India and Nepal have concluded bilateral talks. The first official engagement between the two sides since the border dispute. Talks focused on India's developmental projects in Nepal. Watch report.

India-Nepal bilateral talks: Focus on India's developmental projects

Nepal's COVID-19 tally has crossed 26,000-mark as 468 new coronavirus cases were reported in the country on Saturday, according to a senior health official.

The Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) also confirmed in an update that three more COVID-19 related deaths were reported across the country, taking the number of fatalities to 102.

In the past 24 hours, Nepal has detected 468 new coronavirus cases, pushing the natinal tally to 26,019, said Dr Jageshwar Gautam, spokesperson for the MoHP.

Nepal has conducted 11,047 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests at various laboratories across the nation in the past 24 hours. So far, 505,660 COVID-19 tests have been done across the country, the official said.

As many as 124 people, who had earlier tested positive for the virus, have recovered and have been discharged from different health facilities.A total of 17,201 COVID-19 patients have recovered from the infection in Nepal.

As of Saturday afternoon, there were 8,193 active coronavirus patients undergoing treatment at different isolation centres across the country, the health ministry said.

Nepal's COVID-19 tally has crossed 26,000-mark as 468 new coronavirus cases were reported in the country on Saturday, according to a senior health official. The Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) also confirmed in an update that three more COVID-19 related deaths were reported across the country, taking the number of fatalities to 102.

Nepal's COVID-19 tally has crossed 26,000-mark as 468 new coronavirus cases were reported in the country on Saturday, according to a senior health official. The Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) also confirmed in an update that three more COVID-19 related deaths were reported across the country, taking the number of fatalities to 102. In the past 24 hours, Nepal has detected 468 new coronavirus cases, pushing the natinal tally to 26,019, said Dr Jageshwar Gautam, spokesperson for the MoHP. Nepal has conducted 11,047 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests at various laboratories across the nation in the past 24 hours. So far, 505,660 COVID-19 tests have been done across the country, the official said. As many as 124 people, who had earlier tested positive for the virus, have recovered and have been discharged from different health facilities.A total of 17,201 COVID-19 patients have recovered from the infection in Nepal. As of Saturday afternoon, there were 8,193 active coronavirus patients undergoing treatment at different isolation centres across the country, the health ministry said.

Nepal reports 468 new coronavirus cases; tally crosses 26,000

A Nepalese Journalist & a vocal critic of the Chinese regime has died mysteriously. On June 10, he published a front-page story on Chinese encroachments in Nepalese territories. Did Anti-China stories lead to his death? Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you a report

Gravitas: Nepal Journalist dies 'mysteriously'

Sixteen bodies were recovered Friday after a landslide tore down a village central Nepal's Sindhupalchok district on Friday, police said, as rescuers dug through mud to find nearly 40 missing.

Mud and stone came hurtling down from uphill Lama Tole village in Sindhupalchowk district in early Friday morning.&nbsp;

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Agni Prasad Sapkota, had reached the spot and was inspecting the damages and rescue works.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/press-unions-demand-fair-probe-following-death-of-nepalese-journalist-320161" hreflang="en">Press unions demand fair probe following death of Nepalese journalist</a>

At least 37 houses have been damaged by the disaster, said local Deputy Superintendent of Police Madhav Prasad Kafle.

"Search and rescue is under way in coordination between the army, police and armed police force," Kafle said.&nbsp;

Helicopters are being used to reach the remote site after the landslide blocked roads.&nbsp;

The Himalayan nation has been badly hit by landslides and floods, with at least 191 people killed and 54 missing since monsoon began mid-June, according to the home ministry.&nbsp;

The number of deadly landslides has increased this year, with experts saying the massive 2015 earthquake and more road construction could be triggering the deadly slips.

Sixteen bodies were recovered Friday after a landslide tore down a village central Nepal's Sindhupalchok district on Friday, police said, as rescuers dug through mud to find nearly 40 missing.

Sixteen bodies were recovered Friday after a landslide tore down a village central Nepal's Sindhupalchok district on Friday, police said, as rescuers dug through mud to find nearly 40 missing. Mud and stone came hurtling down from uphill Lama Tole village in Sindhupalchowk district in early Friday morning. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Agni Prasad Sapkota, had reached the spot and was inspecting the damages and rescue works. Also read: Press unions demand fair probe following death of Nepalese journalist At least 37 houses have been damaged by the disaster, said local Deputy Superintendent of Police Madhav Prasad Kafle. "Search and rescue is under way in coordination between the army, police and armed police force," Kafle said. Helicopters are being used to reach the remote site after the landslide blocked roads. The Himalayan nation has been badly hit by landslides and floods, with at least 191 people killed and 54 missing since monsoon began mid-June, according to the home ministry. The number of deadly landslides has increased this year, with experts saying the massive 2015 earthquake and more road construction could be triggering the deadly slips.

16 dead, 40 missing after powerful landslides in Nepal

The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is devastating for many Asian countries. Unemployment in Nepal has now become a major concern. Watch report.

The economic impact of COVID-19 in Nepal: 1/4 of Nepali workers unemployed

Several journalists' union demanded an independent investigation after Nepalese journalist Balaram Baniya was found dead under "mysterious circumstances".

WION Dispatch: Press unions demand fair probe following death of Nepalese journalist

Several journalists' union demanded an independent investigation after Nepalese journalist Balaram Baniya was found dead under "mysterious circumstances".&nbsp;

Baniya, an Assistant Editor at Kantipur Daily and was missing since Monday, was found dead on Wednesday near Bagmati River in central Nepalese district of Makwanpur.&nbsp;

The police started a lookout after the family of the journalist reported him missing.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepals-coronavirus-tally-jumps-to-24432-with-484-new-cases-320053">Nepal's coronavirus tally jumps to 24,432 with 484 new cases</a>

The body of Baniya, who is survived by a wife, two daughters and a son, is currently kept in the hospital for autopsy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-nepal-should-support-each-others-core-interests-chinese-official-320051">China, Nepal should support each other's core interests: Chinese official</a>

A report claims that Baniya wrote a front-page story regarding Chinese encroachment in Nepalese territory on June 10, which created a huge controversy.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, on Thursday, the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Freedom Forum and Nepal Press Union demanded government to carry out a fair probe on the death of the scribe.

"We demand that the government investigate and make public the truth about the mysterious death of the journalist," FNJ, in a press release, said.&nbsp;

Nepal Press Union said, "there are suspicions surrounding his death", with its General Secretary Ajaya Babu Shiwakoti adding, "his death could be linked with daring news stories that he filed".&nbsp;

Similar demands were made by Freedom Forum too, which said the "death must be investigated properly and thoroughly".&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Several journalists' union demanded an independent investigation after Nepalese journalist Balaram Baniya was found dead under "mysterious circumstances". Baniya, an Assistant Editor at Kantipur Daily and was missing since Monday, was found dead on Wednesday near Bagmati River in central Nepalese district of Makwanpur.

