The results of Nepal's elections are yet to be declared fully but it seems that the ruling coalition in Kathmandu, led by the Nepali Congress, is likely to remain in power. However, the primary opposition CPN-UML might also have a sizable presence in the federal parliament.&nbsp;

While the Nepali Congress&nbsp;is expected to reach 138 seats in the 275-member House of Representatives, the CPN-UML is trying to club together with smaller parties&nbsp;and lure the Madhav Kumar Nepal-led CPN to somehow secure the magic numbers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nepal-elections-2022-odds-in-pm-deubas-favour-as-nepali-congress-surges-in-trends-536880">Also read |&nbsp;Nepal Elections 2022: Odds in PM Deuba's favour as Nepali Congress surges in trends</a>

As of now, the Election Commission has declared winners in 161 first-past-the-post parliamentary seats. Both NC and UML have won 54 seats. Under proportional representation, the UML is expected to secure 34 seats and NC is predicted to gain 32 seats.

NC's leader Bimalendra Nidhi said that the party will be choosing its first parliamentary party leader. He also said that he would easily have the majority since his party is the largest&nbsp; in the parliament. Bimalendra&nbsp;also said that the former alliance partners CPN-Maoists and CPN-Unified Socialists have said that they will continue the pact.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-elections-2022-explained-current-political-scenario-electoral-violence-and-road-ahead-535983">Also read |&nbsp;Nepal elections 2022: Current political scenario, electoral violence and road ahead</a>

On the other hand, Subas Chandra Nembang, leader of the CPN-UML said that his party will try to form a government and has begun discussions with other parties. The UML leader said that despite NC having more seats, UML is ahead in vote percentage.

Six sitting ministers of Sher Bahadur Deuba-led five-party coalition,&nbsp;including the Home Minister Khan, Minister for Water Supply Umakanta Chaudhary, and Minister of State for Prime Minister's office Umesh Shreshtha of the Nepali Congress,&nbsp;have lost elections to the house of representatives.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The results of Nepal's elections are yet to be declared fully but it seems that the ruling coalition in Kathmandu, led by the Nepali Congress, is likely to remain in power.

The results of Nepal's elections are yet to be declared fully but it seems that the ruling coalition in Kathmandu, led by the Nepali Congress, is likely to remain in power. However, the primary opposition CPN-UML might also have a sizable presence in the federal parliament. While the Nepali Congress is expected to reach 138 seats in the 275-member House of Representatives, the CPN-UML is trying to club together with smaller parties and lure the Madhav Kumar Nepal-led CPN to somehow secure the magic numbers. Also read | Nepal Elections 2022: Odds in PM Deuba's favour as Nepali Congress surges in trends As of now, the Election Commission has declared winners in 161 first-past-the-post parliamentary seats. Both NC and UML have won 54 seats. Under proportional representation, the UML is expected to secure 34 seats and NC is predicted to gain 32 seats. NC's leader Bimalendra Nidhi said that the party will be choosing its first parliamentary party leader. He also said that he would easily have the majority since his party is the largest in the parliament. Bimalendra also said that the former alliance partners CPN-Maoists and CPN-Unified Socialists have said that they will continue the pact. Also read | Nepal elections 2022: Current political scenario, electoral violence and road ahead On the other hand, Subas Chandra Nembang, leader of the CPN-UML said that his party will try to form a government and has begun discussions with other parties. The UML leader said that despite NC having more seats, UML is ahead in vote percentage. Six sitting ministers of Sher Bahadur Deuba-led five-party coalition, including the Home Minister Khan, Minister for Water Supply Umakanta Chaudhary, and Minister of State for Prime Minister's office Umesh Shreshtha of the Nepali Congress, have lost elections to the house of representatives. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Nepal Elections 2022: Nepali Congress has an edge over CPN-UML in race to form government

Ahead of Nepal’s parliamentary assembly elections, political analysts here are predicting a hung parliament and a government that is unlikely to provide much-needed political stability.

Nepal Parliamentary Polls: Analyst predict a hung Parliament

Polls are underway in Nepal, close to 18 million people are eligible to vote. Political analysts are predicting a hung parliament and a government that is unlikely to provide much-needed political stability.

All you need to know about the Nepal national elections

In Nepal, there's an apparent tussle between the executive and the president over the citizenship bill. It appears that the House of Representatives is stuck between the government and the president, which is a constitutional post in the nation with no executive powers.&nbsp;

This comes after President Bidya Devi Bhandari recently returned the bill to amend the Citizenship Act 2006 to the Pratinidhi Sabha (House of Representatives) for review, which was then passed again without reviewing.&nbsp;

The move highlights the differences between the government and the president, which have surfaced recently as Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba reportedly told his party leaders recently that the president is planning to resign.&nbsp;

But amid all this chaos, experts are highlighting how this law will appear as gender discriminatory.

Controversy erupted after lawmakers of the main opposition CPN-UML raised questions on some of its provisions including granting citizenship certificates immediately to foreign women married to Nepali citizens.&nbsp;

It is also the most debated issue as the bill did not bar foreign women from marrying Nepali men from getting citizenship easily.&nbsp;

As per the reports, the main criticism against the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2006 is that it is against gender justice.&nbsp;

It is also termed as contradictory to some sections of the law.&nbsp;

As per Article 11(2b), a person born to a father or a mother with Nepalese citizenship can get citizenship by descent. On the other hand, as per Article 11(5) of the constitution, a person who is born to a Nepalese mother (who has lived in the country) and an unidentified father will also get citizenship by descent.&nbsp;

But concerns have been raised as a mother has to declare that her husband is unidentified for the child to be eligible for citizenship. Meanwhile, such declarations are not needed for a Nepalese father.&nbsp;

As quoted by Kathmandu Post, Khim Lal Devkota, an independent lawmaker at the Upper House, said, "It is wrong to grant a foreign woman naturalisation immediately after marriage. There must be a cooling-off period."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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In Nepal, there's an apparent tussle between the executive and the president over the citizenship bill. It appears that the House of Representatives is stuck between the government and the president, which is a constitutional post in the nation with no executive powers.

