Chairman of the CPN-Maoist Center Prachanda has said that he will hold a press conference today.
After the decision to accept the explanatory announcement about MCC, Prachanda has been forced to settle the equation within the party.
It is said that Prachanda held a press conference to clarify about MCC in such a background. According to Prachanda’s secretariat, a press conference will be held at his residence in Khumaltar at 3 pm today.
Half a dozen leaders, including party leader Narayan Kaji Shrestha, have expressed dissatisfaction over the decision to accept the MCC at an extended meeting of the party’s central office on Sunday.
Russia has to play international football without the national flag and national anthem.
FIFA, the world’s governing body for football, has instructed Russia to play international football without a national flag or anthem.Under FIFA’s direction, Russia will now play an international game in the name of the Football Union of Russia.FIFA has banned flags and national anthems since Russia invaded Ukraine.
Recently, various European countries have refused to play with Russia in protest of the attack. These include England, Wales, Poland, the Czech Republic and Sweden.
The government, in coordination with the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), has started repatriating Nepalese stranded in Ukraine. According to the Nepali embassy in Germany, which is currently recognized in Ukraine, there are about 200 Nepalis in Ukraine. About 40 of them are permanent residents of Ukraine, while most are students studying there.
Nepal’s Ambassador to Germany Ram Kaji Khadka said that necessary coordination was being made with the local NRNA branch and related bodies to repatriate Nepalis living in Ukraine. “We have sent diplomatic notes to the foreign ministries of Slovakia, Hungary and Poland to make it easier for Nepali citizens to enter their country if they reach the border to escape the war in Ukraine,” Khadka told the republic by telephone. “
The Nepali Embassy in Germany had earlier advised all Nepalis to leave Ukraine and go to Poland, Hungary and Slovakia as much as possible. Ambassador Khadka said that some Nepali students complained that they did not even get money to buy food and leave Ukraine. “We are working closely with the NRNA to help them in every way possible,” he added.
According to NRNA Poland, 11 Nepalis have reached Poland safely by Friday evening and 19 are waiting to enter Poland from the Ukrainian border. Similarly, 20 other Nepalis are now going to Poland from Kiev.
According to NRNA Poland, contacts have been established with six other Nepali nationals stranded in Ukraine and efforts are being made to relocate them to a safer place in Poland.
Russia has vetoed a UN Security Council resolution on Ukraine.
Russia, a permanent member, has vetoed a resolution condemning Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Eleven members voted in favor of the resolution. India, China and the UAE abstained.
Ukraine has voted to suspend the Russian invasion and withdraw its troops.
Russia is one of the five permanent members of the Security Council. The permanent members of the Security Council are Russia, along with the United States, China, France and the United Kingdom. They have the right to use veto power.
At the Security Council meeting, the Russian ambassador defended the attack on Ukraine, saying it was aimed at protecting Ukrainian citizens in the Donbass region.
The US ambassador also condemned the attack on Ukraine and said that Russia had misused its veto.
According to the Meteorological Department, the western low pressure system is currently having a general effect in the country.
Current weather conditions
In the far west of the country, Karnali, Gandaki, Bagmati and Province 1, there has been partial to moderate cloud cover and the rest of the country has partial cloud cover.
February 25 (Friday)
Afternoon: Partly to moderate cloud cover in the far west of the country, Karnali, Lumbini, Gandaki, Bagmati and high hilly and mountainous terrain of Province 1 and partial cloud cover in other parts of the country. Light rain with thunderstorm / lightning is expected in many places of Far West, Karnali, Lumbini, Gandaki, Bagmati and Province 1. Light to moderate snowfall is expected in some parts of the country’s high hills and mountains.
Night: There will be partial to moderate cloud cover in the far west of the country including Karnali, Lumbini, Gandaki and Province 1 in the high hilly and mountainous areas. There is a possibility of light rain with thunder / lightning in a few places in the far west, Karnali, Gandaki, Bagmati and Province 1. Light to moderate snowfall is expected in some parts of the high mountainous and mountainous terrain of the country.
February 26 (Saturday)
Afternoon: There will be partial to moderate cloud cover in the far west and Karnali region of the country and in the hilly and mountainous areas of Karnali, Gandaki, Bagmati and Province 1. In the far west, Karnali, Lumbini, Gandaki, Bagmati and some places in the hilly terrain of Province 1, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain with thunder / lightning. Light to moderate snowfall is expected in some parts of the country’s high hills and mountains.
Night: There will be partial to moderate cloud cover in the far west, Karnali, Lumbini and Gandaki regions of the country while there will be partial cloud cover in other parts of the country. There is a possibility of light to moderate rain in some parts of the hilly terrain of the far west.
February 27 (Sunday)
Afternoon: There will be partial to moderate cloud cover in the far west, Karnali, Lumbini, Gandaki, Bagmati and high hilly and mountainous areas of Province 1. In the far west, Karnali, Lumbini, Gandaki, Bagmati and a few places in the hilly terrain of Province 1, there is a possibility of light rain with thunder / lightning. Light to moderate snowfall is expected in most parts of the high hills and mountains of the country.
Night: In the far west of the country, Karnali, Gandaki, Bagmati and the high hilly and mountainous terrain of Province 1 will be partly to moderately cloudy and generally clear in other parts of the country. Light to moderate snowfall is expected in some parts of the country’s high hills and mountains.
Warning / Advisory for next 24 hours
Light rain with thunderstorms / thunderstorms is expected in most parts of Far West, Karnali, Lumbini, Gandaki, Bagmati and Province 1 and light to moderate snowfall is expected in some parts of the high hills and mountains of the country. Requested to be adopted.
President Joe Biden unleashed new sanctions against Russia and ordered the deployment of thousands of additional troops to NATO ally Germany.
He also acknowledged that the invasion — and efforts to thwart Putin — will have a cost for Americans. But he sought to reassure the public that the economic pain that may come with rising energy prices will be short-lived in the U.S.
Targeting Russia’s financial system, Biden said, the United States will block assets of Large Russian banks, impose export controls aimed at the nation’s high-tech needs and sanction its business oligarchs.
The president said the U.S. also will be deploying additional forces to Germany to bolster NATO after the invasion of Ukraine, which is not a member of the defense organization. Around 7,000 additional U.S. troops will be sent.
An old lady selling fruits & stuff on street despite the protest going onProtest against MCC in kathmanduProtest against MCC in kathmanduProtest against MCC in kathmanduProtest against MCC in kathmanduProtest against MCC in kathmanduProtest against MCC in kathmanduProtest against MCC in kathmanduProtest against MCC in kathmanduProtest against MCC in kathmanduProtest against MCC in kathmanduProtest against MCC in kathmanduProtest against MCC in kathmanduProtest against MCC in kathmandu
Six communist parties and two fronts are going to hold demonstrations across the country and surround the parliament building against MCC . A joint statement issued by the six political parties and a front stated that it is their duty to protect national independence by dismissing the MCC at any cost. Situation has highly escalated after MCC been tabled last week.
Netra Bikram Chand (Biplava) led CPN, Mohan Vikram Singh led CPN Masal, Mohan Vaidya led CPN-Revolutionary Maoist, Rishi Kattel led CPN, Chitra Bahadur KC led Rastriya Janamorcha, CP Gajurel led Patriotic People’s Democratic Front, Ahuti led Scientific Socialist Communist Party and Karnajit Budhathoki led CPN and the Maoist Central Socialists have said that they will besiege the parliament building today against MCC.
The meeting of the House of Representatives will be held today at 1 pm. The adjourned sitting of the Parliament on the MCC issue will resume today.
The MCC agreement will be discussed in the possible agenda of the House of Representatives made public by the Federal Parliament Secretariat on Wednesday. Minister for Communications and Information Technology Gyanendra Bahadur Karki had presented the MCC agreement in the House of Representatives meeting last Sunday.
Although it has been tabled in the parliament to pass the MCC agreement, the ruling parties have not yet reached a consensus.
Russia has announced military action against Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced military action as the crisis in Ukraine was being discussed in UN Security Council. Putin announced in a televised address that a special military operation had been launched in the Donbas area.
Meanwhile, large explosions were heard in the capital Kyiv, Donetsk, and Luhansk, the BBC reported. Russia has recognized Donetsk and Luhansk as independent states.
Chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist Center Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has said that a conspiracy is being hatched to break the alliance.
Speaking to reporters while addressing the second plenary meeting of the Bagmati Pradesh Committee of the CPN (Maoist Center) today, Dahal said that a conspiracy was being hatched to break the alliance and overthrow the government.
He says the danger of weakening political change is growing. He further added that although there is a danger of weakening the change, it is not true that the counter-revolution has already taken place.
Chairman Dahal clarified that he had a meeting with Home Minister Bal Krishna Khan in Khumaltar this morning but did not meet Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba.
The ruling Nepali Congress (NC) has instructed its lawmakers to attend the parliament sitting on Thursday.
According to Pushpa Bhusal, chief whip of the Congress parliamentary party, everyone has been asked to attend the meeting as discussions on the US-funded MCC will begin.
The MCC agreement, which was registered in the parliament on February 20, is being discussed in the parliament from Thursday. Parliament is sitting tomorrow at 1 p.m.
The United States has imposed sanctions on Russia over its intervention in Ukraine.
The United States has objected to Russia’s role in recognizing two rebel-held territories in Ukraine as an independent state. Many other countries, including Europeans, have expressed support for the US sanctions, and have announced sanctions on their behalf.
The United States and European nations have warned that sanctions could be imposed longer if Russia invades Ukraine.
Nepal has lost the ICC T20 World Cup qualifiers by 68 runs in today’s match.
Nepal lost by 68 runs in the semi-final match between Nepal and UAE in the ICC T20 World Cup qualifiers today at Al Amerat Stadium in Oman. Nepal lost all their wickets in 18.4 overs and was all out for 107 runs.
With today’s game, Nepal’s journey to the World Cup has come to a complete halt. UAE scored 175 runs in the loss of 7 wickets. Nepal had entered the semifinals after winning three games in a row in the group stage.
National Assembly member Bamdev Gautam has urged the US government to withdraw the MCC project.
In a statement issued today, he said that the agreement between the United States and Nepal could be turned upside down due to the MCC agreement.
“If this agreement goes downhill in Nepal’s relations with the United States, which has been an inseparable friend for 74 years. “The entire blame for this should be borne by the villains who consider themselves a chukelyang,” said Gautam.
The supreme court has nullified a writ petition demanding Parliament not to rule on the MCC.
Spokesperson of the Supreme Court Baburam Dahal said that the MCC has already been tabled in the parliament and it is a privilege of the parliament now.
Senior Advocate Surendra Bhandari had filed a writ petition against MCC in the Supreme Court on Monday. Bhandari’s writ petition sought an order to not decide on the MCC from parliament.