Several journalists' union demanded an independent investigation after Nepalese journalist Balaram Baniya was found dead under "mysterious circumstances". Baniya, an Assistant Editor at Kantipur Daily and was missing since Monday, was found dead on Wednesday near Bagmati River in central Nepalese district of Makwanpur. The police started a lookout after the family of the journalist reported him missing. Also read | Nepal's coronavirus tally jumps to 24,432 with 484 new cases The body of Baniya, who is survived by a wife, two daughters and a son, is currently kept in the hospital for autopsy. Also read | China, Nepal should support each other's core interests: Chinese official A report claims that Baniya wrote a front-page story regarding Chinese encroachment in Nepalese territory on June 10, which created a huge controversy. Meanwhile, on Thursday, the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Freedom Forum and Nepal Press Union demanded government to carry out a fair probe on the death of the scribe. "We demand that the government investigate and make public the truth about the mysterious death of the journalist," FNJ, in a press release, said. Nepal Press Union said, "there are suspicions surrounding his death", with its General Secretary Ajaya Babu Shiwakoti adding, "his death could be linked with daring news stories that he filed". Similar demands were made by Freedom Forum too, which said the "death must be investigated properly and thoroughly".

Press unions demand fair probe following death of Nepalese journalist

The Nepal government has given local administrations the authority to decide on restrictions and lockdown measures as the country's coronavirus tally on Wednesday jumped to 24,432 with 484 new cases.

Finance and Information and Communication Minister Yubaraj Khatiwada said the districts with more than 200 active cases of coronavirus can impose necessary restrictions, the Kathmandu Post reported.

The government has extended the suspension of domestic and international flights until August 31 due to the spike in coronavirus cases in the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-nepal-should-support-each-others-core-interests-chinese-official-320051" hreflang="en">China, Nepal should support each other's core interests: Chinese official</a>

It had partially lifted the lockdown 120 days after it was first enforced on March 24 to contain the spread of COVID-19.

All educational institutions, including schools, colleges, tuition centres and training centres will remain closed. No date for their opening has been announced.

The government on July 20 had said schools could take admissions from August 17 but according to the announcement on Tuesday this has been pushed back by 15 days.

Restaurants have been limited to takeaway services and all non-essential services like salons, shopping malls, theatres must remain closed, according to the new government directive after a Cabinet meeting on Monday.

The Cabinet meeting also decided to reduce the designated entry points for people entering Nepal from India to 10 from existing 20 in view of the spread of COVID-19 due to unchecked cross-border movement.

According to the Health Ministry, there are currently 7,613 coronavirus patients undergoing treatment at different isolation centres across the country.

The country's coronavirus death toll has reached 91 as eight more patients died in the past 24 hours, the Health Ministry said.

The Nepal government has given local administrations the authority to decide on restrictions and lockdown measures as the country's coronavirus tally on Wednesday jumped to 24,432 with 484 new cases.

The Nepal government has given local administrations the authority to decide on restrictions and lockdown measures as the country's coronavirus tally on Wednesday jumped to 24,432 with 484 new cases. Finance and Information and Communication Minister Yubaraj Khatiwada said the districts with more than 200 active cases of coronavirus can impose necessary restrictions, the Kathmandu Post reported. The government has extended the suspension of domestic and international flights until August 31 due to the spike in coronavirus cases in the country. Also read: China, Nepal should support each other's core interests: Chinese official It had partially lifted the lockdown 120 days after it was first enforced on March 24 to contain the spread of COVID-19. All educational institutions, including schools, colleges, tuition centres and training centres will remain closed. No date for their opening has been announced. The government on July 20 had said schools could take admissions from August 17 but according to the announcement on Tuesday this has been pushed back by 15 days. Restaurants have been limited to takeaway services and all non-essential services like salons, shopping malls, theatres must remain closed, according to the new government directive after a Cabinet meeting on Monday. The Cabinet meeting also decided to reduce the designated entry points for people entering Nepal from India to 10 from existing 20 in view of the spread of COVID-19 due to unchecked cross-border movement. According to the Health Ministry, there are currently 7,613 coronavirus patients undergoing treatment at different isolation centres across the country. The country's coronavirus death toll has reached 91 as eight more patients died in the past 24 hours, the Health Ministry said.

Nepal's coronavirus tally jumps to 24,432 with 484 new cases

China and Nepal should firmly support each other's core interests and major concerns, a senior Chinese official said on Wednesday as the two countries held their annual diplomatic consultations.

The 13th round of diplomatic consultations between China's Vice Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui and Nepal's Foreign Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi via video conferencing came amidst Beijing's deepening political and diplomatic influence in the Himalayan nation, including shoring-up support for pro-China Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli in the backdrop of intra-party feud in the ruling communist party.

Luo said that the two sides should focus on implementing the outcomes of last year's Nepal visit of President Xi Jinping, strengthening cooperation in fighting COVID-19 and jointly building the "One Belt One Road" initiative.

A pet project of Xi, the initiative focuses on improving connectivity and cooperation among Asian countries, Africa, China and Europe.

The two sides should firmly support each other's core interests and major concerns, strengthen coordination in international and regional affairs, and promote greater development of bilateral relations in such areas as connectivity, development assistance, defence, law enforcement and security, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

China's investments under its multibillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) include the building of the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network through Tibet.

China's high-profile projects include the construction of tunnels along the road from Jilong in Tibet to Kathmandu, establishment of a science and technology university in Nepal, development of the three North-South corridors in Nepal and the Nepal-China electric power cooperation.

According to a recent article by Nepal's ambassador to China Mahendra Bahadur Pandey in Chinese official media, plans are afoot on some of the landmark projects in the areas of infrastructure, industry and education that were agreed to be initiated in Nepal during Xi's visit.

Last month for the first-time, China held its first foreign ministers level meeting with Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nepal during which they discussed cooperation to contain COVID-19, economic recovery and resumption of the BRI projects.

Bairagi said Nepal will continue to firmly adhere to the ?One-China' policy and support China's positions on issues concerning Taiwan, Tibet and Hong Kong, the statement added.&nbsp;

China and Nepal should firmly support each other's core interests and major concerns, a senior Chinese official said on Wednesday as the two countries held their annual diplomatic consultations.

China and Nepal should firmly support each other's core interests and major concerns, a senior Chinese official said on Wednesday as the two countries held their annual diplomatic consultations. The 13th round of diplomatic consultations between China's Vice Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui and Nepal's Foreign Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi via video conferencing came amidst Beijing's deepening political and diplomatic influence in the Himalayan nation, including shoring-up support for pro-China Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli in the backdrop of intra-party feud in the ruling communist party. Luo said that the two sides should focus on implementing the outcomes of last year's Nepal visit of President Xi Jinping, strengthening cooperation in fighting COVID-19 and jointly building the "One Belt One Road" initiative. A pet project of Xi, the initiative focuses on improving connectivity and cooperation among Asian countries, Africa, China and Europe. The two sides should firmly support each other's core interests and major concerns, strengthen coordination in international and regional affairs, and promote greater development of bilateral relations in such areas as connectivity, development assistance, defence, law enforcement and security, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement. China's investments under its multibillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) include the building of the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network through Tibet. China's high-profile projects include the construction of tunnels along the road from Jilong in Tibet to Kathmandu, establishment of a science and technology university in Nepal, development of the three North-South corridors in Nepal and the Nepal-China electric power cooperation. According to a recent article by Nepal's ambassador to China Mahendra Bahadur Pandey in Chinese official media, plans are afoot on some of the landmark projects in the areas of infrastructure, industry and education that were agreed to be initiated in Nepal during Xi's visit. Last month for the first-time, China held its first foreign ministers level meeting with Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nepal during which they discussed cooperation to contain COVID-19, economic recovery and resumption of the BRI projects. Bairagi said Nepal will continue to firmly adhere to the ?One-China' policy and support China's positions on issues concerning Taiwan, Tibet and Hong Kong, the statement added.

