambitious target of inoculating 300 million people by the end of July is slowed by shortages. About 150 million people have had a first dose and 40 million the second jab. But daily injections have fallen from 3.6 million a day in April to 1.4 million on Thursday. Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is to visit the United States next week and media reports said he would meet executives from US vaccine makers. (With inputs from agencies)

Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka nearly out of Covid vaccines, say officials

The Supreme Court of Nepal on Thursday dismissed the appointment of seven ministers of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli cabinet while hearing writ petitions filed against the leaders.&nbsp;

The court said the appointment of these seven leaders was unconstitutional as they do not have a seat in either of the Houses of the Federal Parliament.&nbsp;

On May 14, Oli had reappointed seven ministers who are not the lawmakers in the federal parliament.&nbsp;President Bidya Devi Bhandari had administered an oath of office and secrecy to them on the same day.

Following the court’s decision, Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Top Bahadur Rayamajhi, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Lekh Raj Bhatta, Urban Development Minister Prabhu Sah, Minister for Water Supply Mani Thapa, Minister for Labor, Employment and Social Security Gauri Shankar Chaudhary and Minister for Youths and Sports Dawa Tamang have been relieved of their posts.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Ram Bahadur Thapa from CPN-UML lost the by-poll election held in the Bagmati Province.&nbsp;

Khimlal Devkota, the candidate of the opposition alliance [Nepali Congress (NC), CPN (Maoist Center), and Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP)] has been elected member of the National Assembly from the Province.

Devkota won the election by 128 votes.&nbsp;

Earlier, four writ petitions were filed against the PM and his ministers in the Supreme Court demanding him to take an oath of the office again.&nbsp;

The petitions have also sought the dismissal of seven ministers as they are not part of the federal parliament.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court of Nepal on Thursday dismissed the appointment of seven ministers of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli cabinet while hearing writ petitions filed against the leaders.

The Supreme Court of Nepal on Thursday dismissed the appointment of seven ministers of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli cabinet while hearing writ petitions filed against the leaders. The court said the appointment of these seven leaders was unconstitutional as they do not have a seat in either of the Houses of the Federal Parliament. On May 14, Oli had reappointed seven ministers who are not the lawmakers in the federal parliament. President Bidya Devi Bhandari had administered an oath of office and secrecy to them on the same day. Following the court’s decision, Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Top Bahadur Rayamajhi, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Lekh Raj Bhatta, Urban Development Minister Prabhu Sah, Minister for Water Supply Mani Thapa, Minister for Labor, Employment and Social Security Gauri Shankar Chaudhary and Minister for Youths and Sports Dawa Tamang have been relieved of their posts. Meanwhile, Ram Bahadur Thapa from CPN-UML lost the by-poll election held in the Bagmati Province. Khimlal Devkota, the candidate of the opposition alliance [Nepali Congress (NC), CPN (Maoist Center), and Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP)] has been elected member of the National Assembly from the Province. Devkota won the election by 128 votes. Earlier, four writ petitions were filed against the PM and his ministers in the Supreme Court demanding him to take an oath of the office again. The petitions have also sought the dismissal of seven ministers as they are not part of the federal parliament.

Nepal SC dismisses newly appointed 7 ministers from their positions

After Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's appeal to the international community, help has been coming from different corners of the world to Nepal to help it fight the Covid pandemic.

Nepal started its vaccination drive in January with 2.35 million doses of the AstraZeneca shot provided by India and Covax. Nepal has indicated that no vaccines are left and 1.55 million people are waiting for their second dose.

With a population of 30 million people, Nepal has been facing a severe COVID-19 resurgence. The government has finally started procurement process of COVID-19 vaccines from India and Russia. &nbsp;There is a shortage of hospital beds, oxygen and other medical equipment and the virus has taken a toll over the country’s health care infrastructure.&nbsp;

Besides India, several countries in the world have offered a helping hand to Nepal.

China

China had committed help of more than USD 700 thousand worth of medical help to Nepal.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian had committed to help Nepal and said, “China will continue to do its best to offer support to Nepal in its fight against COVID-19. We believe the Nepalese people will defeat the virus at an early date.”

In first batch, 400 oxygen cylinders, 10 ventilators and 170 concentrators were donated to Nepal by China.