‘The MCC does not fall under the category of the agreement under international law. This is not a matter to be tabled in Parliament ‘, Bhandari’s writ states. Therefore, it cannot be approved by the parliament. ‘Even if it needs to be approved by the parliament, it is demanded that it should be done only with reservations as per the 1969 Vienna Convention on Deadly Provisions.
The word “majority” of the members present in the Legislature-Parliament in Article 4 of the Nepal Treaty Act 2047 BS means majority of the total number of members not present in the meeting too. Therefore, it has been said that only a few parliamentarians who support the Congress and MCC should not be present in the parliament and pass.
Similarly, MPs have been asked not to whip while deciding on MCC.
Two foreign nationals have been arrested from Tribhuvan International Airport for trying to smuggle gold through Nepal. Chief of the Airport Security Office, Senior Superintendent of Police Bhim Prasad Dhakal said that Indian national Parasnath Sah and Bangladeshi national Mohammad Ullah were arrested while trying to smuggle about one kg of gold from Dubai via Nepal.
A Bangladeshi national Mohammad Ullah, who came to Kathmandu from Dubai via Himalayan Airlines flight number H9566, was arrested along with gold while investigating.
According to police, the gold is about one kilogram (936 grams). The current market value of the gold is around Rs 7.7 million.
According to him, Parasnath Sah, an Indian national, has also been arrested after it was revealed in his statement with Ullah that he was involved in customs fraud. Both of them have been handed over to the Tribhuvan Airport Customs Office for necessary investigation and action .
An all-party meeting has been convened today to discuss the naming of Province 1. Even four years after the formation of the state parliament, the naming process has not been finalized yet. An all-party meeting has been convened today on behalf of the state government.
Leaders of five parties of the state will participate in the discussion to be held at the office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers in Biratnagar after 12 noon.
It is unlikely that the parties will agree on naming State 1 on the basis of multiple identities, geography or identity. However, Health Minister Jayaram Yadav of the state government said that the discussion would formally start from today’s meeting. Yadav of the Janata Samajwadi Party is also the coordinator of the coordination and negotiation committee formed by the government for naming the state.
Among the previous governments formed in Province 1, the government led by Sherdhan Rai had repeatedly discussed the issue of naming. The subsequent government of Bhim Prasad Acharya did not discuss the issue of naming.
Incumbent Chief Minister Rajendra Kumar Rai has been saying that the naming of the state will be completed as soon as he is appointed. However, the parties are not optimistic that the name issue will be resolved immediately.
According to the constitutional provision, a two-thirds majority is required in the state assembly to decide the nomination of a state. For which UML is decisive. There are 91 MPs in the state assembly, including 41 from the CPN-UML, 21 from the Congress, 15 from the UCPN (Maoist), 10 from the Unified Socialists, 3 from the JSP and 1 each from the RPP and the Federal Democratic Forum.
The Maoist center insists on naming the provinces on the basis of identity. Congress and UML have been emphasizing on the need to keep Kirant Koshi or Kirant Everest on the basis of multiple identities.
Even though the Unified Socialists have been holding the view that nomination should be done on the basis of identity, no formal decision has been taken yet. The Socialist, Democratic Forum has also been saying that identity should be the basis while RPP has been giving importance to naming on the basis of geography.
Nepal and UAE are competing in the semi-finals of the ICC T20 World Cup qualifiers today.
Nepal has entered the semifinals of the ICC T20 World Cup qualifiers by winning three games of the group stage. If Nepal succeed in winning today’s match against UAE, Nepal will get a chance to play in the upcoming World Cup in Australia. Today’s game will start at 3:45 Nepali time at Al Amerat Stadium in Oman.
Nepal, which has been winning consecutively in the group stage, had defeated Canada by 8 wickets in yesterday’s match. In the previous two matches, Nepal had defeated Oman by 39 runs and Philippines by 136 runs.
The self-proclaimed regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine have been recognized by Russian President Putin as an independent states.
President Putin, signing the declaration in Moscow last night, has deployed troops to “establish peace” in the region bordering Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin has recognized the two separatist regions of eastern Ukraine as independent states. Both areas are known as pro-Russian rebel-held states.
The region, which has been fighting against Ukraine since 2014, has been declared new independent states by Putin as hostilities with Ukraine escalate. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the country’s borders would remain the same. He says the Russian declaration has challenged Ukraine’s sovereignty and integrity.
Earlier, in 2014, Russia also annexed the Crimean peninsula in the Black Sea. Following the annexation of Crimea by Russia, Luhansk and Donetsk declared independence. Ukraine and its Western allies have accused Russia of destabilizing the region and providing fighters and weapons.
Russia has objected to Ukraine’s bid to join the US-led North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Western nations have previously warned Russia against imposing threat on Ukraine. Meanwhile, a meeting of the UN Security Council has been convened to discuss the latest developments in Ukraine. Ukraine has demanded that its representatives be included in the meeting.
Nepal has won today’s match between Nepal and Canada in the ICC Global T20 World Cup qualifiers.
Canada choose to bat first after winning the toss and was bowled out for 80 in 15 overs in the final of the group stage at Al Amerat Stadium in Oman today. The Nepali team lost 2 wickets in the 14th over and won the match by 8 wickets.
With today’s game, Nepal has entered the semifinals.
Spokesperson and Deputy General Secretary Jagannath Khatiwada informed that the meeting of the Central Secretariat of the CPN-Unified Socialists held today has decided to vote in the opposition when the decision is to be made on MCC in the Parliament.
Khatiwada said that all the lawmakers of his party would stand in opposition when the MCC will be tabled for decision in the House and that an environment would be created for that with other parties as well.
Nepali Congress leader Ram Chandra Poudel has said that the issue of US aid Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has entered the House from the streets and now the nation’s attention is focused on the issue.
Talking to the leaders of the political parties represented in the federal parliament about the MCC, he said that the MCC would now be discussed in the House.
After today’s discussion with Janata Samajwadi Party Chairman Upendra Yadav, he told the mediapersons that they had discussed the complex situation of MCC and the country from different angles.
He expressed confidence that the assistance provided by the United States for the purpose of alleviating poverty in Nepal and constructing transmission lines for export to foreign countries would increase the income of the country, help alleviate poverty and benefit the people.
The Prime Minister and President of the Nepali Congress, Sher Bahadur Deuba is holding internal discussions on the US aid project Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) to get majority support for the approval.
He set to hold talks with party leaders to work out a majority for the MCC. Prime Minister Deuba has summoned the leaders who are seen to be moving the MCC forward at the PM’s residence in Baluwatar at 2 pm today.
General Secretary Gagan Thapa, Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand, Communications Minister Gyanendra Karki, Law Minister Dilendra Badu, Parliamentary Party Whip Pushpa Bhusal and others have been called for discussions, according to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat.
Prime Minister Deuba is trying to get the ruling Maoist centre and the CPN-Unified Socialists to vote for the MCC.
In today’s discussion, Deuba is ready to give responsibility to some leaders for homework inside and outside the coalition to get a majority in favour of MCC.
CPN-U has called a secretariat meeting. Spokesperson Jagannath Khatiwada said that a meeting of the secretariat will be held shortly.
The standing committee meeting held on Saturday has given the right to decide on MCC to the secretariat meeting. The Unified Socialists have allowed the MCC to be introduced in Parliament.
However, leader Jhala Nath Khanal had protested in Parliament against the introduction of MCC. After the MCC was introduced in the House of Representatives on Monday, the Unified Socialists have called a secretariat meeting.
Today, Nepal is competing with Canada in the ICC T20 World Cup qualifiers.
Nepal will compete with Canada in the match to be played at 4 pm Nepali time today. After today’s match to be played at Al Amerat Stadium in Oman, Nepal will open the way for the semi-final match. In the previous two matches, Nepal had defeated Oman and Philippines.
Currently, the country is under the influence of a western low-pressure system.
Present Weather Status
The weather is generally clear in the rest of the country including partial to moderate cloud cover in the hilly areas of the country including Province No.1.
Weather forecast for the next three days
February 21 (Monday)
Afternoon: Partly to moderate cloud cover in the hilly areas of the country and partial cloud cover in the rest of the country. There is a possibility of light rain with thunder/lightning in some parts of the hilly terrain of the country. Light snowfall is expected in some parts of the country’s high hills and mountains.
Night: The weather will be generally clear in the rest of the country with partial to moderate change in the hilly terrain of the country. There is a possibility of light snowfall in a few places in the high hilly and mountainous terrain of Province 1, Bagmati Province and Gandaki Province.
February 22 (Tuesday)
Afternoon: The weather will be generally clear in the rest of the country with partial to moderate cloud cover in the hilly areas of the country. Light snowfall is expected in one or two places of the high hilly and mountainous terrain of the country.
Night: There will be partial to moderate cloud cover in the hilly areas of the country and partial cloud cover in the rest of the country. There is a possibility of light rain with thunder/lightning in some places of the hilly terrain of Far Western Province and Karnali Province. Light snowfall is expected in some parts of the country’s high hills and mountains.
February 23 (Wednesday)
Afternoon: Partly to moderate cloud cover in the hilly areas of the country and partial cloud cover in the rest of the country. There is a possibility of light rain with thunder/lightning in some places of the hilly terrain of Far Western Province, Karnali Province, Lumbini Province and Gandaki Province. Light snowfall is expected in some parts of the country’s high hills and mountains.
Night: The weather will be generally clear in the rest of the country with partial to moderate change in the hilly terrain of the country. There is a possibility of light rain with thunder/lightning in one or two places of the hilly terrain of Far Western Province, Karnali Province and Gandaki Province. Light snowfall is expected in a few places in the high hills and mountains of the country.
Warning / Advisory for the next 24 hours
It is requested to take necessary precautions to avoid cold and light rain with thunder/lightning in some parts of the hilly areas of the country as it is cold in the morning and evening.
Six communist parties and two fronts are going to hold demonstrations across the country today saying that the struggle against MCC has reached a critical juncture. A joint statement issued by the seven political parties and a front stated that it is their duty to protect national independence by dismissing the MCC at any cost.
Netra Bikram Chand (Biplava) led CPN, Mohan Vikram Singh led CPN Masal, Mohan Vaidya led CPN-Revolutionary Maoist, Rishi Kattel led CPN, Chitra Bahadur KC led Rastriya Janamorcha, CP Gajurel led Patriotic People’s Democratic Front, Ahuti led Scientific Socialist Communist Party and Karnajit Budhathoki led CPN and the Maoist Central Socialists have said that they will besiege the parliament building and all the district administration offices today against MCC.
A meeting of the House of Representatives is scheduled to be held at 1 pm today.