China, Nepal should support each other's core interests: Chinese official

Some of the girls, especially from poorer families, have been lured into seeking jobs, and some have even fallen prey to labour and sexual exploitation.

Nepal's girls may drop out of school | Survey by Nepal literacy group | WION

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, a few weeks ago, had made a bizarre claim that "real Ayodhya lies in Nepal, not in India". He has now outdone himself, and has gone steps further to validate his belief.

Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli to inaugurate Ram Janmabhoomi site in Nepal

Nepal Communist Party's executive chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda&nbsp;has asked the party workers to prepare for the "worst" as the ongoing power tussle between him and Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has intensified with no solution in sight.

Oli and Prachanda have held at least ten meetings in recent weeks to sort out the differences between them. But, as the Prime Minister did not accept the condition of a one-man-one-post, the talks failed. Oli has refused to give up his post as prime minister as well as a co-chairman of the Nepal Communist Party (NCP).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/covid-19-nepal-may-see-remittance-contraction-of-287-in-2020-says-adb-318569" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Nepal may see remittance contraction of 28.7% in 2020, says ADB</a>

A bitter internal feud has been brewing in the ruling NCP since the last few weeks after top party leaders, including Prachanda, demanded Oli's resignation, saying his recent anti-India remarks were "neither politically correct nor diplomatically appropriate." The opponents of Oli are also against his autocratic style of functioning.

"Our main concern is not about gaining power, what we want is to follow the proper procedure while running the NCP. We are not focusing on gaining any position, but our fight is against the wrong trend developing in the party," Prachanda told a select group of journalists during a special briefing on Wednesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-kp-oli-prachanda-meeting-postponed-for-a-day-318442" hreflang="en">Nepal: KP Oli-Prachanda meeting postponed for a day</a>

The dissident group accused Oli of trying to damage the image of other senior leaders of the party, the daily reported. 
Prachanda and Nepal have claimed that the majority of the powerful Central Working Committee members have supported them while raising voice against Oli.

Prachanda also alleged that while the Standing Committee meeting was in progress, at the initiative of Prime Minister Oli a new party was registered under the name of a lesser-known person at the Election Commission with the intention to split the ruling party. 
"If one chairman (PM Oli) does not follow the proper procedure of the party then how can the unity of the party remain intact," he wondered.

Prachanda claimed that he and other senior leaders of the party were trying to save the party by creating a favourable situation. 
"We are trying for the best outcome but the communists of this country should also be prepared for the worst thing to happen," Prachanda told media persons, indicating a possible split in the ruling party.

"I had agreed to make Oli Prime Minister for a full 5 years term and enjoy the executive chairman's position in the party for creating a better environment within the party," said Prachanda.

"Oli has dragged the party towards anarchism by calling separate gatherings," Prachanda said.

During the press briefing, the senior leaders also accused Prime Oli of making political appointments on his own choice without consulting with the party.

Madhav Nepal accused Oli of working in the vested interest of a certain group and encouraging corrupt people while making appointments.

Meanwhile, PM Oli's chief advisor Bishnu Rimal has slammed Shrestha.

"Don't encourage groupism in the party at a time when the country is passing through a crisis. Enough is enough," he wrote on Twitter.

On July 28, Prime Minister Oli postponed the crucial Standing Committee meeting for the ninth time.

While Oli wants to call the Secretariat meeting to resolve the differences, Prachanda says it would be inappropriate to call the Secretariat meeting as the Standing Committee meeting that was put off on July 28 is yet to be over.

Prime Minister Oli wants the Secretariat meeting to resolve the key issues of an intra-party dispute as he now commands a majority in the nine-member body.

Prachanda, who is backed by senior party leader and former prime minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, believes that the Standing Committee could take decisions favourable to him as their faction commands a comfortable majority, according to reports.

Nepal Communist Party's executive chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has asked the party workers to prepare for the "worst" as the ongoing power tussle between him and Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has intensified with no solution in sight.

Nepal Communist Party's executive chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has asked the party workers to prepare for the "worst" as the ongoing power tussle between him and Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has intensified with no solution in sight. Oli and Prachanda have held at least ten meetings in recent weeks to sort out the differences between them. But, as the Prime Minister did not accept the condition of a one-man-one-post, the talks failed. Oli has refused to give up his post as prime minister as well as a co-chairman of the Nepal Communist Party (NCP). Also read: COVID-19: Nepal may see remittance contraction of 28.7% in 2020, says ADB A bitter internal feud has been brewing in the ruling NCP since the last few weeks after top party leaders, including Prachanda, demanded Oli's resignation, saying his recent anti-India remarks were "neither politically correct nor diplomatically appropriate." The opponents of Oli are also against his autocratic style of functioning. "Our main concern is not about gaining power, what we want is to follow the proper procedure while running the NCP. We are not focusing on gaining any position, but our fight is against the wrong trend developing in the party," Prachanda told a select group of journalists during a special briefing on Wednesday. Also read: Nepal: KP Oli-Prachanda meeting postponed for a day The dissident group accused Oli of trying to damage the image of other senior leaders of the party, the daily reported. Prachanda and Nepal have claimed that the majority of the powerful Central Working Committee members have supported them while raising voice against Oli. Prachanda also alleged that while the Standing Committee meeting was in progress, at the initiative of Prime Minister Oli a new party was registered under the name of a lesser-known person at the Election Commission with the intention to split the ruling party. "If one chairman (PM Oli) does not follow the proper procedure of the party then how can the unity of the party remain intact," he wondered. Prachanda claimed that he and other senior leaders of the party were trying to save the party by creating a favourable situation. "We are trying for the best outcome but the communists of this country should also be prepared for the worst thing to happen," Prachanda told media persons, indicating a possible split in the ruling party. "I had agreed to make Oli Prime Minister for a full 5 years term and enjoy the executive chairman's position in the party for creating a better environment within the party," said Prachanda. "Oli has dragged the party towards anarchism by calling separate gatherings," Prachanda said. During the press briefing, the senior leaders also accused Prime Oli of making political appointments on his own choice without consulting with the party. Madhav Nepal accused Oli of working in the vested interest of a certain group and encouraging corrupt people while making appointments. Meanwhile, PM Oli's chief advisor Bishnu Rimal has slammed Shrestha. "Don't encourage groupism in the party at a time when the country is passing through a crisis. Enough is enough," he wrote on Twitter. On July 28, Prime Minister Oli postponed the crucial Standing Committee meeting for the ninth time. While Oli wants to call the Secretariat meeting to resolve the differences, Prachanda says it would be inappropriate to call the Secretariat meeting as the Standing Committee meeting that was put off on July 28 is yet to be over. Prime Minister Oli wants the Secretariat meeting to resolve the key issues of an intra-party dispute as he now commands a majority in the nine-member body. Prachanda, who is backed by senior party leader and former prime minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, believes that the Standing Committee could take decisions favourable to him as their faction commands a comfortable majority, according to reports.