Ambassador Hou Yanqi confirmed that China's Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) provided Nepal with 30,000 litres of liquid oxygen, 800 oxygen cylinders, 10 oxygen concentrators, 5 ventilators, 200 ICU beds and 15,000 antigen kits. &nbsp;

United States

The United States has provided a total of USD 45.1 million worth of assistance to Nepal through USAID in response to the pandemic.&nbsp;

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, USAID’s COVID-19 assistance has reached over 55 percent of the population across Nepal by working with partners at the community, municipal, and federal levels to provide life-saving treatments, equipment, and services,” according to the American Embassy in Nepal.&nbsp;

Nepal has received 100 ventilators, 10,000 PPE kits from the US so far. On May 13, Department of Defence (DoD) announced an additional USD 2.75 million in emergency funding that will provide oxygen cylinders and liquid oxygen storage tanks.

The Embassy said that the United States was the largest donor to COVAX, and had committed USD 2 billion to the program, with another USD 2 billion to come. Nepal was among the first in Asia to receive COVAX donations.

USAID had earlier said that 8,500 pieces of critically needed commodities have been provided to hospitals across Nepal.&nbsp;

UK

On Thursday (May 20), British Ambassador to Nepal Nicola Pollit met Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.&nbsp;

Surya Thapa, press advisor to PM Oli said that the PM thanked UK for its support and requested AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines for Nepal.&nbsp;

“Pleased UK is providing oxygen plant already sustaining over 150 lives a day, funding for temporary Covid treatment centres in Pokhara and Bhaktapur, and medical equipment to hotspots across the country,” Pollit said in a tweet.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, the country had installed duplex oxygen plant at Nepal Police Headquarters Hospital in Maharajgunj with the capacity to generate 160 large cylinders of oxygen in a day.

Nepal Foreign Affairs Minister Pradeep Gyawali and UK State Minister Lord Tariq Ahmad exchanged views on the challenges in a virtual interaction that took place on May 19.

The European Union

The EU has provided key COVID-19 equipment and supplies including oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators, home care kits, diagnostics including antigen test kits, personal protection equipment.&nbsp;

According to an official statement, Nepal has also activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Finland is the first member state to offer more than 2 million surgical facemasks, 350,000 FFP2 masks, 52500 pairs of vinyl gloves and 30,000 isolation gowns.

On May 12, the EU announced that it would provide 2 million Euros in emergency humanitarian aid to Nepal.&nbsp;

Spain

Spain through the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), has sent a humanitarian cargo to Nepal to help halt the spread of the disease.

The shipment, with more than 5 tonnes of health material, includes 15 respirators, 10 oxygen concentrators, together with consumables and spare parts necessary for their use, 144000 FFP2 face masks and some 125000 antigen tests.

After Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's appeal to the international community, help has been coming from different corners of the world to Nepal to help it fight the Covid pandemic.

After Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's appeal to the international community, help has been coming from different corners of the world to Nepal to help it fight the Covid pandemic. Nepal started its vaccination drive in January with 2.35 million doses of the AstraZeneca shot provided by India and Covax. Nepal has indicated that no vaccines are left and 1.55 million people are waiting for their second dose. With a population of 30 million people, Nepal has been facing a severe COVID-19 resurgence. The government has finally started procurement process of COVID-19 vaccines from India and Russia. There is a shortage of hospital beds, oxygen and other medical equipment and the virus has taken a toll over the country’s health care infrastructure. Besides India, several countries in the world have offered a helping hand to Nepal. China China had committed help of more than USD 700 thousand worth of medical help to Nepal. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian had committed to help Nepal and said, “China will continue to do its best to offer support to Nepal in its fight against COVID-19. We believe the Nepalese people will defeat the virus at an early date.” In first batch, 400 oxygen cylinders, 10 ventilators and 170 concentrators were donated to Nepal by China. Ambassador Hou Yanqi confirmed that China's Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) provided Nepal with 30,000 litres of liquid oxygen, 800 oxygen cylinders, 10 oxygen concentrators, 5 ventilators, 200 ICU beds and 15,000 antigen kits. United States The United States has provided a total of USD 45.1 million worth of assistance to Nepal through USAID in response to the pandemic. “Since the beginning of the pandemic, USAID’s COVID-19 assistance has reached over 55 percent of the population across Nepal by working with partners at the community, municipal, and federal levels to provide life-saving treatments, equipment, and services,” according to the American Embassy in Nepal. Nepal has received 100 ventilators, 10,000 PPE kits from the US so far. On May 13, Department of Defence (DoD) announced an additional USD 2.75 million in emergency funding that will provide oxygen cylinders and liquid oxygen storage tanks. The Embassy said that the United States was the largest donor to COVAX, and had committed USD 2 billion to the program, with another USD 2 billion to come. Nepal was among the first in Asia to receive COVAX donations. USAID had earlier said that 8,500 pieces of critically needed commodities have been provided to hospitals across Nepal. UK On Thursday (May 20), British Ambassador to Nepal Nicola Pollit met Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Surya Thapa, press advisor to PM Oli said that the PM thanked UK for its support and requested AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines for Nepal. “Pleased UK is providing oxygen plant already sustaining over 150 lives a day, funding for temporary Covid treatment centres in Pokhara and Bhaktapur, and medical equipment to hotspots across the country,” Pollit said in a tweet. Earlier this month, the country had installed duplex oxygen plant at Nepal Police Headquarters Hospital in Maharajgunj with the capacity to generate 160 large cylinders of oxygen in a day. Nepal Foreign Affairs Minister Pradeep Gyawali and UK State Minister Lord Tariq Ahmad exchanged views on the challenges in a virtual interaction that took place on May 19. The European Union The EU has provided key COVID-19 equipment and supplies including oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators, home care kits, diagnostics including antigen test kits, personal protection equipment. According to an official statement, Nepal has also activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Finland is the first member state to offer more than 2 million surgical facemasks, 350,000 FFP2 masks, 52500 pairs of vinyl gloves and 30,000 isolation gowns. On May 12, the EU announced that it would provide 2 million Euros in emergency humanitarian aid to Nepal. Spain Spain through the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), has sent a humanitarian cargo to Nepal to help halt the spread of the disease. The shipment, with more than 5 tonnes of health material, includes 15 respirators, 10 oxygen concentrators, together with consumables and spare parts necessary for their use, 144000 FFP2 face masks and some 125000 antigen tests.

Help pours in for Nepal to fight the Covid pandemic

In destabilising his own ministry which had assumed office in February 2018, K P Sharma Oli, who became Prime Minister for a third time on May 13, has done immeasurable damage to Nepal’s polity, governance and economic development.&nbsp;

More than any government in Nepal after its first multiparty election in 1991, Oli’s second coming at the head of a popular ministry had given rise to immense hope. It was the first government under a new constitution on which all parties had agreed after years of debate. The Government of India’s attempt to scuttle the promulgation of this constitution failed. In fact, the attempt boomeranged on New Delhi, which was accused of inciting protests against the new constitution (in which at least 60 people were killed); enforcing an economic blockade against Nepal by choking of essential supplies; and, perpetrating, as Oli said in the United Nations, “an act of inhumanity worse than war”. &nbsp;

In the aftermath, India-Nepal ties were vitiated and Prime Minister Oli’s ouster from office was attributed to New Delhi’s machinations. These developments made Nepalese parties to close ranks against “Indian interference” and reinforced the resolve to make the new constitution succeed. For his part, Oli, far from being chastened, made the most of it.&nbsp;

As a prelude to their merger, the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) led by Oli and the Maoist Centre of Pushpa Kamal Dahal alias Prachanda had formed an alliance, which won the elections handsomely. The two parties and a small group merged to become the Nepal Communist Party. It was agreed that Oli and Prachanda would each hold office for half the government’s five-year term. The election sidelined the Nepali Congress, which had been a leading force for decades, and royalist parties. There also emerged new Terai-based forces, prominent among these being the Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) of Mahanth Thakur with 32 seats in the 275-member House.&nbsp;

The united NCP’s numbers, pronouncement and connect with people underpinned by the power-sharing formula held out hope of stability, governance and equitable development.

One of the poorest countries in world, Nepal had been deprived of development as well as stability since its first multi-party election in 1991. Barring short bursts of performance by one or two ministries, the political class was seen as corrupt and self-serving in the pursuit of their personal ambition and indifferent to development. The elected elite’s sole aim was to occupy office by fair means or foul.