According to the Federal Parliament Secretariat, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba will submit the third annual report of the National Inclusion Commission for the fiscal year 2077/078. However, the leaders of the coalition have said that the issue of tabling the MCC agreement will also be included in the agenda of the Parliament sitting from the work arrangement committee meeting to be held at 11 am today. The possibility of MCC being tabled in today’s Parliament sitting has become almost sure after Prachanda and Nepal agreed to allow MCC to be tabled in the parliament.
Nepal Oil Corporation has again increased the price of petroleum products.
Nepal Oil Corporation has increased the price of fuel with effect from 12 am last night. According to the new price list sent by the Indian Oil Corporation, the price of petrol has gone up by Rs 3 per litre, diesel and kerosene by Rs 3/3 per litre.
According to the new price, petrol has gone up to Rs 145, diesel and kerosene to Rs 128. Even after the price hike, the corporation has stated that it will have a loss of Rs 2.4 billion in 15 days.
The MCC, which has been the subject of debate over Nepal’s national politics, has now divided the whole of Nepal into two streams. After the KP Oli government amended the points of the MCC agreement saying that it should be ratified by the parliament, the voice of protest raised within the then ruling party UML is now being heard at the grassroots level across the country.
Protests are taking place all over the country against the MCC over its controversial points of the agreement and the provision that a grant should be legally recognized and passed by the parliament. Even within the current coalition government, there is controversy over the ratification of the MCC agreement. The two main parties in the alliance, the CPN-Socialist and the Maoist Center, have been adamant that the agreement will not be passed in the status quo. Last week, even the Madhes-led party JASAPA has withdrawn its support to Deuba from passing MCC without amendment. Nepali Congress is standing alone within the alliance in favour of MCC.
However, the issue got more complicated after the letter written by Prime Minister Deuba and Prachanda to the MCC headquarters in the US been public last week saying that they would pass the MCC. Prachanda and Deuba are being criticized, saying the leaders had tarnished the country’s international diplomatic image and deceived the country and the people with their double standards.
The US Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has been pushing party leaders to get the agreement ratified by parliament, while the citizens are protesting against the government and MCC. Critics have been saying that the MCC is part of the US military strategy, (the Indo-Pacific Strategy) which will have a serious long-term impact on the country’s sovereignty. But the US has been defending it. However, the recent phone call from US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu to Prime Minister Deuba, Chairman of the ruling Maoist Center Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda and UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, has created more negative waves against US and MCC project itself in Nepali politics after Lu threatened to reconsider relations with Nepal if the MCC is not ratified within the deadline.
This kind of pressure on the aid that a country is going to give as a grant has cast doubt on whether it is a pure grant or not. What kind of grant is the US going to give us that Nepal should reconsider its nearly 70-years old relationship if it does consider not accepting it? What is the American interest behind this so-called grant?
Even China has described the US interest in approving the US aid project MCC in Nepal as “coercive diplomacy”. At a regular press conference at the Foreign Ministry in Beijing on Friday, Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said China would openly oppose US “pressure diplomacy”, after the phone call made by US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu to the political leaders of Nepal including Prime Minister.
Now this statement from China and Pressure from the US clearly proves that MCC is not just a grant to Nepal. It’s obvious for China to feel threatened, amidst growing American pressure on Nepal and for sure, China will take necessary measures for its safety. Despite all the economic and political relations between China and US, we all know that they are the rival country with massive power. US nature of invasion in Small countries had led to nothing more than a war. Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Israel, Palestine and Afghanistan are in front of our eyes in terms of geopolitical war and we all know where these countries stand today. China feels more threatened by its history with US which it has experienced from the Khampa rebellion supported by the US from Nepali soil once. So if this so-called grant MCC starts a geopolitical war between US and China what will be the existence of Nepal?
What is the existence of Nepal in this so-called grant MCC, if the US keeps pressuring and China Keeps opposing. Where does Nepal stand between US and China? It really doesn’t matter wherever we stand, we lose. We will lose our sovereignty. We will lose peace and stability forever. We will lose our democracy and stable economy. Possibly we will lose our family, we will lose our brothers and sisters, our sons and daughters. We will lose our love and blood and possibly the land we born and grew. Who can say that Nepal will not have to face the same fate as Syria and Libya tomorrow? China and US have nothing to lose. We Nepalese are the one who will have to bear the consequences all our life.
So let the people of this country decide whether to pass or fail MCC. No Pressure or threat will be accepted from any country regarding the sovereignty and freedom of this country.
Nepal has defeated Philippines by 136 runs in today’s match of T20 World Cup Global Qualifier.
In the match played at Al Amerat Stadium in Oman, Nepal has won the match against the Philippines by a wide margin. In today’s match, Kushal Bhurtel has managed to win the hearts of all by setting a record through an unbeaten century of 104 runs. Bhurtel has become the second Nepali cricketer to score a century in T20 internationals after Paras Khadka. Batting first after losing the toss, Nepal lost 3 wickets in the stipulated overs and managed to add 218 runs.
Today’s meeting of the CPN (Unified Socialists) has decided to allow the MCC agreement to be tabled in the parliament.
Today’s meeting of the Standing Committee of the Samajwadi Party has decided not to pass the MCC in status quo but to allow it to be tabled in the parliament for discussion, said Chief Whip Jeevan Ram Shrestha. The Unified Socialists have said that they have agreed to allow to table the MCC but the provisions needed to be amend will be discussed in the parliament.
With this decision of the CPN (Socialist), the possibility of presenting MCC in tomorrow’s Parliament sitting has increased.
Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said that the government is committed to hold the state and federal elections immediately after the local level elections.
Stating that the local level election is going to be held soon, Prime Minister Deuba said that the government has a plan to strengthen the system of governance of the country by the people’s elected representatives by holding it in a fair, free and fearless environment.
Addressing a special function organized at the Military Forum in Kathmandu on Saturday on the occasion of the 72nd Democracy Day, he claimed that the government has achieved remarkable success in controlling the outbreak of Covid 19.
Stating that the government is making every effort to control the epidemic by expanding and strengthening the health infrastructure services and to keep the economy afloat, Prime Minister Deuba also expressed confidence that the epidemic could be overcome soon with the concerted efforts of all.
Prime Minister Deuba also said that the government wants economic development and transformation for the rapid development of the country. On the occasion, he also wished that the Democracy Day would inspire all to realize the dream of making beautiful Nepal.
The meeting of the Standing Committee of the CPN-U has started in Baneshwor just a while ago.
Party Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal said that his party would move ahead by making an official stand on the issue of MCC in today’s meeting. Leaders of the Socialists have said that the party will take a final decision on the issue in today’s meeting after Deuba threat to break the alliance to pass MCC in coordination with CPN-UML.
Nepal is playing against the Philippines in the global selection of ICC T20 World Cup today.
Nepal is batting after losing the toss in today’s match against the Philippines being played at Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman. In today’s match, Kushal Malla and Gulsan Jha have replaced Kamal Singh Airy and Vivek Yadav.
Earlier, Nepal had defeated Oman by 39 runs in yesterday’s match.
Today is the 72nd Democracy Day. Various organizations across the country have been celebrating this day with different programs today.
After the 2007 revolution, the 104-year-old autocratic Rana rule came to an end. Thereafter, Democracy Day is celebrated on the 7th of Falgun every year. This day is remembered as a glorious history as the country got democratic governance through the sacrifices of the Nepalese people.
On the occasion of Democracy Day, President Bidya Devi Bhandari today expressed her best wishes and paid a heartfelt tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their precious lives in the various struggles for the establishment of democracy. She also said that the people are the entire source of state power in a democracy.
Likewise, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba also expressed his best wishes on the occasion of Democracy Day and said that today is a day of success in making the people citizens from slaves, establishing their fundamental rights and ensuring their representation in the system of governance.
China has described the US interest in approving the US aid project MCC in Nepal as “coercive diplomacy”.
At a regular press conference at the Foreign Ministry in Beijing on Friday, Wang Wenbin said China would openly oppose US “pressure diplomacy.” Spokesperson Wenbin made the remarks while addressing a press conference on the recent political situation in Nepal.
He said that the international community could help in the development of Nepal’s economy but no political condition should be imposed there. “Nepal is a partner in its development. China wants to continue its cooperation in line with the aspirations of the Nepali people,” he said.
Spokesman Wenbin made the remarks after US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu telephoned top leaders, including the prime minister, to pass the MCC a few days ago.
Nepal has made a victorious start by defeating Oman by 39 runs in the global selection of ICC T20 World Cup.
Following the usual target of 118 runs set by Nepal at the Al-Amerat Cricket Ground, Oman lost all their wickets in the allotted 17 overs and were all out for 78 runs.
Oman’s Nasim Khushi scored 24 runs off 18 balls with one four and two sixes. Similarly, Jitendra Singh 9, Khawar Ali 7, Aamir Kalim 9, Ayan Khan 3, Jasim Maqsood could not add only 2 runs.
After losing the toss and opting to bat, Nepal lost 8 wickets in the allotted 20 overs and scored 117 runs.
Oman, Philippines and Canada are in the group of Nepal in the ongoing World Cup qualifiers. After everyone has played against each other, the team in the top two will reach the semifinals. Nepal will face the Philippines on Saturday.
The top two teams of the group will reach the semifinals. The team that reaches the final will be selected for the T20 World Cup to be held in Australia at the end of this year.
Kamal Thapa will be announcing RPP-Nepal on Saturday.
Informing that RPP-Nepal is going to be announced on Saturday, the day of Democracy Day, he called on the leaders and cadres who have supported him in the past to come to RPP-Nepal.
Thapa, who left RPP after losing to Rajendra Lingden in the election, has said that he has returned home (RPP Nepal) after five years of confusion.
As soon as the meeting of the House of Representatives started, the lawmakers of the main opposition CPN-UML obstructed the meeting by chanting slogans. After shouting slogans, Speaker Sapkota, on behalf of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, allowed Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Dilendra Prasad Badu to submit the report of the Adivasi Janajati Commission.
As per the permission of the Speaker, Minister Badu has submitted the report. After that, Speaker Sapkota announced that the meeting of the House of Representatives has been adjourned till 1 pm on Sunday.
Discussions of the top leaders of the ruling coalition ended without getting to any conclusion.
In a meeting of top leaders held at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar this morning, it was agreed not to table MCC in today’s meeting of the House of Representatives.
After the discussion in Baluwatar, CPN-Unified Socialist Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal informed that it was agreed to hold another meeting on February 20.
Russia says it has begun withdrawing more tanks and other armored vehicles from areas near the Ukrainian border.
Another military train carrying personnel and military equipment belonging to the Tank Army units of the Western Military District returned to its permanent bases in the Nizhny Novgorod region after completing scheduled exercises, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.
It also said it had withdrawn 10 warplanes from Moscow (the Crimean peninsula).
A coalition meeting held at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar to seek consensus on the US aid project MCC ended without any conclusion.