Prachanda tells party workers to prepare for worst as power tussle with PM Oli intensifies

Nepal may&nbsp;see 28.7 percent contraction in remittance in 2020, highest in the developing Asia&nbsp;amid a COVID-19 pandemic that has devastated economies, according to a report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

On the&nbsp;basis of the baseline data of 2018, this translates to an estimated loss of $2.32 billion as&nbsp;Nepali migrant workers sent home $8.29 billion in that year, according to the World Bank data.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-kp-oli-prachanda-meeting-postponed-for-a-day-318442" hreflang="en">Nepal: KP Oli-Prachanda meeting postponed for a day</a>

The report, called ‘Covid-19 Impact on International Migration, Remittances, and Recipient Households in Developing Asia’ was released this week stated ''the coronavirus&nbsp;pandemic is expected to hit remittances hard in Asia and the Pacific".

The countries facing "more severe" effects are those where the share of remittances to the gross domestic product and per capita remittances are high, such as Tonga, Samoa and other Pacific nations, it said.&nbsp;Nepal’s share of remittance to the country’s GDP stands at 27 percent.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-outbreak-should-not-be-used-to-target-government-nepal-pm-oli-318156" hreflang="en">Coronavirus outbreak should not be used to target government: Nepal PM Oli</a>

According to&nbsp;Gunakar Bhatta, spokesperson for Nepal’s central bank, Nepal Rastra Bank&nbsp;“Obviously, the situation is uncertain. The remittance income will not see a contraction by one-fourth as reported.”

The Manila-based lender said&nbsp;“Without continuous remittance flows, remittance-dependent households can fall into poverty or have difficulty meeting basic essential needs, as well as access to education and health services. Loan repayment is another challenge for remittance recipient households''.

"The worst-case scenario assumes that the domestic outbreak control and resumption of economic activities take a year's time," it said. "Uncertainty looms about the timing of full recovery, even as lockdowns are lifted."

Developing Asia, a group of 45 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, is forecast to clock up its weakest growth in nearly six decades this year, the lender said in its Asian Development Outlook report issued in June.

Nepal may see 28.7 percent contraction in remittance in 2020, highest in the developing Asia amid a COVID-19 pandemic that has devastated economies, according to a report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Nepal may see 28.7 percent contraction in remittance in 2020, highest in the developing Asia amid a COVID-19 pandemic that has devastated economies, according to a report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). On the basis of the baseline data of 2018, this translates to an estimated loss of $2.32 billion as Nepali migrant workers sent home $8.29 billion in that year, according to the World Bank data. Also read: Nepal: KP Oli-Prachanda meeting postponed for a day The report, called ‘Covid-19 Impact on International Migration, Remittances, and Recipient Households in Developing Asia’ was released this week stated ''the coronavirus pandemic is expected to hit remittances hard in Asia and the Pacific". The countries facing "more severe" effects are those where the share of remittances to the gross domestic product and per capita remittances are high, such as Tonga, Samoa and other Pacific nations, it said. Nepal’s share of remittance to the country’s GDP stands at 27 percent. Also read: Coronavirus outbreak should not be used to target government: Nepal PM Oli According to Gunakar Bhatta, spokesperson for Nepal’s central bank, Nepal Rastra Bank “Obviously, the situation is uncertain. The remittance income will not see a contraction by one-fourth as reported.” The Manila-based lender said “Without continuous remittance flows, remittance-dependent households can fall into poverty or have difficulty meeting basic essential needs, as well as access to education and health services. Loan repayment is another challenge for remittance recipient households''. "The worst-case scenario assumes that the domestic outbreak control and resumption of economic activities take a year's time," it said. "Uncertainty looms about the timing of full recovery, even as lockdowns are lifted." Developing Asia, a group of 45 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, is forecast to clock up its weakest growth in nearly six decades this year, the lender said in its Asian Development Outlook report issued in June.

COVID-19: Nepal may see remittance contraction of 28.7% in 2020, says ADB

An informal meeting between Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and the ruling party's executive chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' to sort out their differences was postponed on Wednesday for a day, sources said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-outbreak-should-not-be-used-to-target-government-nepal-pm-oli-318156" hreflang="en">Coronavirus outbreak should not be used to target government: Nepal PM Oli</a>

The two top leaders, who were earlier scheduled to meet on Wednesday evening, will now hold the informal talks on Thursday morning to resolve the ongoing crisis within the Nepal Communist Party (NCP), sources said.

Sources close to Prachanda said that the meeting was postponed at the request of Prime Minister Oli.

The two leaders held marathon meetings on Sunday and Monday but failed to agree on a power-sharing deal.

Oli and Prachanda have held at least ten meetings in recent weeks to sort out the differences between them. But, as the Prime Minister did not accept the condition of a one-man-one-post, the talks failed. Oli has refused to give up his post as prime minister as well as a co-chairman of the NCP.

A bitter internal feud has been brewing in the ruling NCP since the last few weeks after top party leaders, including Prachanda, demanded Oli's resignation, saying his recent anti-India remarks were "neither politically correct nor diplomatically appropriate."

They are also against Oli's autocratic style of functioning.

The differences grew further after Oli said that some of the ruling party leaders are aligning with the southern neighbour to remove him from power after his government issued a new political map incorporating three Indian territories of Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura.

The two leaders are also engaged in tightening their grip within the party with the escalation of intra-party feud.

On July 28, Prime Minister Oli postponed the crucial Standing Committee meeting for the ninth time.

While Oli wants to call the Secretariat meeting to resolve the differences, Prachanda says it would be inappropriate to call the Secretariat meeting as the Standing Committee meeting that was put off on July 28 is yet to be over.

Prime Minister Oli wants the Secretariat meeting to resolve the key issues of intra-party dispute as he now commands a majority in the nine-member body after Vice Chairman Gautam stood in his favour.

Prachanda, who is backed by senior party leader and former prime minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, believes that the Standing Committee could take decisions favourable to him as their faction commands a comfortable majority, according to reports.

An informal meeting between Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and the ruling party's executive chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' to sort out their differences was postponed on Wednesday for a day, sources said.