In Nepal, there's an apparent tussle between the executive and the president over the citizenship bill. It appears that the House of Representatives is stuck between the government and the president, which is a constitutional post in the nation with no executive powers. This comes after President Bidya Devi Bhandari recently returned the bill to amend the Citizenship Act 2006 to the Pratinidhi Sabha (House of Representatives) for review, which was then passed again without reviewing. The move highlights the differences between the government and the president, which have surfaced recently as Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba reportedly told his party leaders recently that the president is planning to resign. But amid all this chaos, experts are highlighting how this law will appear as gender discriminatory. Controversy erupted after lawmakers of the main opposition CPN-UML raised questions on some of its provisions including granting citizenship certificates immediately to foreign women married to Nepali citizens. It is also the most debated issue as the bill did not bar foreign women from marrying Nepali men from getting citizenship easily. As per the reports, the main criticism against the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2006 is that it is against gender justice. It is also termed as contradictory to some sections of the law. As per Article 11(2b), a person born to a father or a mother with Nepalese citizenship can get citizenship by descent. On the other hand, as per Article 11(5) of the constitution, a person who is born to a Nepalese mother (who has lived in the country) and an unidentified father will also get citizenship by descent. But concerns have been raised as a mother has to declare that her husband is unidentified for the child to be eligible for citizenship. Meanwhile, such declarations are not needed for a Nepalese father. As quoted by Kathmandu Post, Khim Lal Devkota, an independent lawmaker at the Upper House, said, "It is wrong to grant a foreign woman naturalisation immediately after marriage. There must be a cooling-off period." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Nepal's citizenship bill: Is it gender discriminatory?

As forest fires continue to flare up in Nepal, the air quality of Kathmandu has deteriorated. Kathmandu's air quality remained unhealthy throughout Tuesday with pollution levels peaking in the morning and evening pushing up the ranking of most polluted cities.

As per the Tuesday evening air quality index by IQAir, Kathmandu stands fifth in terms of polluted cities with US AQI at 155.

Nepal records over 100 forest fires incident on a regular basis. On April 26, 22, alone the country witnessed 108 forest fire incidents, mostly in the western region.

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Forest fire incidents usually take place in Nepal from mid-Nov to May. (Winter fire from mid-nov-Feb and spring fire from March-May)

In 2022, Nepal has recorded 960 forest fire incidents (in just four&nbsp;months, till April 26), almost 50 houses have been damaged, one killed and one severely injured, and this will further continue to increase.

Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Authority’s Under Secretary Sundar Sharma said the whole country is fire-prone.

“The fourth week of April is the peak time of forest fires in Nepal. The whole country is witnessing forest fire. The entire country is fire-prone. As of now, most western parts and low-land regions of the country are affected by it. This time the eastern part is not affected much might be due to weather conditions,” Sharma told WION.

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However, he said if the temperature continues to rise the eastern part is likely to witness the same level of disaster.

He urged people to be cautious, especially people living in rural areas.

“People living in rural areas and low areas will have to be cautious of the wildfire because this is a vulnerable time. The temperature is high and winds are strong so there are chances of fire flaring up,” he added.

Sharma said agriculture burning is the biggest contributor to air pollution, ‘, especially on the India-Nepal border'.

Almost, 75 per cent&nbsp;of the fire incidents take place in March and April every year and 52&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of the fire incidents are recorded alone in April.

Due to a lack of rainfall and growing fire incidents, pollution level worsens during this season.

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In 2021, Nepal witnessed an unprecedented wildfire disaster, recording 6,799 incidents affecting 75 districts of the country due to which the authorities concerned had issued a red alert and enforced school closure for four days.

Almost all fires are human-induced in Nepal. As per the Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction Authority, burning for stimulation of new grass (intentional) and smokers (negligence) alone share about 45&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of fires among all known causes of forest fires.

While 64 per cent of fires are set by people intentionally, 32&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of fires are due to accidents and about 4% are unknown.

Sharma said there is still no dedicated section/unit/cell to look after the forest fires in Nepal yet.

As per the Nepali authorities, the country lacks institutional mechanisms and policies. A few constraints that Nepal faces in tackling forest fire are that there is no dedicated institutional arrangement and no trained human resources.

There is a lack of firefighting tools and equipment, financial resources for long-term plans and programmes, and difficult terrain.

As forest fires continue to flare up in Nepal, the air quality of Kathmandu has deteriorated. Kathmandu's air quality remained unhealthy throughout Tuesday with pollution levels peaking in the morning and evening pushing up the ranking of most polluted cities.

As forest fires continue to flare up in Nepal, the air quality of Kathmandu has deteriorated. Kathmandu's air quality remained unhealthy throughout Tuesday with pollution levels peaking in the morning and evening pushing up the ranking of most polluted cities. As per the Tuesday evening air quality index by IQAir, Kathmandu stands fifth in terms of polluted cities with US AQI at 155. Nepal records over 100 forest fires incident on a regular basis. On April 26, 22, alone the country witnessed 108 forest fire incidents, mostly in the western region. Forest fire incidents usually take place in Nepal from mid-Nov to May. (Winter fire from mid-nov-Feb and spring fire from March-May) In 2022, Nepal has recorded 960 forest fire incidents (in just four months, till April 26), almost 50 houses have been damaged, one killed and one severely injured, and this will further continue to increase. Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Authority’s Under Secretary Sundar Sharma said the whole country is fire-prone. “The fourth week of April is the peak time of forest fires in Nepal. The whole country is witnessing forest fire. The entire country is fire-prone. As of now, most western parts and low-land regions of the country are affected by it. This time the eastern part is not affected much might be due to weather conditions,” Sharma told WION. Also read | WHO lauds Nepal’s prioritisation of health in the national budget However, he said if the temperature continues to rise the eastern part is likely to witness the same level of disaster. He urged people to be cautious, especially people living in rural areas. “People living in rural areas and low areas will have to be cautious of the wildfire because this is a vulnerable time. The temperature is high and winds are strong so there are chances of fire flaring up,” he added. Sharma said agriculture burning is the biggest contributor to air pollution, ‘, especially on the India-Nepal border'. Almost, 75 per cent of the fire incidents take place in March and April every year and 52 per cent of the fire incidents are recorded alone in April. Due to a lack of rainfall and growing fire incidents, pollution level worsens during this season. Watch WION's live TV here: In 2021, Nepal witnessed an unprecedented wildfire disaster, recording 6,799 incidents affecting 75 districts of the country due to which the authorities concerned had issued a red alert and enforced school closure for four days. Almost all fires are human-induced in Nepal. As per the Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction Authority, burning for stimulation of new grass (intentional) and smokers (negligence) alone share about 45 per cent of fires among all known causes of forest fires. While 64 per cent of fires are set by people intentionally, 32 per cent of fires are due to accidents and about 4% are unknown. Sharma said there is still no dedicated section/unit/cell to look after the forest fires in Nepal yet. As per the Nepali authorities, the country lacks institutional mechanisms and policies. A few constraints that Nepal faces in tackling forest fire are that there is no dedicated institutional arrangement and no trained human resources. There is a lack of firefighting tools and equipment, financial resources for long-term plans and programmes, and difficult terrain.