The meeting between the top leaders of the ruling coalition parties held at 5 o’clock today on the issue of approving the MCC ended without any conclusion after the leaders took their stand. Though the Nepali Congress has not reached an agreement, it has stated that it will present the MCC in tomorrow’s meeting of the House of Representatives.
A meeting of the ruling coalition has started at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatara.
The meeting, which started some time ago, is attended by Prime Minister Deuba, senior Congress leader Ram Chandra Poudel, CPN-Maoist Central Committee Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, CPN-Unified Socialist Party Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal and Janata Samajwadi Party leader Baburam Bhattarai and few other leaders from the coalition.
While Prime Minister Deuba is preparing to table the MCC in tomorrow’s meeting of the House of Representatives, the leaders of the coalition have said that today’s meeting will be decisive and final. If there is no agreement on MCC approval in today’s meeting, Deuba can break the alliance with the resignation of the Speaker and move ahead with cooperation with UML, said the Congress leaders. Saying that Prachanda and Nepal had betrayed him, the Congress leaders reached Balkot in the morning and met UML Chairman Oli.
Though there is no consensus in the alliance, Congress has stated that it will table the MCC in tomorrow’s parliament meeting.
Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and US Ambassador to Nepal Randy Berry have met at a time when the issue of ratification of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) agreement with the United States is causing a rift in the ruling coalition.
Prime Minister Deuba and Ambassador Berry held talks at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar. Ambassador Berry was at Baluwatar to meet Deuba.
According to sources in Baluwatar, Prime Minister Deuba had talked with the ambassador about the protest caused by the rift in the ruling coalition. According to a Baluwatar source, Deuba also asked the ambassador whether there was any possibilities for reconsideration of the MCC deadline given by the United States.
After a meeting with Ambassador Berry, Prime Minister Deuba and UCPN (Maoist) Central Committee Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal discussed the issue in Baluwatar on Thursday morning.
After a discussion with Dahal in the morning, Prime Minister Deuba has postponed the meeting from 3 pm to 5 pm.
A decisive meeting is scheduled to be held today at 3 pm between the five parties of the ruling coalition to reach an agreement on MCC approval has been postponed till 5 pm.
After Prime Minister Deuba failed to present the MCC in the parliament due to disagreement among the coalition parties to present the MCC in the parliament meeting held yesterday, the meeting between the parties scheduled to be held at 3 o’clock today has been postponed till 5pm. It has been said that the meeting has been postponed after the meeting held this morning between Prachanda and Deuba at Prime Minister residence Baluwatar ended without any conclusion. While the Nepali Congress insists on passing the MCC as it is, the Socialists and the Maoist Center are in favor of not passing the MCC under any circumstances without modification.
After the Supreme Court indicated that it would take up the case against the Speaker, dismissal of 14 MPs including Nepal and the case of Lalita Niwas land scandal, Nepal and Prachand agreed to pass MCC only after the impeachment motion against chief justice. But Nepal and Prachanda backfired on Deuba just after the impeachment motion filed against chief justice and withdrew the support from mcc .
Jaspa, who has been supporting Deuba in favor of MCC, has also changed its opinion since yesterday and left Deuba alone in MCC approval. However, Baburam Bhattarai has been in favour of mcc. Rastriya Janamorcha, on the other hand, has been demanding the abolition of the MCC.
Meanwhile, Prachanda has already made public his decision to leave the government if the MCC is forcibly tabled in the parliament. The Congress now appears to be alone in favor of the MCC within the alliance. Even within the CPN-UML, MPs are divided on the issue of MCC. However, Chairman Oli has said that he will support to pass the MCC on the condition of the Speaker’s resignation and the breaking of alliance.
The Election Commission has called for the registration within 11 days, to the political parties who wants to participate in the local level elections.
The commission has published a notice to register the party from today to February 27. The commission has requested the political parties to submit documents and details including the signature of the official providing the formal letter, party constitution, manifesto, rules, sample of flag and symbol, arrangement of at least 21 member central committee and last year’s audit report. About 119 parties are currently registered in the commission.
The CPN-Maoist Center has said that the US aid project MCC cannot proceed in the status quo. The Maoists have also warned that the ruling coalition will break up if the government forcibly moves forward.
The government is preparing to submit the MCC to Parliament for approval today. A meeting of the Maoist parliamentary party held earlier has decided that the MCC cannot be moved forward and passed without amending the unequal conditions.
Stating that the UML is still obstructing the parliament, the UCPN (M) has said that no agenda can move forward in this situation.
The meeting of the House of Representatives is scheduled to be held at 1 pm today.
Today’s meeting of the House of Representatives has become a matter of national interest as the alliance has agreed to present MCC to parliament. According to the decision from the Nepali Congress meeting held yesterday, MCC will be presented at the parliament today.
Though the MCC was not mentioned in the agenda made public by the Parliament Secretariat, the leaders close to the Nepali Congress have said that the MCC will also be included in the agenda of the Parliament sitting from the work arrangement committee meeting to be held at 11 am today.
Meanwhile, the main opposition party UML has said that it will disrupt today’s meeting of the House of Representatives. CPN-UML has been boycotting the previous meetings demanding the dismissal of 14 Socialist MPs including Madhav Nepal, and the resignation of the Speaker.
The government has instructed the entire security department to maintain a high-level alert to maintain peace and security in the country in view of possible protests against the MCC.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed all 77 District Administration Offices, Police Headquarters, Armed Police Force and National Investigation Department to maintain peace and security with high alert.
The ministry issued the notice after various parties and fronts including the CPN (Revolutionary Maoist) organized a protest program against the agreement with the MCC.
CAN have finalized the 14 players for the ICC T20 Men’s World Cup after consultations between the selection committee and the head coach. CAN has also made public the names of officials including reserve players and coaches. Following are the names of the players selected according to the list made public by CAN.
Final List: Sandeep Lamichhane (C), Sharad Vesawakar, Dipendra Singh Airee, Kushal Bhurtel, Mohammad Arif Sheikh, Mohammad Asif Sheikh, Avinash Bohora, Jitendra Kumar Mukhiya, Kamal Singh Airee, Vivek Kumar Yadav, Lokesh Bahadur Bam, Sagar Dhakal, Gulshan Kumar Jha
The main opposition party UML is going to obstruct the meeting of the House of Representatives to be held on Wednesday. UML has been obstructing the parliament sitting continuously saying that Speaker Agni Prasad Sapkota has played a role in the UML split.
The UML is expected to block the MCC while the government is preparing to present the MCC in the parliament sitting on Wednesday.
Despite the UML’s obstruction, Speaker Sapkota is likely to submit the MCC agreement for approval, said UML MP Sher Bahadur Tamang.
Speaker Sapkota has been obstructing the sittings of the parliament saying that the UML has played a role in the division by not issuing notice of action against the 14 lawmakers who were sacked.
The ruling Nepali Congress has decided to vote in favor of the US aid project MCC agreement.
A meeting held at the office of the Congress Parliamentary Party at Singha Durbar today decided to urge the government to table the MCC agreement in the House of Representatives and vote in favor of the agreement.
4,157 schools across the country have been selected for the Presidential Educational Reform Program. A meeting chaired by Education, Science and Technology Minister Devendra Poudel on Monday selected the schools to run the program.
According to the Ministry of Education, 4-room buildings will be constructed in 976 selected schools and two-room buildings in 966 schools. Similarly, 2106 schools will have ICT lab management, 88 technical labs and 21 new technical schools.
A sum of Rs. 3.6 million will be provided for the construction of the four-room building, Rs. 1.8 million for the construction of a two-room building and Rs. 650,000 for ICT lab management.
A total of Rs. 705.96 million has been allocated to 21 schools for lab management and teaching assistance grant for new technical schools and Rs.
In addition, Rs 336 million will be provided for the 14 schools that were left out for lab management in the last fiscal year.
The President has allocated Rs 7.85 billion for educational reform. The remaining Rs 1.38 billion will be allocated to the local level schools after selecting the schools, said Education Minister Devendra Poudel.
13 thousand 473 schools from 737 local levels of the country had sent proposals for the program.
The games of the 11th round of Martyrs’ Memorial A Division Football League are starting today.
There will be two games today under the 11th round of the league. There will be two games at the same time at Dasharath Stadium and ANFA Complex. The match will be played between Brigade Boys and Chassel Youth Club at Dasharath Stadium in Tripureshwor. The game will start at 1 p.m.
Similarly, Jawalakhel Youth Club and Friends Club will compete in the match to be played at ANFA Complex, Satdobato. The game will start at 1 p.m.
US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson have spoken on the phone about Ukraine.
Despite repeated warnings of possible Russian military action, Biden and Johnson agreed that the diplomatic solution is still possible. The British prime minister has said he is ready to do anything to help Biden in the crisis. Biden also vowed not to do anything without British help.
On Monday, Russia’s foreign minister also said “we are not tired of diplomacy.” Despite gathering more than 100,000 troops on the Ukrainian side of the border, Moscow has denied any involvement in the attack.
Nepali Congress has called a meeting of the parliamentary party today. The meeting will be convened at 9 am at Lhotse Hall of the Federal Parliament Building.
After the ruling coalition MPs filed an impeachment motion against Chief Justice Cholendra Shamsher Jabra at the Parliament Secretariat on Sunday, the coalition partner Congress convened a meeting of the parliamentary parties. The meeting will discuss the end of the stalemate in the parliament, the impeachment case against the Chief Justice, recent political developments including MCC.
Leader of the main opposition party UML Bhim Rawal has demanded that the party’s stance on the issue of MCC should be clear in the meeting of the party’s parliamentary party.
CPN-UML leader Bhim Rawal has demanded a serious discussion on the MCC agreement at a meeting of the party’s parliamentary parties. He said that some points of the agreement and implementation of MCC are not conducive to the national independence, independence, self-respect and constitution of the country.
‘UML should state its clear position on MCC to the people while defending the independence and interests of the party on such a sensitive issue,’Rawal said. Meanwhile, some leaders, including Chairman KP Oli, have been saying that they will express their views only after the coalition agrees first. Earlier, Chairman Oli had said that he would support the MCC’s approval on the condition of the Speaker’s resignation and the break of an alliance.
UML chairperson and parliamentary party leader KP Sharma Oli said that the current political situation is serious and would take a decision without any provocation.
He made the remarks after hearing the views of UML lawmakers at a meeting of the UML parliamentary party held at Lhotse Bhawan in New Baneshwor.
During the meeting, Bhim Rawal and Ghanashyam Bhusal said that UML should not go to the polls carrying the issue of indicted Chief Justice Cholendra Shamsher Jabra and Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). He also said that going to the polls with these two issues would be a serious political mistake.
Chairman Oli, in a reply, said that a decision should be taken without provocation as there is a serious political situation. He said the secretariat would decide on the matter.