An informal meeting between Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and the ruling party's executive chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' to sort out their differences was postponed on Wednesday for a day, sources said. Also read: Coronavirus outbreak should not be used to target government: Nepal PM Oli The two top leaders, who were earlier scheduled to meet on Wednesday evening, will now hold the informal talks on Thursday morning to resolve the ongoing crisis within the Nepal Communist Party (NCP), sources said. Sources close to Prachanda said that the meeting was postponed at the request of Prime Minister Oli. The two leaders held marathon meetings on Sunday and Monday but failed to agree on a power-sharing deal. Oli and Prachanda have held at least ten meetings in recent weeks to sort out the differences between them. But, as the Prime Minister did not accept the condition of a one-man-one-post, the talks failed. Oli has refused to give up his post as prime minister as well as a co-chairman of the NCP. A bitter internal feud has been brewing in the ruling NCP since the last few weeks after top party leaders, including Prachanda, demanded Oli's resignation, saying his recent anti-India remarks were "neither politically correct nor diplomatically appropriate." They are also against Oli's autocratic style of functioning. The differences grew further after Oli said that some of the ruling party leaders are aligning with the southern neighbour to remove him from power after his government issued a new political map incorporating three Indian territories of Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura. The two leaders are also engaged in tightening their grip within the party with the escalation of intra-party feud. On July 28, Prime Minister Oli postponed the crucial Standing Committee meeting for the ninth time. While Oli wants to call the Secretariat meeting to resolve the differences, Prachanda says it would be inappropriate to call the Secretariat meeting as the Standing Committee meeting that was put off on July 28 is yet to be over. Prime Minister Oli wants the Secretariat meeting to resolve the key issues of intra-party dispute as he now commands a majority in the nine-member body after Vice Chairman Gautam stood in his favour. Prachanda, who is backed by senior party leader and former prime minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, believes that the Standing Committee could take decisions favourable to him as their faction commands a comfortable majority, according to reports.

Nepal: KP Oli-Prachanda meeting postponed for a day

In a new development, Nepal has intensified its activities on the Indo-Nepal border at many places and it has accelerated the work of building more than 200 new border outposts (BOP) on its side across the border, sources on Monday.

Nepal builds 200 new BOPs along its border with India

Heavy rain in Nepal triggered landslides on Monday that killed eight labourers at a construction site and two members of a family, taking the toll in floods and landslides to 177 since late May.

Elsewhere in South Asia, the annual rainy season brought more misery with at least 135 people killed in Bangladesh since late June in the longest-running floods there in more than two decades, while floods have killed nearly 120 people and displaced millions in the Indian states of Assam and Bihar.

Nepali government official Murari Wasti told Reuters that the labourers were sleeping in a tin-roofed shelter near the capital, Kathmandu, when the landslide hit.

"Rescuers dug through the mud and took out all eight bodies," Wasti said. One injured labourer had been taken to hospital.

A second landslide nearby killed a woman and her husband.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/south-asia/un-wont-officially-use-or-endorse-controversial-new-nepal-map-317509" hreflang="en">UN won't officially use or endorse controversial new Nepal map</a>

Wasti said 57 people were missing and 111 injured in floods or landslides caused by the May-September monsoon rains.

The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan has also been hit with four soldiers killed there last month while rescuing villagers trapped in floods, officials said.

The conditions have complicated the poor region's efforts to fight the novel coronavirus, especially in densely populated Bangladesh, which has reported 240,746 infections with 3,154 deaths.

More than 1 million people are marooned in Bangladesh and thousands of hectares of land have been submerged, forcing more than 60,000 into crowed shelters, said Enamur Rahman, junior minister of the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry.

"This is really challenging," he said, while adding that efforts were being made to maintain social distancing.

The runoff from heavy rain across Indian mountains had pushed levels of many of Bangladesh's rivers into the danger zone, said Arifuzzaman Bhuiyan, executive engineer&nbsp;at the Bangladesh Water Development Board, contributing to the worst flooding since 1998.

Heavy rain in Nepal triggered landslides on Monday that killed eight labourers at a construction site and two members of a family, taking the toll in floods and landslides to 177 since late May.

Heavy rain in Nepal triggered landslides on Monday that killed eight labourers at a construction site and two members of a family, taking the toll in floods and landslides to 177 since late May. Elsewhere in South Asia, the annual rainy season brought more misery with at least 135 people killed in Bangladesh since late June in the longest-running floods there in more than two decades, while floods have killed nearly 120 people and displaced millions in the Indian states of Assam and Bihar. Nepali government official Murari Wasti told Reuters that the labourers were sleeping in a tin-roofed shelter near the capital, Kathmandu, when the landslide hit. "Rescuers dug through the mud and took out all eight bodies," Wasti said. One injured labourer had been taken to hospital. A second landslide nearby killed a woman and her husband. Also read: UN won't officially use or endorse controversial new Nepal map Wasti said 57 people were missing and 111 injured in floods or landslides caused by the May-September monsoon rains. The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan has also been hit with four soldiers killed there last month while rescuing villagers trapped in floods, officials said. The conditions have complicated the poor region's efforts to fight the novel coronavirus, especially in densely populated Bangladesh, which has reported 240,746 infections with 3,154 deaths. More than 1 million people are marooned in Bangladesh and thousands of hectares of land have been submerged, forcing more than 60,000 into crowed shelters, said Enamur Rahman, junior minister of the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry. "This is really challenging," he said, while adding that efforts were being made to maintain social distancing. The runoff from heavy rain across Indian mountains had pushed levels of many of Bangladesh's rivers into the danger zone, said Arifuzzaman Bhuiyan, executive engineer at the Bangladesh Water Development Board, contributing to the worst flooding since 1998.

Landslides kill 10 in Nepal as heavy rains take toll in South Asia

Even as Nepal government plans to send the new map which shows Indian territories as Nepal's to United Nations, the New York-based body would neither use it in its official dealings nor display the territories and areas claimed by Nepal as its territories on its website.

United Nations won't officially use or endorse controversial new Nepal map

Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is unable to settle the crisis within his own party. Allegedly, China's Ambassador to Nepal Hou Yanqi has once again intervened to stop a split within Nepal's ruling party. WION's Palki Sharma brings you the latest updates.

Gravitas: Nepal political crisis | KP Sharma Oli left with limited options

Nepal will reopen its Himalayan mountains including Mount Everest to climbers for the autumn season, officials said on Thursday, to boost the tourism-dependent economy despite rising coronavirus infections.

Home to eight of the world’s 14 tallest mountains, Nepal shut down climbing and trekking in March to stem the novel coronavirus, which has so far infected 19,547 people and caused 52 deaths in the country of 30 million.

“We have reopened mountaineering and will issue climbing permits for the autumn season,” tourism department official Mira Acharya said, adding that climbers must follow health protocols issued by the government. The autumn climbing season in Nepal runs from September to November.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rift-widens-as-prachanda-convenes-standing-committee-meeting-in-nepal-without-pm-oli-316816">Also read:&nbsp;Rift widens as Prachanda convenes Standing Committee meeting in Nepal without PM Oli</a>

While infections in many Western nations are falling, South Asian countries including Nepal are still witnessing a steady rise in the caseload.

The absence of climbing in the popular April-May season caused Nepal millions of dollars in losses. Hundreds of foreign travellers and some 200,000 sherpas, guides and porters were hit.

Though the government now wants to reopen climbing, international flights are shut until mid-August and travel restrictions within Nepal remain, meaning climbers will still be kept away in the short term, expedition organisers said.

“Some climbers to smaller mountains may come but I have doubts about big ones,” said Ang Tshering Sherpa, an expedition organiser in the capital Kathmandu.