Nepal saw 12 people pass through the revolving door to become prime minister 24 times. Disparate parties, big and small, resorted to dirty tricks and form coalitions solely to grab power; and, their hallmark was their singular failure to deliver governance and development, which helped Prachanda’s Maoist guerillas to flourish before they were mainstreamed in the 2008 elections.&nbsp;

Given this troubled history of an exploited and neglected people held to ransom by those they had elected, there were great expectations that the united communist party led by Prachanda-Oli would make a clean break and chart a new course. This turned out to be a pipedream. As in the past, personal ambitions and power politics once again came to the fore in September 2020. At the end of the first half of the party’s five-year term, Prime Minister Oli refused to hand over the baton to Chairman Prachanda. His image took a beating. So did Nepal’s democracy and its constitutional scheme of things.&nbsp;

His party rivals rose in revolt and there followed a power struggle. An unfazed Oli made matters worse on December 20 by dissolving parliament and announcing fresh elections. But, 65 days later, Nepal’s supreme court held the dissolution to be illegal and reinstated parliament. The court, acting on a petition, undid the merger of the communist parties on the ground that the party’s name was already registered with the Election Commission by another person (Rishi Kattel). This strengthened Oli’s position as party men seeking his ouster got purged without expulsion or a split in the party.&nbsp;

There followed patch-up attempts by Oli, but in vain. As a result, on May 10, he lost the vote of confidence in parliament (93-124). in which 28 of his own MPs abstained; and, 15 of the pro-India SJP’s 32 MPs remained neutral, while 15 voted against him. &nbsp;

When President Bidhya Devi Bhandari called other parties to stake claim to form a government, the Nepali Congress backed by Prachanda’s Maoist Centre and others could not rustle up the numbers before the May 13 deadline. President Bhandari had no option but to reappoint Oli as the prime minister.&nbsp;

Thus, Oli has won 30 days to prove his majority. He could again seek dissolution of the house before the floor test. If he loses the confidence vote and the house is unable to throw up a government, then also dissolution is inevitable. With the Covid-19 pandemic raging, elections may not be held within the required six months. In either case, with uncertainty over election dates, Oli may continue indefinitely as prime minister without any accountability whatsoever. That would be an unprecedented political dead end, unseen in Nepal since a popular movement forced the monarchy to retreat 30 years ago.&nbsp;

This bodes ill for Nepal and its constitutional multiparty system. With all constitutional bodies—from the President and the Prime Minister to Parliament, Supreme Court and the Election Commission—implicated in the ongoing political power struggle, Covid-ravaged Nepal faces a future where more than democracy is in peril. Hopes of a New Nepal have been dashed by the country’s return to its venal old ways.&nbsp;

The author is co-editor of the book&nbsp;State of Nepal&nbsp;(2002)

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

In destabilising his own ministry which had assumed office in February 2018, K P Sharma Oli, who became Prime Minister for a third time on May 13, has done immeasurable damage to Nepal’s polity, governance and economic development.