Forest fires flare up in Nepal, air quality deteriorates

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

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

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

No headway on MCC in Nepal after all-party meeting

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

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

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

Impeachment motion filed against Nepal CJ, justices to continue protesting

A week-long 8th General Convention of the CPN (Maoist Centre) has concluded, selecting 236 Central Committee (CC) members and endorsing a political document tabled by party Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’.&nbsp;

The document says the&nbsp;Millennium Challenge Corporation&nbsp;(MCC) compact will be approved only after amendments and only on the basis of broad political consensus.

The closed session of the party endorsed the names proposed by Prachanda. The size of the Central Committee is 299 and Prachanda will nominate the rest of the&nbsp;members.

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The Central Committee will select the party’s 15-member office bearer. The convention was held to elect the Maoist party chairman, 15 office bearers, and a 299-member Central Committee.&nbsp;

Earlier on Monday, Dahal presented his political report titled&nbsp;“The Path to Socialism in the 21st Century”&nbsp;before the seven-member closed-session that includes Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Giriraj Mani Pokhrel, Ganesh Shah, Parshuram Tamang, Parshuram Ramtel, Purna Kumari Subedi, and Rupa Shrestha Maharjan.

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Dahal in his document has outlined the Nepali way to achieve socialism in the 21st century. He added that the party should strive to ensure identity-based federalism from three fronts - street, parliament, and the government.

“The document includes reviews of where we went wrong in the past in terms of ideas, organization, structure building, and strategy,” Dahal had said on Sunday.&nbsp;

“The document will start the process of formation of revolutionary ideas of the party, lead the party in a revolutionary direction and initiate a great debate for the synthesis of ideas,” he further added.&nbsp;

In the Maoist party, the political document presented by the chairman defines the course for the organisation.&nbsp;

Political leadership from other political parties made notable remarks on issues ranging from the much-contested MCC to social and transitional justice to Maoist reunification.

Prime Minister Deuba, recently re-elected party leader at his own&nbsp;Nepali Congress&nbsp;general convention, maintained that the MCC would be ratified in&nbsp;Parliament soon, with forging consensus among political alliance and urged people to “actually read and be informed on the terms of the MCC before branding it as anti-national, traitorous, and against the interest of the country”.&nbsp;

The Maoist party was formed in 1995, and has all along followed Marxism-Leninism-Maoism. It launched “people’s war” in February 1996. In 2006, the party laid down arms following a peace deal and joined mainstream politics.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A week-long 8th General Convention of the CPN (Maoist Centre) has concluded, selecting 236 Central Committee (CC) members and endorsing a political document tabled by party Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’.

A week-long 8th General Convention of the CPN (Maoist Centre) has concluded, selecting 236 Central Committee (CC) members and endorsing a political document tabled by party Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’. The document says the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact will be approved only after amendments and only on the basis of broad political consensus. The closed session of the party endorsed the names proposed by Prachanda. The size of the Central Committee is 299 and Prachanda will nominate the rest of the members. Also read | Preparations for Nepal National Assembly elections have now begun The Central Committee will select the party’s 15-member office bearer. The convention was held to elect the Maoist party chairman, 15 office bearers, and a 299-member Central Committee. Earlier on Monday, Dahal presented his political report titled “The Path to Socialism in the 21st Century” before the seven-member closed-session that includes Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Giriraj Mani Pokhrel, Ganesh Shah, Parshuram Tamang, Parshuram Ramtel, Purna Kumari Subedi, and Rupa Shrestha Maharjan. Also see | Nepal's historic Boudhanath Stupa swaps synthetic prayer flags with biodegradable ones Dahal in his document has outlined the Nepali way to achieve socialism in the 21st century. He added that the party should strive to ensure identity-based federalism from three fronts - street, parliament, and the government. “The document includes reviews of where we went wrong in the past in terms of ideas, organization, structure building, and strategy,” Dahal had said on Sunday. “The document will start the process of formation of revolutionary ideas of the party, lead the party in a revolutionary direction and initiate a great debate for the synthesis of ideas,” he further added. In the Maoist party, the political document presented by the chairman defines the course for the organisation. Political leadership from other political parties made notable remarks on issues ranging from the much-contested MCC to social and transitional justice to Maoist reunification. Prime Minister Deuba, recently re-elected party leader at his own Nepali Congress general convention, maintained that the MCC would be ratified in Parliament soon, with forging consensus among political alliance and urged people to “actually read and be informed on the terms of the MCC before branding it as anti-national, traitorous, and against the interest of the country”. The Maoist party was formed in 1995, and has all along followed Marxism-Leninism-Maoism. It launched “people’s war” in February 1996. In 2006, the party laid down arms following a peace deal and joined mainstream politics.

Nepal’s Maoist party concludes convention, demands amendments in MCC

In Nepal, KP Sharma Oli has suffered a major setback. Nepal's Supreme Court has asked the country's President to appoint Sher Bahadur Deuba as the next Prime Minister.

Gravitas: Nepal is getting a new Prime Minister

Nepal is witnessing worst forest fires in years. Five people have died so far trying to put out the fires that have been raging since January as per an official quoted by Reuters. The fire has given rise to a lot of smoke that has wafted across that mountain and creating air quality issues as it settles around capital Kathmandu.

A senior official of Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said that wildfires were burning in at least 60 places across 22 of Nepal's 77 administrative districts.&nbsp;

Details on losses from the fires are still being collected, Sharma said. This has been the worst fire season by number since 2012, when the government started keeping records.

"Forest fires are the main reason for the rising air pollution in Kathmandu and many other places," Sharma told Reuters.

"Wildfires could hit the peak later this month if the ongoing dry spell continued," he said.

Nepal ordered closure of schools for four days at the end of March after air pollution climbed to hazardous levels

Forest fires often erupt in Nepal during the January-May dry season, when villagers burn dry leaves in the woodlands to prompt fresh grass growth for their cattle.

Sharma said the number of fires this year were 15 times more than those occurring in 2020. He didn't immediately have a reason for the increase.

The air quality index (AQI) in Kathmandu was at an unhealthy level of 174 on Friday, according to data published on iqair.com, a site that monitors air quality. An AQI level below 50 is considered good.

(With Reuters inputs)

Nepal is witnessing worst forest fires in years. Five people have died so far trying to put out the fires that have been raging since January as per an official quoted by Reuters.