Nepal on Thursday also allowed the reopening of hotels and restaurants with some restrictions. No conferences, seminars, gyms or casinos would be allowed, said Binayak Shah, vice president of the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN).

“Now it is (about) which hotel is safe, not which offers better services,” Shah said.

Nepal will reopen its Himalayan mountains including Mount Everest to climbers for the autumn season, officials said on Thursday, to boost the tourism-dependent economy despite rising coronavirus infections.

Nepal will reopen its Himalayan mountains including Mount Everest to climbers for the autumn season, officials said on Thursday, to boost the tourism-dependent economy despite rising coronavirus infections. Home to eight of the world’s 14 tallest mountains, Nepal shut down climbing and trekking in March to stem the novel coronavirus, which has so far infected 19,547 people and caused 52 deaths in the country of 30 million. “We have reopened mountaineering and will issue climbing permits for the autumn season,” tourism department official Mira Acharya said, adding that climbers must follow health protocols issued by the government. The autumn climbing season in Nepal runs from September to November. Also read: Rift widens as Prachanda convenes Standing Committee meeting in Nepal without PM Oli While infections in many Western nations are falling, South Asian countries including Nepal are still witnessing a steady rise in the caseload. The absence of climbing in the popular April-May season caused Nepal millions of dollars in losses. Hundreds of foreign travellers and some 200,000 sherpas, guides and porters were hit. Though the government now wants to reopen climbing, international flights are shut until mid-August and travel restrictions within Nepal remain, meaning climbers will still be kept away in the short term, expedition organisers said. “Some climbers to smaller mountains may come but I have doubts about big ones,” said Ang Tshering Sherpa, an expedition organiser in the capital Kathmandu. Nepal on Thursday also allowed the reopening of hotels and restaurants with some restrictions. No conferences, seminars, gyms or casinos would be allowed, said Binayak Shah, vice president of the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN). “Now it is (about) which hotel is safe, not which offers better services,” Shah said.

Nepal to reopen Everest to climbers despite coronavirus case rise

China has denied involvement in Indo-Nepal conflict. Watch this video to know more.

China denies involvement in Indo-Nepal conflict

On July 27, China held an unprecedented four-party conference with Pakistan, Nepal & Afghanistan. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how the meeting was an attempt to corner India.

Gravitas: China's unprecedented meeting with India's neighbours

Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda, co-chairman of the ruling Communist Party of Nepal, said on Friday that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was adamant in dividing the party amid serious differences between them over the power-sharing agreement.

Nepal: Prachanda hits out at PM KP Sharma Oli

At least 132 people have lost their lives in about 445 incidents of landslides, flash floods, and other floods triggered by incessant rainfall in the past 40 days, in Nepal.

As per the natural calamity statistics recorded by Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority till yesterday, at least 132 people had lost their lives whereas 53 were missing, and 128 were reported to be injured.

Around a thousand families have been directly affected since the monsoon season started in Nepal. This year the monsoon season hit the mountainous country last month.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepals-covid-19-tally-rises-to-18241-315538" hreflang="en">Nepal's COVID-19 tally rises to 18,241</a>

By now this has triggered incidents like floods and landslides in 70 of the 77 districts in the country.The Government of Nepal is yet to ascertain loss of properties in the incidents. This calculation is expected to rise on further as incidents of calamities have increased this year in comparison to previous year records.

As per the record of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, last year in the first 40 days of the monsoon season, only 48 people had lost their lives but the number this year increased by almost 3 times for the same considered time duration.

Landslides over major highways in various parts of the nation has disrupted life as the road connecting Kathmandu with other districts is still struggling to start its track activities. People living alongside the highway have been rendered homeless.

"There's no condition to go up there. My house now is surrounded by a stream making it totally inaccessible. Previously it was just a small stream," said Ramkumar Ghalan to ANI, a highway-side resident in Chitwan whose house is now surrounded by a downward stream of the flash floods.

In the past 10 years, Nepal has recorded 4,500 cases of landslides, flash floods, avalanches and heavy rainfall incidents in which a total of 1,952 people have lost their lives.

It has also been estimated that maximum property has been destroyed.In a span of 10 years, 19 major incidents of avalanches have been recorded by the government.

These incidents reportedly claimed the lives of 40 people. Nepal's Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has issued a warning of heavy rainfall in the coming days as the monsoon season is slated to last for an additional 60 days. This bears the potential capacity to aggravate the situation around the nation.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

At least 132 people have lost their lives in about 445 incidents of landslides, flash floods, and other floods triggered by incessant rainfall in the past 40 days, in Nepal.

At least 132 people have lost their lives in about 445 incidents of landslides, flash floods, and other floods triggered by incessant rainfall in the past 40 days, in Nepal. As per the natural calamity statistics recorded by Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority till yesterday, at least 132 people had lost their lives whereas 53 were missing, and 128 were reported to be injured. Around a thousand families have been directly affected since the monsoon season started in Nepal. This year the monsoon season hit the mountainous country last month. Also read: Nepal's COVID-19 tally rises to 18,241 By now this has triggered incidents like floods and landslides in 70 of the 77 districts in the country.The Government of Nepal is yet to ascertain loss of properties in the incidents. This calculation is expected to rise on further as incidents of calamities have increased this year in comparison to previous year records. As per the record of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, last year in the first 40 days of the monsoon season, only 48 people had lost their lives but the number this year increased by almost 3 times for the same considered time duration. Landslides over major highways in various parts of the nation has disrupted life as the road connecting Kathmandu with other districts is still struggling to start its track activities. People living alongside the highway have been rendered homeless. "There's no condition to go up there. My house now is surrounded by a stream making it totally inaccessible. Previously it was just a small stream," said Ramkumar Ghalan to ANI, a highway-side resident in Chitwan whose house is now surrounded by a downward stream of the flash floods. In the past 10 years, Nepal has recorded 4,500 cases of landslides, flash floods, avalanches and heavy rainfall incidents in which a total of 1,952 people have lost their lives. It has also been estimated that maximum property has been destroyed.In a span of 10 years, 19 major incidents of avalanches have been recorded by the government. These incidents reportedly claimed the lives of 40 people. Nepal's Department of Meteorology and Hydrology has issued a warning of heavy rainfall in the coming days as the monsoon season is slated to last for an additional 60 days. This bears the potential capacity to aggravate the situation around the nation.

132 dead by rain triggered floods and landslides in past 40 days in Nepal

Nepal's coronavirus tally reached 18,241 with the detection of 147 new cases in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said on Thursday.

The death toll rose by one to 43 after a fatality was reported, Health Ministry Spokesperson Jageshwor Gautam said. 
In the last 24 hours, 156 coronavirus patients have recovered, the spokesperson said. In total, 12,840 people have recovered from the disease and 5,358 active cases are undergoing treatment.

Nepal has so far conducted 331,095 Polymerase chain reaction tests in 28 laboratories across the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-lifts-its-coronavirus-lockdown-after-120-days-315206">Also read:&nbsp;Nepal lifts its coronavirus lockdown after 120 days</a>

The government lifted the nationwide lockdown earlier in the week. Long-route public transportation will be allowed from August 17.

Academic institutions will be allowed to open admissions for the new academic session from August 16.