In destabilising his own ministry which had assumed office in February 2018, K P Sharma Oli, who became Prime Minister for a third time on May 13, has done immeasurable damage to Nepal’s polity, governance and economic development. More than any government in Nepal after its first multiparty election in 1991, Oli’s second coming at the head of a popular ministry had given rise to immense hope. It was the first government under a new constitution on which all parties had agreed after years of debate. The Government of India’s attempt to scuttle the promulgation of this constitution failed. In fact, the attempt boomeranged on New Delhi, which was accused of inciting protests against the new constitution (in which at least 60 people were killed); enforcing an economic blockade against Nepal by choking of essential supplies; and, perpetrating, as Oli said in the United Nations, “an act of inhumanity worse than war”. In the aftermath, India-Nepal ties were vitiated and Prime Minister Oli’s ouster from office was attributed to New Delhi’s machinations. These developments made Nepalese parties to close ranks against “Indian interference” and reinforced the resolve to make the new constitution succeed. For his part, Oli, far from being chastened, made the most of it. As a prelude to their merger, the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) led by Oli and the Maoist Centre of Pushpa Kamal Dahal alias Prachanda had formed an alliance, which won the elections handsomely. The two parties and a small group merged to become the Nepal Communist Party. It was agreed that Oli and Prachanda would each hold office for half the government’s five-year term. The election sidelined the Nepali Congress, which had been a leading force for decades, and royalist parties. There also emerged new Terai-based forces, prominent among these being the Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) of Mahanth Thakur with 32 seats in the 275-member House. The united NCP’s numbers, pronouncement and connect with people underpinned by the power-sharing formula held out hope of stability, governance and equitable development. One of the poorest countries in world, Nepal had been deprived of development as well as stability since its first multi-party election in 1991. Barring short bursts of performance by one or two ministries, the political class was seen as corrupt and self-serving in the pursuit of their personal ambition and indifferent to development. The elected elite’s sole aim was to occupy office by fair means or foul. Nepal saw 12 people pass through the revolving door to become prime minister 24 times. Disparate parties, big and small, resorted to dirty tricks and form coalitions solely to grab power; and, their hallmark was their singular failure to deliver governance and development, which helped Prachanda’s Maoist guerillas to flourish before they were mainstreamed in the 2008 elections. Given this troubled history of an exploited and neglected people held to ransom by those they had elected, there were great expectations that the united communist party led by Prachanda-Oli would make a clean break and chart a new course. This turned out to be a pipedream. As in the past, personal ambitions and power politics once again came to the fore in September 2020. At the end of the first half of the party’s five-year term, Prime Minister Oli refused to hand over the baton to Chairman Prachanda. His image took a beating. So did Nepal’s democracy and its constitutional scheme of things. His party rivals rose in revolt and there followed a power struggle. An unfazed Oli made matters worse on December 20 by dissolving parliament and announcing fresh elections. But, 65 days later, Nepal’s supreme court held the dissolution to be illegal and reinstated parliament. The court, acting on a petition, undid the merger of the communist parties on the ground that the party’s name was already registered with the Election Commission by another person (Rishi Kattel). This strengthened Oli’s position as party men seeking his ouster got purged without expulsion or a split in the party. There followed patch-up attempts by Oli, but in vain. As a result, on May 10, he lost the vote of confidence in parliament (93-124). in which 28 of his own MPs abstained; and, 15 of the pro-India SJP’s 32 MPs remained neutral, while 15 voted against him. When President Bidhya Devi Bhandari called other parties to stake claim to form a government, the Nepali Congress backed by Prachanda’s Maoist Centre and others could not rustle up the numbers before the May 13 deadline. President Bhandari had no option but to reappoint Oli as the prime minister. Thus, Oli has won 30 days to prove his majority. He could again seek dissolution of the house before the floor test. If he loses the confidence vote and the house is unable to throw up a government, then also dissolution is inevitable. With the Covid-19 pandemic raging, elections may not be held within the required six months. In either case, with uncertainty over election dates, Oli may continue indefinitely as prime minister without any accountability whatsoever. That would be an unprecedented political dead end, unseen in Nepal since a popular movement forced the monarchy to retreat 30 years ago. This bodes ill for Nepal and its constitutional multiparty system. With all constitutional bodies—from the President and the Prime Minister to Parliament, Supreme Court and the Election Commission—implicated in the ongoing political power struggle, Covid-ravaged Nepal faces a future where more than democracy is in peril. Hopes of a New Nepal have been dashed by the country’s return to its venal old ways. The author is co-editor of the book State of Nepal (2002) (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

ON THE MARGIN: New Nepal returns to its old ways 

Meet the COVID-19 warrior, Subash Karki, who is giving us a lesson on importance of service and how it must not be forgotten.&nbsp;

Karki, chief coordinator of the electric crematorium run by the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) in Nepal’s Kathmandu told WION that since a few days, the staff has been burning over 100 bodies daily.&nbsp;

The bodies are brought to the crematorium site from hospitals by Nepal Army personnel and PADT staff conduct the last rites.&nbsp;

The Trust has begun conducting cremation on the shores of the Bagmati River.&nbsp;

“Since the last week, we have been receiving over 100 bodies and lately, the numbers have risen drastically. A few days back, we received 110 bodies. Usually, we manage the cremation of around 90 bodies in a day,” Karki told WION.&nbsp;

Karki said there are only 35 staff members to burn over 100 bodies in a day, “I have to manage the situation and the staffs get tired of burning the bodies endlessly.”

There are three machines, two electric and one hybrid connected to a wooden pyre, which are operating at the cremation centre.&nbsp;

"We receive bodies from Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur and Kabre. There are people working day and night at the cremation site,” he added.&nbsp;

Subash Karki has been supervising the cremation of bodies for the last three years along the bank of Bagmati River near the Lord Pashupatinath Temple.&nbsp;

He reaches the cremation site as early as 6 am and manages the bodies till 12 pm.