An all-party meeting is being held at the invitation of Speaker Agni Prasad Sapkota. The meeting held at Singha Durbar after 2 pm today is attended by top leaders of the parties represented in the parliament except the UML.
Leaders including Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, CPN-Maoist Central Committee Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, UCPN-M Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal and JSP Chairman Upendra Yadav are present at the meeting.
The meeting will focus on the latest political developments, including the impeachment of the Chief Justice. After the impeachment was filed against the Chief Justice on Sunday, Speaker Sapkota convened an all-party meeting to discuss the matter.
CPN-UML had said that it would not participate in the all-party meeting. Objecting to the role of the speaker and the activities of the government, the UML leaders said that they would not participate in the all-party meeting.
While the all-party meeting is going on, the meeting of the UML parliamentary party is going on at Lhotse Hall in Baneshwor. Most of the leaders, including UML Chairman KP Oli, have been reacting against the impeachment.
The main opposition CPN (UML) has decided to oppose the impeachment motion against the Chief Justice.
After the impeachment was registered, the UML convened an emergency meeting of the secretariat. A meeting of the party’s central secretariat held at the residence of party president KP Sharma Oli in Balkot decided to oppose the impeachment motion saying it was a conspiratorial move against the judiciary and democracy.
The meeting has accused the ruling coalition of bringing impeachment motion with the objective of creating controlled instability in Nepal.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel said that the ruling coalition had carried out activities against the democracy and decided to oppose the impeachment and urge the people to stand against it.
Secretary General Pokharel said that the meeting of the parliamentary parties to be held today would take important decisions regarding the impeachment.
The United States has unveiled a new Indo-Pacific Strategy, a resolution to implement stronger military and strategic policies with its allies to counter China’s influence.
The White House unveiled a 12-page Indo-Pacific strategy. The strategy describes China’s growing ties and influences around the world as a major challenge for the United States and its allies in the security and economic alliance.
The strategy calls for collective capacity building between US and Indo-Pacific partners to stem China’s growing activism. The Corona epidemic and climate change are also strategically described as other challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
The strategy states that Chinese behaviour is detrimental to the United States and its partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
Similarly, the role of India for peace and stability in South Asia has been emphasized in the implementation of the strategy in the Indo-Pacific region.
In that strategy, the United States has explicitly referred to India as its “main defense partner.” The strategy also states that the United States will support India’s emerging position in South Asia.
Thirteen months after Biden came to power, Washington has unveiled a new Indo-Pacific strategy. Biden’s Indo-Pacific strategy is a continuation of most of the policies pursued by the previous Trump administration.
The Biden administration has introduced the Indo-Pacific strategy at a time when the world is becoming more polarized due to competition between the US and China over global strategic, economic and geopolitical issues.
According to international media, the US official believes that the strategy will help weaken China’s influence by forcibly expanding US military dominance around the world.
To implement its strategic plan, the United States pursues a policy of opening new embassies and consulates in the Indo-Pacific region, increasing the presence of the Peace Corps, and advancing the Indo-Pacific economic structure. The US strategy also includes plans to increase the role of the US Navy in the Indo-Pacific region.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters in Washington, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan warned that China would pay a heavy price if it supported Russia’s possible invasion of Ukraine.
The Supreme Court has removed Chief Justice Cholendra Shamsher Jabra from its list of judges on its website.
In place of Jabra’s name and photo, acting Chief Justice Deepak Kumar Karki has been placed. After the 98 lawmakers filed the impeachment motion today, the name and photo of Jabra, who was automatically suspended, has been removed and Deepak Karki has been permanently mentioned.
Karki is a senior Supreme Court judge.
According to the constitutional provision of automatic suspension as soon as the impeachment is registered, Rana has been without a role since Sunday.He had even removed the flag from the vehicle after the impeachment letter reached the apex court. The agitation against him had been going on for three and a half months.
Meanwhile, security personnel assigned to guard Jabra have also been recalled. Security personnel deployed at the official residence in Baluwatar have been recalled and assigned to acting Chief Justice Deepak Karki.
An impeachment motion has been filed against Chief Justice Cholendra Shamsher Jabra at the Parliament Secretariat this morning.
Nepali Congress Whip Pushpa Bhusal and CPN-Unified Socialist Whip Jeevan Ram Shrestha were the proponents of the impeachment motion which was signed by 98 lawmakers from the three parties, including Law Minister Dilendra Prasad Badu. According to Article 101, Clause 2 of the Constitution, the impeachment motion has been filed against Jabra by the ruling Nepali Congress, ruling coalition partner CPN-Maoist Center and UCPN (Maoist) MPs.
The Nepal Bar Association has been protesting for a long time demanding Jabra’s resignation, while Supreme Court justices have been boycotting long sittings.
After the impeachment is registered in the Parliament Secretariat, Chief Justice Jabra will be automatically suspended.
The train, which was brought with pomp from India will run for testing from today after being kept in Inaruwa covered with a tarp for a long time. An empty train will be operated on the 35-kilometre railway line from Jayanagar to Kurtha from today. It is learned that 14 Indians and 60 Nepalese will be deployed from today to maintain the work. Indian technical team has also arrived in Nepal to operate the train. The train will run once a day during the trial period and will run for about a week.
Though it has been said, that the Prime Minister of Nepal and India will jointly inaugurate the railway, no date has been fixed yet.
The bailey bridge over the Arun River connecting Makalu village municipality 5-Num and 1-Walung has broken.
The Bailey Bridge connecting Num of Ward No. 5 and Walung of Ward No. 1 of Makalu VDC of Sankhuwasabha broke down yesterday after three trucks carrying more loads than the capacity of the bridge tried to cross at the same time. According to the Deputy Superintendent of Police Lal Dhwaj Subedi, the drivers and co-drivers of the truck are safe.
Puran Yamphu, an executive member of Makalu, said that the bridge was broken while three trucks were carrying more loads than the capacity of the bridge. Yamphu said, “All three trucks on the bridge are stuck in the middle of the river after the middle of the bridge was broken.” The bridge has broken and touched the river while the driver and co-driver have been rescued by the locals.
The 54-meter-long Bailey bridge had a capacity of only 30 tons.
Nepal is competing with UAE with the target of 193 runs in the second match of the ongoing four-nation T20 series at Al Amerat Cricket Stadium in Oman.
UAE choose to bat first after losing the toss and added 192 runs in the allotted 20 overs losing 3 wickets.
Chirag Suri, the opener for UAE, played unbeaten innings of 84 off 53 balls with five fours and five sixes while Rohan Mustafa returned to the pavilion with 49 off 35 balls.
Nepal defeated Oman in the first match of the ICC T20 World Cup Global Qualifier A in preparation for the series.
On the initiative of Home Minister Bal Krishna Khad, discussions have been held between the government and the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) led by Netra Bikram Chand regarding the implementation of the previous three-point agreement.
Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Dilendra Badu, Attorney General Khamma Bahadur Khati, Home Secretary Teknarayan Pandey, Law Secretary Uday Raj Sapkota and Khadga Bahadur Vishwakarma from the CPN (Maoist) participated in the discussion held at the Ministry of Home Affairs today .
Home Ministry Spokesperson Phanindra Mani Pokharel informed that the talks focused on the progress made so far in the implementation of the three-point agreement reached between the Government of Nepal and the CPN (Maoist).
“There has been a cordial discussion on the progress made so far in the implementation of the three-point agreement between the government and the CPN (Maoist) and how to move forward,” said Pokharel.
During the talks, CPN (Maoist) spokesperson Bishwakarma briefed the government on the cases filed against the party cadres during various agitations and the details of the jailed cadres. Ministry spokesperson Pokharel said that the government has also presented the details of the case to the CPN (Maoist) cadres who are still in jail.
After the meeting, CPN (Maoist) spokesperson Bishwakarma informed that the timeline for the implementation of the three-point agreement was made during the talks. The government has been positive in implementing our demands. Some topics have been finalized, some are in the process of being finalized. Hopefully, a conclusion will be reached soon, ‘said spokesperson Vishwakarma.
The three top leaders of the ruling coalition have met at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar.
During the meeting between Nepali Congress President and Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, CPN-Maoist Central Committee Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda and CPN-Unified Socialist Chairman Madhav Kumar, current political issues are being discussed.
The meeting between the three top leaders of the Coalition is a matter of great concern as differences between the Coalition over the approval of the US aid agency Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) escalate.
Moscow has accused NATO of using the crisis as a “pretext” to increase its military presence near Russia’s borders.
Moscow has strongly opposed its neighbour’s efforts to join NATO but it has also been denying about the rumours of invading ukraine. Moscow clearly says that it wants security guarantees that the US-led alliance will stop its expansion into former soviet republics but invading ukraine is just a rumours.
Meanwhile,NATO has raised the alarm about the Ukraine crisis, warning of “a real risk for a new armed conflict in Europe”, and promised to reinforce its eastern flank.
United States has temporarily deployed soldiers in Romanian airbase ,considering to maintain a long-term presence in Eastern Europe in the coming months.
Protesting against the mandatory vaccination, Canadian truck drivers have said they will continue the protest until their demands are met.
Anti-government protests by truck drivers in Canada have intensified after government made mandatory for truck drivers to be fully vaccinated before crossing the border. Ontario Chief Doug Ford declared a state of emergency on Friday as protests escalated.
Speaking at a news conference, Ford called on protesters to end the blockade peacefully. But some protesters have called for the removal of Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister from the third mandate in September. Protesters have closed three US border crossings and other major roads and bridges. Despite the declaration of a state of emergency in the area to control the situation, the protesters are still disobeying. They have stated that they will continue protesting until their demands are met.
The convention of the remaining 16 districts of congress will be held on February 25. Today’s meeting of the Congress Central Election Committee scheduled the convention of the remaining 16 districts to be convened on February 25.
According to the decision made today, Makwanpur, Sindhupalchowk, Chitwan, Nawalpur, Bara, Parsa, Sindhuli, Banke, Saptari, Siraha, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Kailali and Achham district will hold the district convention on the stipulated date.
A meeting of the Nepal Bankers Association, an umbrella organization of chief executive officers of commercial banks, has agreed to raise interest rates for the month of February.
Commercial banks have agreed to raise interest rates on deposits, citing growing shortage of liquidity in banks. The union said that despite the increase in demand for loans, the banks have not been able to collect deposits.
As per the decision of the association, it has been agreed to maintain the annual interest rate of 11.03 percent per annum for the individual. Earlier, the banks had agreed to offer 10.07 percent interest rate. Bankers will pay 10.3 percent interest on institutional deposits, 5 percent on savings accounts and 3.015 percent on calls.
Chairman of the CPN-Unified Socialist Madhav Kumar Nepal has said that the MCC will not be passed without the amendments.
Speaking at a press conference organized by the Socialist Press Organization Parsa in Birgunj today, Nepal, who is also a former prime minister, said, “In the current situation with most of those disputed clauses in the agreement, MCC cannot be supported blindly. This is our clear view.”