Cinema halls, dance bars, beauty salons, fitness centres, swimming pools and religious places will remain closed. 
Domestic and international flights will be allowed to operate from August 17.

Following the second COVID-19 case in Nepal, the government on March 24 had enforced the nationwide lockdown.

Nepal's coronavirus tally reached 18,241 with the detection of 147 new cases in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said on Thursday. The death toll rose by one to 43 after a fatality was reported, Health Ministry Spokesperson Jageshwor Gautam said.

Nepal's coronavirus tally reached 18,241 with the detection of 147 new cases in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said on Thursday. The death toll rose by one to 43 after a fatality was reported, Health Ministry Spokesperson Jageshwor Gautam said. In the last 24 hours, 156 coronavirus patients have recovered, the spokesperson said. In total, 12,840 people have recovered from the disease and 5,358 active cases are undergoing treatment. Nepal has so far conducted 331,095 Polymerase chain reaction tests in 28 laboratories across the country. Also read: Nepal lifts its coronavirus lockdown after 120 days The government lifted the nationwide lockdown earlier in the week. Long-route public transportation will be allowed from August 17. Academic institutions will be allowed to open admissions for the new academic session from August 16. Cinema halls, dance bars, beauty salons, fitness centres, swimming pools and religious places will remain closed. Domestic and international flights will be allowed to operate from August 17. Following the second COVID-19 case in Nepal, the government on March 24 had enforced the nationwide lockdown.

Nepal's COVID-19 tally rises to 18,241

Vehicular movement on Nepal`s roads commenced from Wednesday with the Himalayan country lifting its 4-month nationwide lockdown from Tuesday midnight, owning to a decline in the number of coronavirus cases."I am happy with the decision.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-floods-claim-54-lives-affect-24-million-people-says-un-315172" hreflang="en">Bangladesh floods claim 54 lives, affect 2.4 million people, says UN</a>

It would obviously take more time to return to normalcy like before but it would also help us get back to our work," said Januka Dhungana, working at a co-operative financial institution in Kathmandu.

The lockdown was placed in effect since March 24 when Nepal reported its second case of the novel coronavirus.

The lifting of lockdown is not applicable for educational institutions, public gatherings, exhibitions and seminars. It also does not extend to places of recreational activities like bars, salons, gyms, health clubs, community sports centres, religious places, libraries, museums and zoos.

Hotels, restaurants, travel, trekking and mountaineering activities will be permitted to resume their services and operations from July 30. Long-distance public transportation services, domestic and international flights, training sessions and preliminary stages of international games, student admissions, academic and other examinations will be allowed from August 17.

With deadlines for the resumption of various services, businesses in Nepal are preparing to return to operations.Nepal reported its first case of COVID-19 in January which also was the first case of South Asia. But by late July, it had ended up recording a total of 17,994 cases along with 40 deaths.

Vehicular movement on Nepal`s roads commenced from Wednesday with the Himalayan country lifting its 4-month nationwide lockdown from Tuesday midnight, owning to a decline in the number of coronavirus cases.

Vehicular movement on Nepal`s roads commenced from Wednesday with the Himalayan country lifting its 4-month nationwide lockdown from Tuesday midnight, owning to a decline in the number of coronavirus cases."I am happy with the decision. Also read: Bangladesh floods claim 54 lives, affect 2.4 million people, says UN It would obviously take more time to return to normalcy like before but it would also help us get back to our work," said Januka Dhungana, working at a co-operative financial institution in Kathmandu. The lockdown was placed in effect since March 24 when Nepal reported its second case of the novel coronavirus. The lifting of lockdown is not applicable for educational institutions, public gatherings, exhibitions and seminars. It also does not extend to places of recreational activities like bars, salons, gyms, health clubs, community sports centres, religious places, libraries, museums and zoos. Hotels, restaurants, travel, trekking and mountaineering activities will be permitted to resume their services and operations from July 30. Long-distance public transportation services, domestic and international flights, training sessions and preliminary stages of international games, student admissions, academic and other examinations will be allowed from August 17. With deadlines for the resumption of various services, businesses in Nepal are preparing to return to operations.Nepal reported its first case of COVID-19 in January which also was the first case of South Asia. But by late July, it had ended up recording a total of 17,994 cases along with 40 deaths.

Nepal lifts its coronavirus lockdown after 120 days

For now, it seems that Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli have manged to save his chair. Reports say a split in Nepal's ruling party has been averted.&nbsp;

Some claims also suggest that Oli is close to deal with Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-ruling-partys-standing-committee-meeting-postponed-for-seventh-time-until-tuesday-314462">Nepal ruling party's Standing Committee meeting postponed for seventh time until Tuesday</a>

Thoughout the month, we have seen China's ambassador to Nepal Hou Yanqi in action. Hou has a lot of controversies under her name.&nbsp;

The Nepal Communist Party was born out of a marriage between the parties of Oli and Dahal and China stitched the alliance.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-nepal-a-wobbly-truce-between-prachanda-and-kp-sharma-oli-314769/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

China has gone extra miles to save an alliance, even, when the people of Nepal have called China out for meddling in its politics. There were protests too with people coming out in streets. Nepali newspapers also questioned the role of Chinese ambassador.&nbsp;

Hou was seen attending political meetings, thereby breaking the diplomatic code of conduct.&nbsp;

China remained brazen about the entire affair.&nbsp;

The press in Nepal spoke to the spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy and asked him about the objective of the ambassador's meeting.&nbsp;

The ambassador "didn't wish to see the NCP in trouble and wished its leaders would resolve their differrence and stay united."

This is not the first time Hou has intereferred in Nepal's domestic politics.&nbsp;

In May, she had held a number of meetings and the purpose of those were to save the ruling party from splitting.&nbsp;

China has once again manged to avert a breakup. However, the truce seems temporary.

Another report from Nepal says Dahal has ruled out an early convention of the party, adding there are "various issues" that still need to be sorted out.&nbsp;

Allegedly, Dahal was criticised after reports came out that he has reached a deal with Oli. It said members of his own faction are unhappy as they wanted Oli to step down.&nbsp;

It clearly seems that the deal seems uneasy and may not last the test of time.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

For now, it seems that Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli have manged to save his chair. Reports say a split in Nepal's ruling party has been averted. Some claims also suggest that Oli is close to deal with Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

For now, it seems that Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli have manged to save his chair. Reports say a split in Nepal's ruling party has been averted. Some claims also suggest that Oli is close to deal with Pushpa Kamal Dahal. Also read | Nepal ruling party's Standing Committee meeting postponed for seventh time until Tuesday Thoughout the month, we have seen China's ambassador to Nepal Hou Yanqi in action. Hou has a lot of controversies under her name. The Nepal Communist Party was born out of a marriage between the parties of Oli and Dahal and China stitched the alliance. China has gone extra miles to save an alliance, even, when the people of Nepal have called China out for meddling in its politics. There were protests too with people coming out in streets. Nepali newspapers also questioned the role of Chinese ambassador. Hou was seen attending political meetings, thereby breaking the diplomatic code of conduct. China remained brazen about the entire affair. The press in Nepal spoke to the spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy and asked him about the objective of the ambassador's meeting. The ambassador "didn't wish to see the NCP in trouble and wished its leaders would resolve their differrence and stay united." This is not the first time Hou has intereferred in Nepal's domestic politics. In May, she had held a number of meetings and the purpose of those were to save the ruling party from splitting. China has once again manged to avert a breakup. However, the truce seems temporary. Another report from Nepal says Dahal has ruled out an early convention of the party, adding there are "various issues" that still need to be sorted out. Allegedly, Dahal was criticised after reports came out that he has reached a deal with Oli. It said members of his own faction are unhappy as they wanted Oli to step down. It clearly seems that the deal seems uneasy and may not last the test of time.