The Chief Coordinator said the situation is still under control and hopes it does not get uncontrollable.&nbsp;

When asked, how does he manage to connect with his family as working at the crematorium holds a high risk of infection, he said, “I am scared but this is my job. I have a huge responsibility that I need to fulfill. I stay away from my family so that they do not get infected, however, my son lives with me."&nbsp;

Nepal on Saturday registered 187 fatalities due to Covid and 8,046 fresh cases, taking the death toll to 4,856 and nationwide total infection count to 447,704.&nbsp;

In Kathmandu, the best private hospitals are turning patients away for lack of beds and supplies. Many hospitals have issued statements expressing inability to admit anymore COVID-19 patients due to critical shortage of oxygen.

Meet the COVID-19 warrior, Subash Karki, who is giving us a lesson on importance of service and how it must not be forgotten. Karki, chief coordinator of the electric crematorium run by the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) in Nepal’s Kathmandu told WION that since a few days, the staff has been burning over 100 bodies daily.

Meet the COVID-19 warrior, Subash Karki, who is giving us a lesson on importance of service and how it must not be forgotten. Karki, chief coordinator of the electric crematorium run by the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) in Nepal’s Kathmandu told WION that since a few days, the staff has been burning over 100 bodies daily. The bodies are brought to the crematorium site from hospitals by Nepal Army personnel and PADT staff conduct the last rites. The Trust has begun conducting cremation on the shores of the Bagmati River. “Since the last week, we have been receiving over 100 bodies and lately, the numbers have risen drastically. A few days back, we received 110 bodies. Usually, we manage the cremation of around 90 bodies in a day,” Karki told WION. Karki said there are only 35 staff members to burn over 100 bodies in a day, “I have to manage the situation and the staffs get tired of burning the bodies endlessly.” There are three machines, two electric and one hybrid connected to a wooden pyre, which are operating at the cremation centre. "We receive bodies from Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur and Kabre. There are people working day and night at the cremation site,” he added. Subash Karki has been supervising the cremation of bodies for the last three years along the bank of Bagmati River near the Lord Pashupatinath Temple. He reaches the cremation site as early as 6 am and manages the bodies till 12 pm. The Chief Coordinator said the situation is still under control and hopes it does not get uncontrollable. When asked, how does he manage to connect with his family as working at the crematorium holds a high risk of infection, he said, “I am scared but this is my job. I have a huge responsibility that I need to fulfill. I stay away from my family so that they do not get infected, however, my son lives with me." Nepal on Saturday registered 187 fatalities due to Covid and 8,046 fresh cases, taking the death toll to 4,856 and nationwide total infection count to 447,704. In Kathmandu, the best private hospitals are turning patients away for lack of beds and supplies. Many hospitals have issued statements expressing inability to admit anymore COVID-19 patients due to critical shortage of oxygen.

Over 100 bodies burnt every day, says chief coordinator of Nepal's Pashupati crematorium

3 days after losing a no-confidence motion in parliament, KP Oli is back as Nepal's Prime Minister. After spending most of last year on the backfoot, is it advantage Oli this time around? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: KP Oli ousted & then re-appointed as Nepal's PM

Hospitals in Nepal are running out of oxygen and beds amid the rising cases of COVID-19 in the country. Many hospitals have started turning down patients. In its notice, the hospital also acknowledged Municipality, Police and Health Ministry about the cause for turning away the patients.

Nepal's hospitals run out of oxygen & beds, turn away COVID-19 patients

In its notice, the hospital also acknowledged Municipality, Police and Health Ministry about the cause for turning away the patients.

Hospitals in Nepal run short of oxygen, turn away COVID-19 patients

Nepal has sent out an SOS call. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has appealed for help through a newspaper writeup as his country witnesses a surge in COVID-19 cases. The prime minister wrote an opinion piece for a British daily and said that Nepal is being overwhelmed by Covid.

He said that it is in need of urgent assistance to combat the deadly second wave. Oli lost a vote of confidence on Monday. With the government in crisis, the Himalayan republic is battling a resurgent virus. The country which has a population of just 30 million was reporting around 100 cases a day last month.

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This month, the figure is nearing the 10,000 mark. On May 1, Nepal reported more than 5,000 new cases. The figure increased to 7,000 on May 4, followed by 8,000 on May 6. On May 11, it had reached 9,000. Now,&nbsp;the country is reporting 20 cases per 100,000 people a day.

Nepal is on the verge of a crisis that is as devastating as India if not worse. The prime minister of Nepal has appealed for help in an opinion piece published by The Guardian. KP Sharma Oli said,&nbsp;“As I write this, my country is battling a new and brutal wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The rise in the number of infections poses a serious challenge to our brave doctors, nurses, citizen volunteers and the entire health service system... I have, therefore, appealed to the international community to help us with vaccines, diagnostic tools, oxygen kits, critical care medicines and equipment, to support our efforts to save lives.”