While there are fears that the ruling coalition will break up if there is no agreement on MCC, Madhav Nepal, the main component of the ruling coalition, said, “If there is no agreement on MCC, there are fears that the coalition will break up. The question has been raised, but we are ready to face all these challenges. ‘But he clarified that they would not support MCC without amendment.
He said that it would be appropriate to postpone the MCC agreement as the people as well as the political parties are divided about the MCC.
President Joe Biden has urged United States citizens in Ukraine to leave the country immediately, citing the threat of Russian invasion amid the ongoing crisis in Eastern Europe. “It’s not like we’re dealing with a terrorist organisation. We’re dealing with one of the largest armies in the world. It’s a very different situation and things could go crazy quickly,” he added. Biden also repeated that under no circumstances would he send US troops to Ukraine, even to rescue US citizens in case of a Russian invasion.“That’s a world war. When Americans and Russians start shooting one another, we’re in a very different world,” he said.
Meanwhile, Russia has denied that it is planning to invade Ukraine, but it has strongly opposed its neighbour’s efforts to join NATO. Moscow wants security guarantees that the US-led alliance will stop its expansion into former Soviet republics, but Washington and NATO have rejected the demand saying they are open to discuss about the arms control measures in Europe.
A meeting held at the party office of the ruling Nepali Congress in Sanepa today concluded that the US Assistance Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) agreement should be approved by the parliament.
In today’s meeting held in Sanepa, local level election, MCC project and convention of the fraternal organization were discussed. “The decision will be taken only after the members have expressed their views on the issue discussed today,” said Prakash Sharan Mahat the spokesperson of the party. According to Mahat, today’s meeting of the executive committee has been postponed till 2 pm tomorrow.
Though the issue of taking MCC to the parliament for approval was discussed in the meeting, the issue of the alliance will be discussed in tomorrow’s performance committee meeting. However, the Prime Minister and party president Sher Bahadur Deuba’s strong support for passing the MCC despite breaking the alliance has increased the possibility of going to the polls alone without forming an alliance, said the Congress leaders.
In the meeting, Congress leader Dr Shashank Koirala has said that the party should not form an alliance for its own dignity and survival and should contest the local elections alone.
CPN (Maoist Center) Central Committee meeting has been postponed. According to UCPN (M) Central Office Secretary Shri Ram Dhakal, the Central Committee meeting convened for January 11 has been postponed due to special reasons.
The Eighth General Convention of the UCPN (M) had given the responsibility of selecting the office bearers to the Central Committee. Even though the meeting was held once after the general convention, the office bearers could not be selected. The first meeting was held on January 3 after the General Convention, which ended electing Prachanda as the chairperson.
After that, the Central Committee meeting could not be held due to the Corona epidemic. The Maoist constitution provides for a 15-member office. According to the constitution, the UCPN (M) has yet to elect a senior vice president, six vice presidents, a general secretary, two deputy general secretaries, three secretaries and a treasurer.
Germany has risen to the top of the medal table in the Beijing Winter Olympics.
Germany has won the most 5 gold and 3 silver medals. Norway, which dropped to second place, won four gold, two silver and four bronze medals.
Sweden won 4 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze medals while the Netherlands won 3 gold, 3 silver and 1 bronze medal. Organizer China has won 3 gold and 2 silver medals.
The United States has won 2 gold, 5 silver and 1 bronze, and Austria has won 2 gold, 4 silver and 4 bronze. Italy won 2 gold, 4 silver and 1 bronze while the Russian Olympic Committee won 2 gold, 3 silver and 6 bronze medals.
The National Examination Board has made public the schedule of this year’s SEE examination.
The National Examination Board has stated that the examination will continue from 8 am to 11 am as per the schedule of the examination which will be conducted from 22 April to 3 May.
As per the schedule made public by the Board, the thematic schedule is as follows.
Friday, April 22: Compulsory English. On the same day, a compulsory Sanskrit language and literature examination will be held towards Vedavidyashram.
Sunday, April 24: Compulsory Mathematics Monday, April 25: Mandatory Nepali. There will be an English test for non-Nepali students.
Tuesday, April 26: Compulsory Science. Mandatory Sanskrit grammar and translation examinations will be held towards Vedavidyashram. Wednesday, April 27: Compulsory social. The technical side will have exams in Farm Management, Marketing, Engineering, Drawing, Computer Peripherals and Maintenance and Basic Music.
Thursday, April 28: Compulsory Health, Population and Environmental Education. Vedavidyashram will have examinations in all subjects of Veda or Ethics, Technical will have elective first, while Technical will have examinations in Agriculture, Electrical Management, Computer Networking, Engineering Surveying.
Friday, April 29: There will be an examination in all subjects of elective first in general and Sanskrit, compulsory Sanskrit education in Sanskrit, elective subject in Veda Vidyashram and elective mathematics in technical.
Saturday April 30, there will be an examination in Elective II subject in general and Sanskrit, ritual or consequential astrology in Veda Vidyashram, Vegetable and Medicinal Plant Production in Technical, Dairy, Electrical Energy, Database Management System, Music Technology.
Sunday, May 1: Examinations in Crop Production, Small Room Production and Management, Electronics Device and Circuit, Water Resources and Engineering will be held on technical subjects.
Monday, May 2: Examination of Animal Health, Electrical Machine, Microprocess, Highway Engineering, Music Business and Program Management will be held in technical subjects.
Tuesday May 3: Technical side examinations in Floriculture and Nursery Management, Veterinary Laboratory Techniques, Industrial Installation and Maintenance, Object Corrected Programming, Estimating Casting and Supervision and Elective subjects in singing, music, instrumentation and dance.
The board has estimated that around 510,000 students will participate in this year’s examination.
A meeting of the Central Working Committee of the ruling party Nepali Congress will be held today.
According to Krishna Prasad Poudel, Chief Secretary of the Nepali Congress Central Office, the meeting will be held at the party’s central office in Sanepa at 2 pm.
A meeting of office bearers other than Chairman Sher Bahadur Deuba held on Wednesday had decided to focus on local level election in the meeting of the Central Working Committee.
The meeting will also discuss the convening of 16 district conventions postponed due to the epidemic of Covid (19) and mobilization of the party’s fraternal and well-wishers organization, said spokesperson Mahat.
Congress had recently formed a 37-member executive committee.
Nepal Police Club defeated Chyasal Youth Club in the Martyrs’ Memorial ‘A’ Division League Football Tournament.
Police defeated Chyasal Youth Club by 2-1 in a match played at Dasharath Stadium in Tripureshwor today. Ravi Shankar Paswan became the hero in the victory of the police. He scored both goals. For Chyasal, Mausa Abagana returned a goal.
In a very competitive match, Paswan scored in the 37th minute to give the Police an early lead. He scored on the ball provided by Nirkumar Rai. In the 52nd minute of the match, Chyasal’s Mausa scored from the penalty spot to level the match 1-1. Chyasal was awarded a penalty after Police Captain Suman Subedi fought Rumesh Bartaula inside the penalty area in the 51st minute.
Then in the 70 th minute of the match, Paswan scored his second individual goal to give the Police a 2-1 victory. Paswan scored an excellent goal from inside the penalty area with the ball provided by Suman Lama. With this victory, Police has added 10 points in nine games. The police score has risen to tenth place in the table.
Seven different political parties today protested against the US aid project Millennium Challenge Compact (MCC). Stating that the agreement is treasonous, they have warned against approving it in the parliament.
Participants in the demonstrations by Communist Party of Nepal, CPN-Revolutionary Maoist, CPN, Scientific Socialist Communist Party of Nepal, CPN-Maoist Central Socialist, Patriotic People’s Democratic Front and Rastriya Janamorcha carried various playcards and banners saying that MCC agreement should not be ratified.
Minister for Health and Population Birodh Khatiwada has said that all citizens will be vaccinated against covid-19 in the next few days.
Receiving the memorandum submitted by the CPN (Unified Socialist) affiliated student organization on Wednesday, Minister Khatiwada said that booster dose vaccine will be given to all Nepali citizens in the third phase.
He said that the government has a plan to give booster dose to all Nepali citizens in the next few days.
Stating that the school has been made the vaccination center for the convenience of the students and the availability of vaccines will not be reduced in the coming days.
Stating that the poor are still receiving free treatment, he said that many people have been deprived of free treatment as they have not been able to get the documents of poverty from the village and they have not been able to get information.
If the demands of the farmers’ movement are not met, Sike Raut has said that he will obstruct the local elections.
Speaking at a press conference in Birgunj, Sike Raut, who has been agitating in Madhes for various demands of the farmers, said that local level elections would not be held in the Terai Madhes region if the demands of the farmers are not met.
“Let’s envision local level elections only if the demands of the farmers are addressed first,” he said.Otherwise, “I can’t say anywhere else, but in the Terai Madhes, from Jhapa to Banke, Bardiya, Kailali, Kanchanpur, we will obstruct the election,”he said.
Sike Raut has been agitating in Terai Madhes with 11 different demands.
Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba is preparing to pass the MCC, even if it needs to break down the alliance.
It is learned that Deuba had discussed the alternative of the Speaker after the meeting of the House of Representatives scheduled to be held today was postponed by issuing a notice late last evening. While preparing to discuss MCC in today’s meeting, the Speaker had adjourned today’s meeting of the House of Representatives saying that there was no consensus within the alliance. It has been learned that Deuba has started discussions on the Speaker’s option after it was seen that the Speaker will become an obstacle in passing the MCC. Also, during a meeting between Deuba and Mahanta Thakur in Baluwatar some time ago, the Prime Minister had asked Thakur for help if needed to find an alternative to the Speaker.
Meanwhile, the opposition UML has been obstructing the parliament demanding the resignation of the speaker. In this case, the opposition UML seems to fully support the removal of the Speaker. Civil society leaders are also protesting, saying that the speaker has been charged in the murder and that serious complaints and cases related to murder and immoral conduct are being considered against him by the Kavre District Police in the Constitutional Court and regular session of the Supreme Court. UML politburo member and former minister Mahesh Basnet has also informed that preparations are being made to register an impeachment motion against Speaker Sapkota.
Prime Minister Deuba is ready to pass the MCC even though the possibility of breaking the alliance is high if the speaker is removed. The UML has been saying that if Deuba breaks the alliance and remove the Speaker they will help to pass the MCC.
Alice Albright has been elected as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MCC.
The proposal to make Albright CEO was unanimously passed by the US Senate, the MCC said in a press release.
MCC Acting CEO Mahmoud Bah congratulated Ellis and said he was excited to welcome her. He noted that Alice led the way at a crucial time in MCC’s history.
The rain and snow that had stopped for a few days is about to start again.