Nepal is witnessing worst forest fires in years. Five people have died so far trying to put out the fires that have been raging since January as per an official quoted by Reuters. The fire has given rise to a lot of smoke that has wafted across that mountain and creating air quality issues as it settles around capital Kathmandu. A senior official of Nepal's National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said that wildfires were burning in at least 60 places across 22 of Nepal's 77 administrative districts. Details on losses from the fires are still being collected, Sharma said. This has been the worst fire season by number since 2012, when the government started keeping records. "Forest fires are the main reason for the rising air pollution in Kathmandu and many other places," Sharma told Reuters. "Wildfires could hit the peak later this month if the ongoing dry spell continued," he said. Nepal ordered closure of schools for four days at the end of March after air pollution climbed to hazardous levels Forest fires often erupt in Nepal during the January-May dry season, when villagers burn dry leaves in the woodlands to prompt fresh grass growth for their cattle. Sharma said the number of fires this year were 15 times more than those occurring in 2020. He didn't immediately have a reason for the increase. The air quality index (AQI) in Kathmandu was at an unhealthy level of 174 on Friday, according to data published on iqair.com, a site that monitors air quality. An AQI level below 50 is considered good. (With Reuters inputs)

Nepal fights worst forest fires in years

Hundreds of women's rights activists took to the streets of Nepal, to protest against the sharp rise in crime against women in recent years. Inequality and discrimination women face. Protesters chanted and raise slogans for the scrapping of a proposed law that would restrict travel for many women.

Women in Nepal demand to scrap a law limiting their travel

To call for an end to violence and discrimination against women and the scrapping of a proposed law that would restrict travel for many women, hundreds of women's right activists and their supporters took to streets in Nepal's capital.

Nepal: Hundreds rally for women's rights

Demonstrators in Nepal's capital Kathmandu on Monday (February 01) clashed with the police during protests against the dissolution of the Himalayan nation's parliament.

Demonstrators clash with police during protests against Oli in Nepal

The Prachanda faction of the Nepal Communist Party has taken disciplinary action against Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and removed him from the party's general membership.

Prachanda faction expels PM Oli from Nepal Communist Party's general membership

Trash collected from Mount Everest is set to be transformed into art and displayed in a nearby gallery, to highlight the need to save the world's tallest mountain from turning into a dumping site.

Used oxygen bottles, torn tents, ropes, broken ladders, cans and plastic wrappers discarded by climbers and trekkers litter the 8,848.86 metre (29,032 feet) tall peak and the surrounding areas.

Tommy Gustafsson, project director and a co-founder of the Sagarmatha Next Centre - a visitors’ information centre and waste up-cycling facility - said foreign and local artists will be engaged in creating artwork from waste materials and train locals to turn trash into treasures.

“We want to showcase how you can transform solid waste to precious pieces of art … and generate employment and income,” Gustafsson told Reuters.

“We hope to change the people’s perceptions about the garbage and manage it,” he said.

The Centre is located at an altitude of 3,780 metres at Syangboche on the main trail to Everest base camp, two days' walk from Lukla, the gateway to the mountain.

It is due for “soft opening” to locals in the spring as the number of visitors could be limited this year due to coronavirus pandemic restrictions, Gustafsson said.

Products and artwork will be displayed to raise environmental awareness, or sold as souvenirs with the proceeds going to the conservation of the region, he said.

Trash brought down from the mountain or collected from households and tea houses along the trail is handled and segregated by a local environmental group, the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee, but the task in a remote region that has no roads is a huge challenge.

Garbage is dumped or burned in open pits, causing air and water pollution as well as contamination of soil.

Phinjo Sherpa, of the Eco Himal group involved in the scheme, said under a “carry me back” initiative, each returning tourist and guide will be requested to take a bag containing one kilogram (2.2 pounds) of garbage back to Lukla airport, from where the trash will be airlifted to Kathmandu.

In 2019, more than 60,000 trekkers, climbers and guides visited the area.

“We can manage a huge amount of garbage if we involve the visitors,” Sherpa said.

Everest was first climbed by New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay in 1953.

Nearly 4,000 people have since made 6,553 ascents from the Nepali side of the mountain, which can also be climbed from the Tibetan side in China, according to the Himalayan Data base.

Trash collected from Mount Everest is set to be transformed into art and displayed in a nearby gallery, to highlight the need to save the world's tallest mountain from turning into a dumping site.

Trash collected from Mount Everest is set to be transformed into art and displayed in a nearby gallery, to highlight the need to save the world's tallest mountain from turning into a dumping site. Used oxygen bottles, torn tents, ropes, broken ladders, cans and plastic wrappers discarded by climbers and trekkers litter the 8,848.86 metre (29,032 feet) tall peak and the surrounding areas. Tommy Gustafsson, project director and a co-founder of the Sagarmatha Next Centre - a visitors’ information centre and waste up-cycling facility - said foreign and local artists will be engaged in creating artwork from waste materials and train locals to turn trash into treasures. “We want to showcase how you can transform solid waste to precious pieces of art … and generate employment and income,” Gustafsson told Reuters. “We hope to change the people’s perceptions about the garbage and manage it,” he said. The Centre is located at an altitude of 3,780 metres at Syangboche on the main trail to Everest base camp, two days' walk from Lukla, the gateway to the mountain. It is due for “soft opening” to locals in the spring as the number of visitors could be limited this year due to coronavirus pandemic restrictions, Gustafsson said. Products and artwork will be displayed to raise environmental awareness, or sold as souvenirs with the proceeds going to the conservation of the region, he said. Trash brought down from the mountain or collected from households and tea houses along the trail is handled and segregated by a local environmental group, the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee, but the task in a remote region that has no roads is a huge challenge. Garbage is dumped or burned in open pits, causing air and water pollution as well as contamination of soil. Phinjo Sherpa, of the Eco Himal group involved in the scheme, said under a “carry me back” initiative, each returning tourist and guide will be requested to take a bag containing one kilogram (2.2 pounds) of garbage back to Lukla airport, from where the trash will be airlifted to Kathmandu. In 2019, more than 60,000 trekkers, climbers and guides visited the area. “We can manage a huge amount of garbage if we involve the visitors,” Sherpa said. Everest was first climbed by New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay in 1953. Nearly 4,000 people have since made 6,553 ascents from the Nepali side of the mountain, which can also be climbed from the Tibetan side in China, according to the Himalayan Data base.