Nepal is not ready for a second wave and the country's fragile healthcare system is already under immense pressure. According to the Oli government's COVID-19 response plan, Nepal has just 1,595 intensive care beds and 480 ventilators for 30 million people. There's also a shortage of doctors with just 0.7 physicians per 100,000 people according to World Bank data.

As of May 8, there were hospital bed shortages in 22 of the country's 77 districts and the vaccination rate is also abysmally low. As of last month, only 7.2 per cent of the population had received the first dose.

Nepal's health ministry has conceded that it is losing control of the situation. Critics blame the government for peddling unverified cures. Last month, the prime minister said the virus could be treated by gargling with guava and&nbsp;mango leaves. Earlier, he'd claimed that Nepalis had a very strong immunity because they consume a lot of spices.

With the wrong messaging from the top, people violated social distancing norms.

Many travelled to India to take part in the Kumbh Mela. This included Nepal's former King Gyanendra Shah and Queen Komal Shah who tested positive for the virus. Around the same time, thousands in Nepal celebrated festivals with placards that read “Our festival is dearer to us than our lives”.

Today, such is the crisis that even climbers at Everest base camp are testing positive.

The situation is indeed alarming and China has already sensed an opportunity.

Chinese planes have been flying to Kathmandu with medical assistance.

As the Chinese media pushes its propaganda with headlines like these - “COVID-19 epidemic shows who Nepal's good neighbour is”.

Nepal has sent out an SOS call. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has appealed for help through a newspaper writeup as his country witnesses a surge in COVID-19 cases.

Nepal has sent out an SOS call. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has appealed for help through a newspaper writeup as his country witnesses a surge in COVID-19 cases. The prime minister wrote an opinion piece for a British daily and said that Nepal is being overwhelmed by Covid. He said that it is in need of urgent assistance to combat the deadly second wave. Oli lost a vote of confidence on Monday. With the government in crisis, the Himalayan republic is battling a resurgent virus. The country which has a population of just 30 million was reporting around 100 cases a day last month. This month, the figure is nearing the 10,000 mark. On May 1, Nepal reported more than 5,000 new cases. The figure increased to 7,000 on May 4, followed by 8,000 on May 6. On May 11, it had reached 9,000. Now, the country is reporting 20 cases per 100,000 people a day. Nepal is on the verge of a crisis that is as devastating as India if not worse. The prime minister of Nepal has appealed for help in an opinion piece published by The Guardian. KP Sharma Oli said, “As I write this, my country is battling a new and brutal wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The rise in the number of infections poses a serious challenge to our brave doctors, nurses, citizen volunteers and the entire health service system... I have, therefore, appealed to the international community to help us with vaccines, diagnostic tools, oxygen kits, critical care medicines and equipment, to support our efforts to save lives.” Nepal is not ready for a second wave and the country's fragile healthcare system is already under immense pressure. According to the Oli government's COVID-19 response plan, Nepal has just 1,595 intensive care beds and 480 ventilators for 30 million people. There's also a shortage of doctors with just 0.7 physicians per 100,000 people according to World Bank data. As of May 8, there were hospital bed shortages in 22 of the country's 77 districts and the vaccination rate is also abysmally low. As of last month, only 7.2 per cent of the population had received the first dose. Nepal's health ministry has conceded that it is losing control of the situation. Critics blame the government for peddling unverified cures. Last month, the prime minister said the virus could be treated by gargling with guava and mango leaves. Earlier, he'd claimed that Nepalis had a very strong immunity because they consume a lot of spices. With the wrong messaging from the top, people violated social distancing norms. Many travelled to India to take part in the Kumbh Mela. This included Nepal's former King Gyanendra Shah and Queen Komal Shah who tested positive for the virus. Around the same time, thousands in Nepal celebrated festivals with placards that read “Our festival is dearer to us than our lives”. Today, such is the crisis that even climbers at Everest base camp are testing positive. The situation is indeed alarming and China has already sensed an opportunity. Chinese planes have been flying to Kathmandu with medical assistance. As the Chinese media pushes its propaganda with headlines like these - “COVID-19 epidemic shows who Nepal's good neighbour is”.

China senses opportunity in Nepal's devastating COVID-19 wave

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