According to the Meteorological Department, there is a possibility of rain in most parts of the country and snowfall in the high hills and mountains from today to Friday.
Due to the influence of westerly winds in the country, the weather has changed across the country and there is a possibility of light to moderate rain in many places of Far West, Karnali, Lumbini and Gandaki.
There is a possibility of light rain in a few places of Bagmati Province and Province 1. In addition, there is a possibility of light to moderate snowfall in many places in the high hills and mountains of the country.
The National Examination Board has stated that the SEE examination will start from April 14. Today’s meeting of the National Examination Board has decided to conduct the SEE examination from 14 April to 3 May.
The board has also informed that the routine schedule of the examination will be made public on the webpage of the board tomorrow.
Today, seven communist parties will jointly surround the parliament building, demanding the repeal of the US aid project Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).
Janamorcha with Netravikram Chand ‘Biplava’ led CPN, Mohan Vikram Singh led Communist Party of Nepal (Masal), Communist Party of Nepal (Revolutionary Maoist) led by Mohan Vaidya, Communist Party of Nepal led by Rishi Kattel, Scientific Socialist Communist Party of Nepal led by Ahuti and CPN-Maoist Socialists led by Karnajit Budhathoki are going to surround the federal parliament this afternoon and protest against the MCC. There is a program to gather at Maitighar Mandal at 1 pm today and hold a corner meeting in front of the parliament building with a protest rally at 2 pm.
The meeting of the House of Representatives scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed.
According to sources in the Federal Parliament Secretariat, the meeting of the House of Representatives scheduled for Wednesday has been postponed. The meeting was postponed due to disagreement between the parties as the US Economic Assistance Project Millennium Challenge Compact was being prepared to be tabled in Parliament. The meeting has been postponed at the last minute after the Parliament Secretariat made public the possible agenda of the House of Representatives.
The meeting of the House of Representatives, which was postponed several times for various reasons, was last adjourned for 10 days. The meeting scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed after the alliance split over the tabling of the MCC agreement.
The Ministry of Health and Population has directed the subordinate bodies to provide the details of vaccination against coronavirus by Wednesday.
The directive was issued as some district and local levels did not submit the details within the stipulated time. The committee has directed the health offices of six districts and 109 local levels to submit the details by tomorrow, said Dr Gunaraj Lohani, coordinator of the committee.
The ministry had formed a five-member investigation committee on January 29 under the coordination of Dr. Lohani, the chief expert of the ministry, after it failed to find the exact number of vaccines.
Earlier, the committee had directed the management division of the health service department, health supply management centres of all the seven states, all 77 district health offices and 753 local levels to send the details of vaccine stock and vaccinated persons.
Former RPP Chairman Kamal Thapa has announced his separation from RPP.
Thapa said that he had decided to leave the party due to ideological differences within the party. Thapa also said that he had taken such an unpleasant decision as the party had stopped listening to him despite his desire to dedicate his life to the party.
Thapa announced his separation from the party at a press conference in Hetauda today.
The Shekhar Koirala faction of the Nepali Congress has held internal discussions before the party’s performance committee meeting.
The meeting was attended by General Secretary Thapa, Joint General Minister Badri Pandey, Jeevan Pariyar, Central Member Govinda Raj Pokhrel and Ajay Babu Siwakoti.
The Koirala faction has formed a group opinion regarding the agenda of the Central Working Committee meeting to be held on March 10.
In the meeting to be held on March 10, there is an agenda to discuss issues related to fraternal organizations, districts left to be carried with convention and others. A meeting was held on Monday with officials close to the Koirala group to form a group opinion on the issue.
Bamdev Gautam, the coordinator of the CPN-Ekta National Campaign, said that it would be appropriate for the USA to withdraw the MCC project.
In a statement, Gautam, who is also a member of the National Assembly, said that the return of MCC would be the best option if the sovereign parliament of Nepal and Nepali psychology would be divided due to MCC.
Gautam also said that after the agreement reached with the MCC, serious partisanship towards the United States has started to arise in Nepal. Gautam suspects that the implementation of the agreement will jeopardize Nepal’s independence and sovereignty.
“If the MCC causes the Nepali people, Nepal’s political parties, Nepal’s sovereign parliament and Nepali psychology to be divided, its return may be the best option,” Gautam said in a statement.
China claims the USA has approved the sale of weapons and services to Taiwan for a possible 100 million to “sustain, maintain and improve” the Patriot missile defense system used by the United States.
The State Department has decided to approve a possible foreign military sale of equipment and services to the United States Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office to support participation in the Patriot International Engineering Services Program and Field Surveillance Program.
The program is designed to sustain, repair and improve the Patriot Air Defense System at an estimated cost of US 100 million, with engineering service support for five years, according to a statement from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. Necessary verification has been provided to inform Congress after the approval.
“The proposed sale serves US national, economic and security interests by supporting the recipient’s continued efforts to modernize its armed forces and maintain a credible defense capability.” The proposed sale would help improve recipient security and maintain political stability, military balance, economic growth and development in the region, “the statement said.
Organizer China has risen to the top of the medal table in the Beijing Winter Olympics. China won three gold and two silver medals. Sweden has also won three gold medals.
The Russian Olympic Committee has won two gold, three silver and two bronze medals. The Netherlands have won two gold and two silver and one bronze medal. Germany has won two gold and one silver medal.
Norway won two gold and three bronze medals. Slovenia won two gold and one bronze. Italy won one gold, three silver and one bronze. Austria won one gold and two silver and two bronze medals. Canada has won one gold, one silver and four bronze medals. Japan has won one gold, one silver and two bronze medals.
Switzerland won one gold and two bronze medals. Australia won one gold and one bronze medal. New Zealand has won only one gold. France and the United States have won four silver medals each.
Hungary has won two bronze medals and Finland and Poland have won one bronze each.
The Election Commission has stopped the voter list compilation. The commission has stated that the collection of names has been stopped from today as soon as the date of the local level election has been fixed.
As per sub-section 2 of section 4 of the Election Act, after the date of the election has been announced, names cannot be registered in the voters’ roll for the purpose of election.
Chief Election Commissioner Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya said that all 77 District Election Offices have been instructed to send the collected voter details to the Center within three days.
Yesterday’s meeting of the Council of Ministers has decided to hold the local level election on May 13.
According to the Federation of Nepali Gold and Silver Entrepreneurs, the price of gold, which was traded at Rs 92,600 per tola yesterday, has risen by Rs 500 to Rs 93,100 today.
Similarly, the price of silver rose by Rs 5 to Rs 1,260 per tola today, according to the federation.
The Nepali national cricket team is leaving for Oman today to participate in the Global Selection A of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
According to the Nepal Cricket Association (NCA), the Nepali team will leave for Oman at 8.30 pm on Tuesday. In Global Choice A, hosted by Oman, Nepal, Philippines, Canada, UAE, Bahrain, Ireland and Germany are participating. The games will be held from February 18 to 24.
Group A comprises Nepal, Canada, Philippines and Oman. Group B comprises UAE, Bahrain, Ireland and Germany. Nepal will start the selection by playing against Oman.
The match between Nepal and Oman will be played on February 18 at Oman Cricket Academy Ground. Nepal’s second match will be against the Philippines on February 19 at Al Amerat Cricket Ground.
Nepal is scheduled to play its third match against Canada on February 21 at Oman Cricket Academy Ground. The semi-final matches will be played on February 22.
US President Joe Biden has warned that he will cut off the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia to Germany if it invades Ukraine. Biden made the remarks after talks with German Chancellor Olaf Schulz in Washington.
The US president made the remarks during a meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin a day earlier.
European countries, including the United States, have repeatedly accused Russia of possible attacks, but Russia has said it has no plans to invade Ukraine. Russia has about 100,000 troops stationed along the border with Ukraine.
Joe Biden and Schulz addressed a news conference after the meeting. In response to a question about “Nord Stream 2”, Joe Biden said that “Nord Stream 2” would be closed if Russia invaded. Biden did not answer questions about how to close. He also said that Russia would take “severe action” against Russia if it invaded Ukraine.
What is Nerd Stream 2 gas pipeline?
The 1,200-kilometer-long gas pipeline project runs through the Baltic Sea from western Russia to northeastern Germany.
The project aims to double the supply of natural gas from Russia to Germany. Currently, gas from Russia to Germany flows through the Nord Stream pipeline, which was built in 2021.
If successful, the pipeline would supply 55 billion cubic meters of gas to Germany each year. The project is owned by the Russian state gas company Gazprom.
Work on the pipeline was completed in September 2021. But Gazprom is still awaiting approval from European regulators before resuming gas supplies.
Why dispute ?
Critics say the pipeline is a weapon of Russia’s foreign policy. The project has been strongly opposed by the United States, Ukraine and Poland.
The United States fears that the pipeline could make Europe more dependent on Russia’s energy. With its help, Russian President Vladimir Putin will dominate Germany and the European Union. Ukraine also wants the project closed.
The Parliamentary Committee on International Relations has directed the government not to implement the decision to allow blue number plates and flags in the vehicles of unpaid consuls.
The government revoked the facility two years ago after it was found that Kyrgyzstan’s honorary ambassador to Nepal, Sulabh Agrawal, had used a vehicle used as a diplomatic privilege on illegal activities. However, Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Khadka reversed the decision and allowed blue number plates and flags to be placed on the vehicles of unpaid consuls.
Stating that no consultation was held while reviving this facility, the committee meeting has asked not to allow blue number plate and flag to be placed in the vehicle of unpaid consul. The government has also asked to formulate criteria in this regard and send it to the committee soon.
The government has decided to hold local elections on may 13.
Home Minister Bal Krishna Khan informed that the ongoing meeting of the Council of Ministers has fixed the date of local elections. Spokesperson of the government and Minister for Communications Gyanendra Bahadur Karki has said that the government has decided to go to the polls in one phase on May 13 as per the recommendation of the Election Commission.
Earlier, the Election Commission had proposed a date for the local elections on May 18.
The government has informed the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Agni Prasad Sapkota, that it is preparing to submit the US Grants Assistance Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact Agreement to the Parliament.
Stating that the government is ready to submit the MCC agreement, it has urged Speaker Sapkota to expedite the necessary process. After receiving this news, Speaker Sapkota had prepared accordingly and consulted with some people close to him. Earlier on Sunday, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Dilendra Prasad Badu met Speaker Sapkota and briefed him about the government’s decision to present the MCC agreement in the parliament.
According to sources, Speaker Sapkota said that he would not obstruct the process of submitting the MCC agreement to the parliament. However, he argued that it would be better to take a decision through discussion than to table the MCC amidst the obstruction in the parliament.
Meanwhile, the MCC headquarters on Sunday wrote to Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal to approve the Nepal Compact Agreement by February 28.
Six months after taking office, Home Minister Bal Krishna Khan has unveiled the Home Administration Reform Action Plan.