Nepal to turn Everest trash into art to highlight mountain’s garbage blight

A high-level Chinese delegation, led by a vice minister of the Chinese Communist Party, arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday to “take stock” of Nepal’s political situation

Chinese delegation arrives in Nepal amid constitutional crisis

PM KP Sharma Oli sprang a surprise on his rivals and got the President to dissolve Parliament, a controversial move amidst a prolonged tussle for power between him and former premier Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'.

Nepal parliament dissolved amid ruling party feud

A pro-monarch march was held in the capital Kathmandu on Saturday where hundreds took to the streets with national flags to extend their support to a constitutional monarchy.

Nepal: Hundreds protest again in support of monarchy

A brief statement issued by the foreign ministry in Kathmandu said Wei will make a one-day working visit to Nepal on November 29.

Foreign Secretary's Nepal visit | India and Nepal discussed boundary issue: Sources

Mr Shringla is also scheduled to call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and President Bidya Devi Bhandari today.

Foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla arrives in Nepal for 2-day visit

According to a report the Nepalese PM KP Sharma Oli continues to flout his own government's COVID-19 protocol even after several people have tested positive.

Protocol requires Oli to isolate: 2 ministers, 7 aids test positive

Nepal's coronavirus cases jumped to 71,821 after 1,207 new cases were reported on Saturday while the death toll increased to 467 with eight new fatalities.

According to the Ministry of Health and Population, so far, 53,013 COVID-19 patients have recovered, 1,147 of them in the past 24 hours.

The Kathmandu Valley has recorded the highest number of cases with 724 new infections in the past 24 hours. 
The government lifted restrictions on long-haul transportation last week. Domestic flights, too, resumed operations after six months on Monday.

Nepal's coronavirus cases jumped to 71,821 after 1,207 new cases were reported on Saturday while the death toll increased to 467 with eight new fatalities. According to the Ministry of Health and Population, so far, 53,013 COVID-19 patients have recovered, 1,147 of them in the past 24 hours.

Nepal's coronavirus cases jumped to 71,821 after 1,207 new cases were reported on Saturday while the death toll increased to 467 with eight new fatalities. According to the Ministry of Health and Population, so far, 53,013 COVID-19 patients have recovered, 1,147 of them in the past 24 hours. The Kathmandu Valley has recorded the highest number of cases with 724 new infections in the past 24 hours. The government lifted restrictions on long-haul transportation last week. Domestic flights, too, resumed operations after six months on Monday.

Nepal's COVID-19 tally reaches 71,821 with 1,207 new cases

Ang Rita&nbsp;Sherpa, the first man to climb Mount Everest 10 times, died of a lengthy illness on Monday, his family said, an event that fellow&nbsp;sherpas called a major loss to Nepal and the climbing community.

All the ascents to the 8,850-m. (29,035-foot) summit of the world's tallest mountain between 1983 and 1996 by Ang Rita, who went by his first name, like many&nbsp;Sherpas, were made without bottled oxygen.

The 72-year-old, who had suffered brain and liver ailments for a long time, died at his home in the Nepali capital of Kathmandu, his grandson, Phurba Tshering, told Reuters.

Ang Rita was also known as the “snow leopard” for his climbing skills.

"He was a climbing star and his death is a major loss for the country and for the climbing fraternity," said Ang Tshering&nbsp;Sherpa, a former president of the Nepal Mountaineering Association.

The body will be placed at a&nbsp;Sherpa&nbsp;Gomba, or holy site, in Kathmandu, and cremated on Wednesday according to&nbsp;sherpa&nbsp;tradition, Ang Tshering said.

Many other climbers have since surpassed Ang Rita's feat, with one member of the community setting a record of 24 ascents.

Ang Rita Sherpa, the first man to climb Mount Everest 10 times, died of a lengthy illness on Monday, his family said, an event that fellow sherpas called a major loss to Nepal and the climbing community.

Ang Rita Sherpa, the first man to climb Mount Everest 10 times, died of a lengthy illness on Monday, his family said, an event that fellow sherpas called a major loss to Nepal and the climbing community. All the ascents to the 8,850-m. (29,035-foot) summit of the world's tallest mountain between 1983 and 1996 by Ang Rita, who went by his first name, like many Sherpas, were made without bottled oxygen. The 72-year-old, who had suffered brain and liver ailments for a long time, died at his home in the Nepali capital of Kathmandu, his grandson, Phurba Tshering, told Reuters. Ang Rita was also known as the “snow leopard” for his climbing skills. "He was a climbing star and his death is a major loss for the country and for the climbing fraternity," said Ang Tshering Sherpa, a former president of the Nepal Mountaineering Association. The body will be placed at a Sherpa Gomba, or holy site, in Kathmandu, and cremated on Wednesday according to sherpa tradition, Ang Tshering said. Many other climbers have since surpassed Ang Rita's feat, with one member of the community setting a record of 24 ascents.

Nepal's Ang Rita Sherpa, first to climb Mount Everest ten times, dies

Nepal on Friday started the trial of its&nbsp;first broad-gauge railway service after&nbsp;procuring railway engines, coaches from India.

After reamining halted for a period of six years because of a lack of upgrade,&nbsp;the previous narrow-gauge, now a broad gauge is expected to come into operation after Dashain-Tihar.

With its operation, the first trans-border railway connection between India and Nepal&nbsp;will be established&nbsp;again.

The Konkan Railways on Friday said that it delivered two DEMU train sets, designed and developed by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, to Nepal Railways.

"Konkan Railway is happy and privileged to deliver two modern DEMU train sets to Nepal Railways today," it said in a statement. 
 
The Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd had signed a contract agreement on May 10 last year with Nepal`s Department of Railways for supply of two 1600HP DEMU train sets.

Nepal's railway department has procured the rail engines and coaches from Kokan India for 84 crore 65 lakh&nbsp;Nepali rupees&nbsp;operated using diesel and electricity, each set has 5 bogies (coaches). Out of them one is an AC coach while three are general bogies.

One of the set's engine has been designed with the capacity to accommodate passengers. Combining the 5 bogies, it bears the capacity of 1300&nbsp;passengers at a time.

It would revive the earlier Janakpur-Jaynagar railways connection between India and Nepal. Further work of extending railways track from Kurtha to Bijalapur of Mahottari measuring 17 Kilometers is underway.

The 34-km-long Jayanagar-Kurtha Railway Link has been built by IRCON with a financial grant from the Indian government under the India-Nepal Development Partnership programme.

The railway is likely to come into operation after Dashain and Tihar festivals.

Nepal on Friday started the trial of its first broad-gauge railway service after procuring railway engines, coaches from India. After reamining halted for a period of six years because of a lack of upgrade, the previous narrow-gauge, now a broad gauge is expected to come into operation after Dashain-Tihar.