How China saved Nepali PM KP Sharma Oli's chair

A significant meeting of the ruling Nepal Communist Party will decide the political future of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli. The meeting was once again delayed on Wednesday till Friday to allow more time for the top leaders to reach a power-sharing deal amid the heightened intra-party rift and his anti-India remarks.

Nepal’s ruling communist party’s meet to decide PM Oli's future

The Nepal Communist Party standing committee meeting which was scheduled to take place today has been postponed again. The talks were postponed after PM KP Sharma Oli refused to attend the meeting. Watch report.

Nepal's Communist party meet delayed as PM Oli refused to attend meet

Nepal said Tuesday it will resume international commercial flights in mid-August, in a boost for its coronavirus-hit tourism sector.

The Himalayan nation shut its airports in late March to combat the spread of the virus, which has so far infected 17,844 people and claimed 40 lives in the country.

The shutdown hit just before the peak of the tourism season, when hundreds of mountaineers and trekkers visit Nepal, costing the industry, a key part of the economy,&nbsp;millions of dollars.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/how-china-saved-nepali-pm-kp-sharma-olis-chair-314764" hreflang="en">How China saved Nepali PM KP Sharma Oli's chair</a>

The decision to restart commercial domestic and international flights from August 17 was taken in a cabinet meeting Monday, Nepal's Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Yogesh Bhattarai said.

"The ministry is working on safety protocols for airport management, flight operators and passengers for the purpose," he told AFP.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-ruling-partys-standing-committee-meeting-postponed-for-seventh-time-until-tuesday-314462" hreflang="en">Nepal ruling party's Standing Committee meeting postponed for seventh time until Tuesday</a>

All arriving and departing international passengers would need to have a certificate saying they are not carrying the virus.

Bhattarai said arriving travellers would also have to stay in quarantine, without specifying the duration.

About one-third of the 1.2 million visitors to Nepal last year arrived during the autumn season, according to government figures.

"It is... positive news and we have been receiving questions from clients," Nabin Trital of the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal told AFP.

"We are discussing... protocols to ensure (the) safety of those who visit."

Nepal said Tuesday it will resume international commercial flights in mid-August, in a boost for its coronavirus-hit tourism sector. The Himalayan nation shut its airports in late March to combat the spread of the virus, which has so far infected 17,844 people and claimed 40 lives in the country.

Nepal said Tuesday it will resume international commercial flights in mid-August, in a boost for its coronavirus-hit tourism sector. The Himalayan nation shut its airports in late March to combat the spread of the virus, which has so far infected 17,844 people and claimed 40 lives in the country. The shutdown hit just before the peak of the tourism season, when hundreds of mountaineers and trekkers visit Nepal, costing the industry, a key part of the economy, millions of dollars. Also read: How China saved Nepali PM KP Sharma Oli's chair The decision to restart commercial domestic and international flights from August 17 was taken in a cabinet meeting Monday, Nepal's Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Yogesh Bhattarai said. "The ministry is working on safety protocols for airport management, flight operators and passengers for the purpose," he told AFP. Also read: Nepal ruling party's Standing Committee meeting postponed for seventh time until Tuesday All arriving and departing international passengers would need to have a certificate saying they are not carrying the virus. Bhattarai said arriving travellers would also have to stay in quarantine, without specifying the duration. About one-third of the 1.2 million visitors to Nepal last year arrived during the autumn season, according to government figures. "It is... positive news and we have been receiving questions from clients," Nabin Trital of the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal told AFP. "We are discussing... protocols to ensure (the) safety of those who visit."

Nepal to resume flights in boost for virus-hit tourism sector

Tensions between India and Nepal are rising day by day. Nepal's Home Minister accuses India of causing floods.

Nepal's Home Minister accuses India of causing floods in Nepal

Nepal's ruling communist party on Sunday once again postponed the crucial meeting of its powerful Standing Committee until 11 am on Tuesday.

This is for the seventh time that the ruling party has postponed its Standing Committee meeting.

During an informal meeting on Sunday morning, the party's top leaders decided to defer the meeting for two days in a bid to sort out differences, PTI report said quoting&nbsp;Standing Committee member Ganesh Shah.

The 45-member powerful Standing Committee's meeting was first called for June 24 after Prime Minister Oli alleged that some of the party leaders are aligning with the southern neighbour to remove him from power after his government issued a new political map incorporating three Indian territories.

Top NCP leaders, including 'Prachanda', have been demanding Prime Minister Oli's resignation, saying his recent anti-India remarks were "neither politically correct nor diplomatically appropriate." They are also against Oli's autocratic style of functioning.

The Prime Minister's fate will now be decided in the CWC meeting on Tuesday.

The CWC is authorised to take a formal decision on the 'one-man, one-post' to be implemented in the party as per the demand of the dissident group led by Prachanda, he said.

Sunday's Standing Committee meeting was expected to fix the date for the CWC meeting.

On Saturday, 68-year-old Oli proposed to convene early general convention of the party in order to resolve the issue, sources said.

Nepal's ruling communist party on Sunday once again postponed the crucial meeting of its powerful Standing Committee until 11 am on Tuesday. This is for the seventh time that the ruling party has postponed its Standing Committee meeting.

Nepal's ruling communist party on Sunday once again postponed the crucial meeting of its powerful Standing Committee until 11 am on Tuesday. This is for the seventh time that the ruling party has postponed its Standing Committee meeting. During an informal meeting on Sunday morning, the party's top leaders decided to defer the meeting for two days in a bid to sort out differences, PTI report said quoting Standing Committee member Ganesh Shah. The 45-member powerful Standing Committee's meeting was first called for June 24 after Prime Minister Oli alleged that some of the party leaders are aligning with the southern neighbour to remove him from power after his government issued a new political map incorporating three Indian territories. Top NCP leaders, including 'Prachanda', have been demanding Prime Minister Oli's resignation, saying his recent anti-India remarks were "neither politically correct nor diplomatically appropriate." They are also against Oli's autocratic style of functioning. The Prime Minister's fate will now be decided in the CWC meeting on Tuesday. The CWC is authorised to take a formal decision on the 'one-man, one-post' to be implemented in the party as per the demand of the dissident group led by Prachanda, he said. Sunday's Standing Committee meeting was expected to fix the date for the CWC meeting. On Saturday, 68-year-old Oli proposed to convene early general convention of the party in order to resolve the issue, sources said.

Nepal ruling party's Standing Committee meeting postponed for seventh time until Tuesday

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