Nepal on Friday started the trial of its first broad-gauge railway service after procuring railway engines, coaches from India. After reamining halted for a period of six years because of a lack of upgrade, the previous narrow-gauge, now a broad gauge is expected to come into operation after Dashain-Tihar. With its operation, the first trans-border railway connection between India and Nepal will be established again. The Konkan Railways on Friday said that it delivered two DEMU train sets, designed and developed by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, to Nepal Railways. "Konkan Railway is happy and privileged to deliver two modern DEMU train sets to Nepal Railways today," it said in a statement. The Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd had signed a contract agreement on May 10 last year with Nepal`s Department of Railways for supply of two 1600HP DEMU train sets. Nepal's railway department has procured the rail engines and coaches from Kokan India for 84 crore 65 lakh Nepali rupees operated using diesel and electricity, each set has 5 bogies (coaches). Out of them one is an AC coach while three are general bogies. One of the set's engine has been designed with the capacity to accommodate passengers. Combining the 5 bogies, it bears the capacity of 1300 passengers at a time. It would revive the earlier Janakpur-Jaynagar railways connection between India and Nepal. Further work of extending railways track from Kurtha to Bijalapur of Mahottari measuring 17 Kilometers is underway. The 34-km-long Jayanagar-Kurtha Railway Link has been built by IRCON with a financial grant from the Indian government under the India-Nepal Development Partnership programme. The railway is likely to come into operation after Dashain and Tihar festivals.

India supplies engines, coaches as Nepal begins first broad-gauge railway service trials

Nepal will be resuming both domestic flights and inter-district vehicular movement from September 21, said Yogesh Bhattarai, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.

In a telephonic conversation with ANI, Bhattarai confirmed that the Council of Ministers held a meeting on Monday wherein they decided to resume domestic flights and inter-district vehicular movement from September 21.

On September 10, The Himalayan Times had reported that the government is likely to extend the suspension of domestic flights till October 1 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ignoring requests of the private sector and public demand.

Meanwhile, according to the Health Ministry, Nepal&nbsp;reported 1,170 new coronavirus cases till Monday, taking the national tally to 55,329.

Nepal will be resuming both domestic flights and inter-district vehicular movement from September 21, said Yogesh Bhattarai, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.

Nepal will be resuming both domestic flights and inter-district vehicular movement from September 21, said Yogesh Bhattarai, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. In a telephonic conversation with ANI, Bhattarai confirmed that the Council of Ministers held a meeting on Monday wherein they decided to resume domestic flights and inter-district vehicular movement from September 21. On September 10, The Himalayan Times had reported that the government is likely to extend the suspension of domestic flights till October 1 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ignoring requests of the private sector and public demand. Meanwhile, according to the Health Ministry, Nepal reported 1,170 new coronavirus cases till Monday, taking the national tally to 55,329.

Nepal to resume domestic flight operations from September 21

Landslides triggered by torrential rain swept through two villages in Nepal on Sunday, killing at least 12 people. The massive landslide swept away homes and people in Barahbise, 100 km (62 miles) east of Kathmandu near the border with the Tibet region of China.

Landslides in Nepal kill 12 people, at least 21 missing

A massive landslide triggered by torrential rains in central Nepal has killed at least 11 people, including seven women, and left 20 missing, an official said on Sunday.

The landslide swept away some 15 houses in Bhirkharka area of Barhabise Rural Municipality in Sindhupalchowk district, 120 kilometres east of Kathmandu, on Saturday night.

A security team comprising the Nepal Army and Nepal Police personnel have been dispatched to the incident site for carrying out search and rescue operation, the official said.

The bodies of 11 people, including seven women, have been recovered from the site and search operations have been going on to rescue the missing people, according to the home ministry.

The landslide occurred due to incessant rainfall in the area for the past couple of days. Some 247 houses have been identified as risky due to landslide in the area which lies near Nepal-Tibet border.

The incident occurred as the government failed to act promptly despite the local residents demanding that they be shifted to safer areas.

This is the second landslide that hit Barhabise rural municipality area this monsoon.

At least 249 people have lost their lives and 49 others have gone missing in different incidents of landslide in Nepal this monsoon season. 
&nbsp;

A massive landslide triggered by torrential rains in central Nepal has killed at least 11 people, including seven women, and left 20 missing, an official said on Sunday.

A massive landslide triggered by torrential rains in central Nepal has killed at least 11 people, including seven women, and left 20 missing, an official said on Sunday. The landslide swept away some 15 houses in Bhirkharka area of Barhabise Rural Municipality in Sindhupalchowk district, 120 kilometres east of Kathmandu, on Saturday night. A security team comprising the Nepal Army and Nepal Police personnel have been dispatched to the incident site for carrying out search and rescue operation, the official said. The bodies of 11 people, including seven women, have been recovered from the site and search operations have been going on to rescue the missing people, according to the home ministry. The landslide occurred due to incessant rainfall in the area for the past couple of days. Some 247 houses have been identified as risky due to landslide in the area which lies near Nepal-Tibet border. The incident occurred as the government failed to act promptly despite the local residents demanding that they be shifted to safer areas. This is the second landslide that hit Barhabise rural municipality area this monsoon. At least 249 people have lost their lives and 49 others have gone missing in different incidents of landslide in Nepal this monsoon season.

Rain-triggered landslide kills 11 people in Nepal

Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is once again working to revise and reactivate its diplomatic code of conduct amid arise in criticism for its failure to monitor the frequent meetings between political leaders and foreign diplomats.

Nepal to revise diplomatic code of conduct, concerns over meetings between envoys & politicians

The Nepal government has decided to resume regular international flights from September 1 to bring back its stranded nationals from countries where the RT-PCR tests are easily available, a senior official said on Saturday.

Under the decision, which was taken during a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, the Nepal government is considering bringing in 500 Nepalese nationals back home per day.

The move comes six month after the Nepal government had suspended its international air services to contain the spread of the coronavirus that has so far infected over 31,000 people in the country.

"The Nepal government has decided to resume regular international flights starting from September 1 with a view to bringing home stranded Nepalese nationals in various countries around the world," Yuvaraj Khatiwada, the Minister for Communication and Information Technology and also the government's spokesperson, said.

He said the international flights would be to the countries where RT-PCR test facility is easily accessible.

Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test is a testing method to identify people afflicted with COVID-19. 
The schedules for the flights will be prepared by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, he said.

Khathiwada said those desirous to fly back home must produce a RT-PCR test report conducted within 72 hours.

According to the directions issued by the government, all Nepali nationals returning home from international flights must stay in hotel quarantine in Kathmandu for seven days as soon as they arrive.

"Those returning home through the open border points with India are also required to find a hotel nearby the border point for the week-long quarantine," Khatiwada said citing the Cabinet decision.

While the Nepal government has allowed the international flights, it has still suspended the domestic flight services as there are prohibitory orders in Kathmandu Valley and dozens of other districts, The Kathmandu Post reported.

Meanwhile, Nepal on Saturday reported 634 new cases of coronavirus, taking the total number of cases to 31,117. 
The total number of deaths due to coronavirus stands at 146, the health ministry said.

The Nepal government has decided to resume regular international flights from September 1 to bring back its stranded nationals from countries where the RT-PCR tests are easily available, a senior official said on Saturday.

The Nepal government has decided to resume regular international flights from September 1 to bring back its stranded nationals from countries where the RT-PCR tests are easily available, a senior official said on Saturday. Under the decision, which was taken during a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, the Nepal government is considering bringing in 500 Nepalese nationals back home per day. The move comes six month after the Nepal government had suspended its international air services to contain the spread of the coronavirus that has so far infected over 31,000 people in the country. "The Nepal government has decided to resume regular international flights starting from September 1 with a view to bringing home stranded Nepalese nationals in various countries around the world," Yuvaraj Khatiwada, the Minister for Communication and Information Technology and also the government's spokesperson, said. He said the international flights would be to the countries where RT-PCR test facility is easily accessible. Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test is a testing method to identify people afflicted with COVID-19. The schedules for the flights will be prepared by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, he said. Khathiwada said those desirous to fly back home must produce a RT-PCR test report conducted within 72 hours. According to the directions issued by the government, all Nepali nationals returning home from international flights must stay in hotel quarantine in Kathmandu for seven days as soon as they arrive. "Those returning home through the open border points with India are also required to find a hotel nearby the border point for the week-long quarantine," Khatiwada said citing the Cabinet decision. While the Nepal government has allowed the international flights, it has still suspended the domestic flight services as there are prohibitory orders in Kathmandu Valley and dozens of other districts, The Kathmandu Post reported. Meanwhile, Nepal on Saturday reported 634 new cases of coronavirus, taking the total number of cases to 31,117. The total number of deaths due to coronavirus stands at 146, the health ministry said.

Nepal to resume international flights from September 1 to bring back stranded nationals

China's expansionist designs is going on unchecked in Nepal as it is slowly and gradually encroaching Nepali land at multiple locations with the tacit support of the present dispensation headed by Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli.

According to a report by the Survey Department of Agriculture Ministry of Nepal, China has illegally occupied Nepal's land in several places spreading over seven bordering districts. The report stated Beijing is fast moving forward and further pushing Nepali boundaries by encroaching more and more landmass.

It is important to note that the data is being under-reported and the actual scenario could be worse as the Nepali Communist Party (NCP) is trying to shield the expansionist agenda of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-lawmakers-return-poorly-manufactured-badges-comprising-indian-territories-321923" hreflang="en">Nepal: Lawmakers return poorly manufactured badges comprising Indian territories</a>

It is believed that China has made inroads into several other areas of Nepal, occupied land, and slowly progressing within the country. Prime Minister KP Oli government has preferred to keep mum over the 'illegal occupation'&nbsp;of the village by China under fears of displeasing the CCP.

The districts which are victims of China's land-grabbing plan include&nbsp;Dolakha, Gorkha, Darchula, Humla, Sindhupalchowk, Sankhuwasabha and Rasuwa.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-nepal-and-china-to-jointly-announce-mount-everests-new-height-321452" hreflang="en">Exclusive: Nepal and China to jointly announce Mount Everest's new height</a>

According to the surveying and mapping department of Nepal, China has pushed the international boundary 1,500 meters towards Nepal in Dolakha.

It has pushed the boundary pillar Number 57 in the Korlang area in Dolakha, which was previously located at top of Korlang.

The pillar has been an issue of confrontation between the two countries and China pressurised the Nepali government not to sign the fourth protocol on resolving and managing border disputes between the two countries as China wanted to maintain the status quo and further transgress the boundary arrangements.

The surveying and mapping department has also reported that China has occupied Nepali villages in Gorkha and Darchula districts. Similar to Dolakha, China has relocated Boundary Pillar Numbers 35, 37 and 38 in Gorkha district and Boundary Pillar Number 62 in Nampa Bhanjyang in Solukhumbu.

The first three pillars were located in Gorkha's Rui village and areas of Tom River. Though Nepal's official map shows the village as a part of Nepali territory and citizens of the village have been paying taxes to Nepal government, China had occupied the region and merged it with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China in 2017.

Similarly, the Human Rights Commission has reported that a portion of the Jiujiu Village of Darchula has also been occupied by China.

Numerous houses that used to be a part of Nepal have been now taken over by China and assimilated into the Chinese territory.Besides the reports of land grabbing by the two Nepali agencies, the Ministry of Agriculture also recently came up with a report highlighting multiple cases of land grabbing by China.

The Ministry reported about China's occupation of Nepali land in at least 11 places falling under four Nepali districts. Most of the areas occupied in these districts are catchment areas of rivers, including areas of Bhagdare river in Humla, Karnali river, Sanjen river, and Lemde river in Rasuwa; Bhurjug river, Kharane river, and Jambu river in Sindhupalchowk, Bhotekoshi river and Samjug river in Sankhuwasabha; Kamkhola river and Arun river.

Nepal has refrained itself from going ahead with the border talks with China since 2005 as the Nepali government does not want to offend China by reclaiming Nepali land and at the same time dodge criticism at the domestic front for losing territory to China.

The Nepali government has also suspended the 2012 border talks to save itself from getting into an indecisive situation.In June, members of the opposition Nepali Congress moved a resolution in the House of Representatives, the lower house of the Nepalese Parliament, asking the Oli Government to restore the country's territory, which had been encroached upon by China.

The Nepali Congress lawmakers alleged that China had encroached 64 hectares of land in Dolakha, Humla, Sindhupalchowk, Sankhuwasabha, Gorkha and Rasuwa districts of the country.They alleged that few of the total 98 boundary pillars along the 1414.88 km long border between Nepal and China had gone missing while several others had been shifted inside the territory of Nepal.

In recent times, the Nepali Communist Party has been acting like a puppet of the Chinese Communist Party, which has kept dominating the decision-making process in Nepal.

The entire world has witnessed the developments wherein the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal has been acting as a mediator and sorting out between Oli and Prachanda factions of the NCP and she played a crucial role in saving Oli government.

The friendship and assistance of China to Nepal is a part of the colonial design to 'further the expansionist agenda by China'.

With a crippling economy, rising corruption, and ever-changing dynamics within the NCP, Prime Minister KP Oli is playing safe as Nepal is not in a situation of upsetting China. No wonder, China is increasingly getting safe passage to infiltrate into Nepal and occupy the Nepali territory, part by part.

China's expansionist designs is going on unchecked in Nepal as it is slowly and gradually encroaching Nepali land at multiple locations with the tacit support of the present dispensation headed by Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli.

China's expansionist designs is going on unchecked in Nepal as it is slowly and gradually encroaching Nepali land at multiple locations with the tacit support of the present dispensation headed by Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli. According to a report by the Survey Department of Agriculture Ministry of Nepal, China has illegally occupied Nepal's land in several places spreading over seven bordering districts. The report stated Beijing is fast moving forward and further pushing Nepali boundaries by encroaching more and more landmass. It is important to note that the data is being under-reported and the actual scenario could be worse as the Nepali Communist Party (NCP) is trying to shield the expansionist agenda of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Also read: Nepal: Lawmakers return poorly manufactured badges comprising Indian territories It is believed that China has made inroads into several other areas of Nepal, occupied land, and slowly progressing within the country. Prime Minister KP Oli government has preferred to keep mum over the 'illegal occupation' of the village by China under fears of displeasing the CCP. The districts which are victims of China's land-grabbing plan include Dolakha, Gorkha, Darchula, Humla, Sindhupalchowk, Sankhuwasabha and Rasuwa. Also read: Exclusive: Nepal and China to jointly announce Mount Everest's new height According to the surveying and mapping department of Nepal, China has pushed the international boundary 1,500 meters towards Nepal in Dolakha. It has pushed the boundary pillar Number 57 in the Korlang area in Dolakha, which was previously located at top of Korlang. The pillar has been an issue of confrontation between the two countries and China pressurised the Nepali government not to sign the fourth protocol on resolving and managing border disputes between the two countries as China wanted to maintain the status quo and further transgress the boundary arrangements. The surveying and mapping department has also reported that China has occupied Nepali villages in Gorkha and Darchula districts. Similar to Dolakha, China has relocated Boundary Pillar Numbers 35, 37 and 38 in Gorkha district and Boundary Pillar Number 62 in Nampa Bhanjyang in Solukhumbu. The first three pillars were located in Gorkha's Rui village and areas of Tom River. Though Nepal's official map shows the village as a part of Nepali territory and citizens of the village have been paying taxes to Nepal government, China had occupied the region and merged it with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China in 2017. Similarly, the Human Rights Commission has reported that a portion of the Jiujiu Village of Darchula has also been occupied by China. Numerous houses that used to be a part of Nepal have been now taken over by China and assimilated into the Chinese territory.Besides the reports of land grabbing by the two Nepali agencies, the Ministry of Agriculture also recently came up with a report highlighting multiple cases of land grabbing by China. The Ministry reported about China's occupation of Nepali land in at least 11 places falling under four Nepali districts. Most of the areas occupied in these districts are catchment areas of rivers, including areas of Bhagdare river in Humla, Karnali river, Sanjen river, and Lemde river in Rasuwa; Bhurjug river, Kharane river, and Jambu river in Sindhupalchowk, Bhotekoshi river and Samjug river in Sankhuwasabha; Kamkhola river and Arun river. Nepal has refrained itself from going ahead with the border talks with China since 2005 as the Nepali government does not want to offend China by reclaiming Nepali land and at the same time dodge criticism at the domestic front for losing territory to China. The Nepali government has also suspended the 2012 border talks to save itself from getting into an indecisive situation.In June, members of the opposition Nepali Congress moved a resolution in the House of Representatives, the lower house of the Nepalese Parliament, asking the Oli Government to restore the country's territory, which had been encroached upon by China. The Nepali Congress lawmakers alleged that China had encroached 64 hectares of land in Dolakha, Humla, Sindhupalchowk, Sankhuwasabha, Gorkha and Rasuwa districts of the country.They alleged that few of the total 98 boundary pillars along the 1414.88 km long border between Nepal and China had gone missing while several others had been shifted inside the territory of Nepal. In recent times, the Nepali Communist Party has been acting like a puppet of the Chinese Communist Party, which has kept dominating the decision-making process in Nepal. The entire world has witnessed the developments wherein the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal has been acting as a mediator and sorting out between Oli and Prachanda factions of the NCP and she played a crucial role in saving Oli government. The friendship and assistance of China to Nepal is a part of the colonial design to 'further the expansionist agenda by China'. With a crippling economy, rising corruption, and ever-changing dynamics within the NCP, Prime Minister KP Oli is playing safe as Nepal is not in a situation of upsetting China. No wonder, China is increasingly getting safe passage to infiltrate into Nepal and occupy the Nepali territory, part by part.

China getting safe passage to occupy Nepal territory with Oli's support

Nepal on Friday reported 838 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of infections in the country to 30,483, the health ministry said.

According to Jageshwor Gautam, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, 250 coronavirus patients have been discharged from different health facilities in the past 24 hours.

With this, the total number of patients who have recovered from the disease stands at 18,214.

At present, there are 12,132 COVID-19 patients undergoing treatment at different isolation centres across the country.

Till date, coronavirus tests have been conducted on 579,899 people.

With the death of 11 more COVID-19 patients in the last 24 hours, the total number of fatalities has reached 137.

The total number of COVID-19 cases stands at 30,483, including 182 in Kathmandu.

Nepal on Friday reported 838 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of infections in the country to 30,483, the health ministry said. According to Jageshwor Gautam, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, 250 coronavirus patients have been discharged from different health facilities in the past 24 hours.

Nepal on Friday reported 838 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of infections in the country to 30,483, the health ministry said. According to Jageshwor Gautam, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, 250 coronavirus patients have been discharged from different health facilities in the past 24 hours. With this, the total number of patients who have recovered from the disease stands at 18,214. At present, there are 12,132 COVID-19 patients undergoing treatment at different isolation centres across the country. Till date, coronavirus tests have been conducted on 579,899 people. With the death of 11 more COVID-19 patients in the last 24 hours, the total number of fatalities has reached 137. The total number of COVID-19 cases stands at 30,483, including 182 in Kathmandu.

Nepal reports 838 new COVID-19 cases, tally reaches 30,483

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