Minister Khan has unveiled the 206-point Home Administration Reform Action Plan-2078 BS at Singha Durbar today.
The minister’s action plan includes everything from setting standards for cannabis cultivation and use to distributing citizenship at the local level. The ministry is preparing to prepare procedures for the medicinal use of cannabis within six months. The Policy Planning Monitoring and Evaluation Division is working on that.
The ministry also plans to formulate and implement an immigration policy.
UML MP Bhim Rawal has demanded an investigation into the letter written by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal to the Millennium Challenge Corporation.
In today’s meeting of the International Relations Committee, Rawal said that the letter of intent written by a high-ranking official of the country to weaken Nepal’s diplomacy was highly objectionable. “This is an example of how diplomacy is being undermined and how the country’s self-esteem is being undermined,” he said.
“Is this how diplomacy works?” Rawal asked a question. What kind of diplomats had given such suggestions to Deuba and Dahal? He said that no leader had the right to write a letter saying that the agreement under consideration in the House of Representatives would be signed like this and that.
‘Do they have the right to do such such things over an agreement registered in the House of Representatives? Not listening to the people of your country but writing such a letter to another? This should be investigated and action should be taken, said Rawal.
Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has convened a meeting of the Council of Ministers. According to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, Deuba convened a meeting of the Council of Ministers in Baluwatar at 3 pm today.
Today’s meeting of the Council of Ministers is preparing to announce the date of local elections.
In a meeting of the three parties held on Sunday, Prime Minister Deuba had informed that the date of local elections would be announced from the next cabinet meeting. An earlier meeting of the ruling coalition had decided to announce the date of the election as per the recommendation of the Election Commission. The Commission had recommended to the Prime Minister to announce the date of local elections on 18th may 2022.
Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has given the responsibility of party spokesperson to central committee member Prakash Sharan Mahat. Mahat was defeated in the 14th General Convention for the post of General Secretary from deuba panel.
After that, Chairman Deuba nominated him as a central committee member. It is customary to appoint a spokesperson from among the central members.
According to a Congress party office source, Deuba appointed Mahat as the party’s spokesperson today.
Nepal Army helicopter sent to rescue the 34 people of Jumla trapped in the snow had returned empty. Those people from Jumla had gone to collect the herbs called Setak Chini about two weeks ago.
A Nepal Army helicopter that went to the rescue failed to land due to heavy snowfall. As there was no place to land due to the bad weather, the Nepal Army helicopter that went to rescue them dropped the food and returned. According to the rescue squad, those people trapped in the snow were living in temporary tents and are safe. The rescuer said that the necessary foods have been dropped off for the stranded. According to the local authorities, It is impossible for them to return immediately but if they do not return even after the snow has stopped, necessary preparations will be made for their rescue.
Two people have died of extreme cold due to heavy snowfall while returning after collecting the herbs. The deceased have been identified as Mun Rawat, 46, of Bargaon, Tatopani-7 and Devi Shahi, 37, of Bargaun, according to the District Police Office, Jumla.
From the action against the Minister to the resignation of the Speaker
At a three-party meeting held at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar, the main opposition party UML has put forward its conditions for the smooth functioning of the parliament.
Chairman of the main opposition party UML Oli has demanded the resignation of Speaker Agni Sapkota for the smooth functioning of the parliament. Accusing him of aiding and abetting the party split, Oli reiterated that he would not open the parliament unless the speaker admits his mistake and resigns. Similarly, Oli has said that action should be taken against the 14 non-parliamentarians who have been taken action by the UML. Otherwise, the party will not allow the parliament to function until 14 non-parliamentarians, including Nepal, are present in the parliament. However, the UML has been saying that it will help in approving the MCC if it breaks the alliance and takes action against the speaker.
Similarly, the UML has demanded that in the next cabinet meeting, the date for the election must be announced and the election needs to be held within May 19. Stating that there is a dispute within the alliance, Oli said that the ruling party should first clarify its opinion on the US project MCC and then only the CPN-UML will put forward its decision.
UML has also demanded action against Minister Renu Yadav for her provocative speech at gaur and Health Minister Birodh Khatiwada, who was accused for the irregularities of 2.4 million corona vaccine.
Stating that the financial crisis has started in the country as the government has not been able to spend even 15 percent of the development budget in six months of the current fiscal year, Chairman Oli said that the government should take serious steps regarding the issue on country’s financial matter.
All businesses and schools will be open from February 13
The odd-even traffic system in the Kathmandu Valley has been lifted from today.
A joint meeting of all the three Chief District Officers of the Valley has decided to remove the system from today. The Covid 19 Crisis Management Center (CCMC) has recommended to the District Administration Offices to remove the odd-even traffic system in private vehicles and taxis in the Valley.
The CCMC has also recommended the concerned bodies to bring schools, cinema houses and night businesses into operation from February 13.
Famous Indian singer Lata Mangeshkar has passed away at the age of 92 today. Mangeshkar, who had been undergoing treatment for a long time, died at Breach Candy Hospital today. She was treated in the ICU after the corona infection was confirmed. After her condition worsened, she was treated on a ventilator. But she was taken out of the ventilator for two days and was being treated for common pneumonia. Of a sudden, her condition got worsened again and she passed away during treatment at the hospital.
The US Agency for International Development (MCC) has stated that no amendment to the agreement with Nepal is possible. While the ruling coalition is debating the option of amending the agreement before it is approved by the parliament, Fatima Sumar, vice-chairperson of the MCC headquarters’ department of compact operations, has urged Nepal to go for the option of ratification and implementation of the agreement.
“I would like to remind that the decision to recognize MCC as an international agreement must be passed by the Parliament and by the Ministry of Law of Nepal. The agreement was signed by the Government of Nepal on September 14, 2017, four years ago, after agreeing on all the provisions. At present, it is not possible to amend any of the points,” she said.
While discussing the US condition that the MCC agreement must be ratified by February 28, Sumar said that the deadline was set by Prime Minister Deuba and UCPN (Maoist) Central Committee Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal. “The prime minister (Deuba) and the chairman (Dahal) in a letter dated September 29 have expressed their commitment to ratify the agreement within five months, We want to see the agreement ratified within that day,” she said.
She also said that the MCC board would have the right to decide on the future of the agreement if it is not approved by the parliament of Nepal within the stipulated date. According to her, the next board meeting on March 22 will take a decision on the issue. The MCC board has the right to reject the 500 million grant agreement from the United States if Nepal does not ratify it. The decision of the board will end the cooperation between Nepal and MCC, ‘said Sumar.
An agreement was reached between the MCC and the Government of Nepal on 29 Bhadra 2074 BS for a grant of USD 500 million for the development of energy and road infrastructure. A year and a half after the Deuba-led government signed the agreement, the cabinet led by KP Oli had decided to submit the agreement to the parliament for approval on Magh 25 2075 BS. The ruling parties have expressed dissatisfaction saying that the grant agreement was passed by the parliament like an international treaty and tried to go beyond the prevailing law.
The government has not been able to take a decision even five days after the Election Commission proposed date for local elections. If the second election is held on the proposed date, there are only 103 days left. The government, which has been trying to postpone the local elections, is delaying the date.
After discussing with the government, the commission had proposed the date of May 18 to hold local elections. The commission has proposed to hold one-time elections at 753 levels. Similarly, the Commission has also sent its opinion through the Ministry of Home Affairs for decision in the Council of Ministers.
The commission has stated that there is no need to amend the law to hold the election on May 18. “After the government agreed to hold the election on the date we have proposed, the prime minister has urged us to start preparations,” said Chief Election Commissioner Dinesh Thapaliya.
A meeting of the Central Security Committee (CSC) on Wednesday directed all the four security agencies to submit a detailed action plan on security and arrangements with the aim of holding local elections in one phase. A committee has been formed under the coordination of Mukunda Niraula, Chief of Security and Coordination Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs to coordinate for that.
Minister for Communications and Information Technology Gyanendra Bahadur Karki said that the election date would be fixed soon as per the agreement reached between the government and the coalition parties.Karki said,”There is no question of the government avoiding announcing the date.” The commission has proposed to do it in stages.
The commission claims that in one phase, management will be easier, voter education materials will be uniform, campaigning expenses will be reduced, monitoring and supervision will be easier, and the result of one place will not affect the election of another place. The commission has stated that if the election is held in two or more phases, the ballot boxes of the local level election held in the first phase will be kept safe till the second phase election is completed. The commission has informed the government that due to the need to deploy more security personnel, it is not possible to keep enough security personnel for the second phase of the election and the expenses will increase due to additional facilities for security personnel and staff.
“As the first phase of the election draws to a close, counting on votes will affect the outcome of the second phase, raising questions about the cleanliness, credibility and fairness of the election,” the commission said in a consultation with the government.
Shengping Zhou Nepal Bureau chief at Xinhua News Agency
The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has ignited a bitter controversy in Nepal. Some hail it with joy, while many others blast it with hatred. Local media is awash with many comments, most of them self-contradictory.
Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba once asked the opponents of MCC to read documents carefully before debating over it and so said former prime minister KP Sharma Oli. In an interview with AP1 television, Randy Berry, the US Ambassador to Nepal also said, “We absolutely welcome, and always have, the scrutiny on the MCC compact.”
Unless I am proved wrong, most people don’t have time to read two key documents relating to the MCC before they publicly support or oppose it. This study is a must for any serious critic—to check them carefully to clear the confused mind of the public.
One document is Millennium Challenge Compact signed on September 14, 2017, in Washington. Another is the program implementation agreement (execution version) signed on September 29, 2019, in Kathmandu. Both are available on MCA’s official website.
Brought with a two years gap, these two contracts in the English language are lengthy, full of abstruse legal terms that are out of many persons’ range. One is 78 pages long while the other has 35 pages.
Around two weeks ago, I uploaded a post on my Facebook page– “Is MCC good or bad for Nepal?” I quoted one section of the compact to invite readers to draw their own conclusion.
That simple post generated huge debate and many people offered their comments. One Nepali scholar and one Nepali journalist even argued whether this scribe, a Chinese journalist, is in a suitable position to appraise MCC since it is a bilateral cooperation between the US and Nepal, without the direct involvement of China.
Here is a catch. These commenters seem to be unaware that “this Compact is an international agreement and as such will be governed by the principles of international law,” according to Section 6.4 of the compact signed in 2017.
As far as the international agreement is concerned, let me quote western media reports pointing out that “the U.S. is an unreliable international partner.” Recently the whole world has been questioning the reliability of the US after its rapid and chaotic withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan.
Encroaching upon Nepal’s sovereignty
How much does the sovereignty of Nepal cost? This question sounds stupid and provocative. It’s like asking how much is your life worth? But according to the two agreed documents, the price is up to US$ 500 million.
How much does the sovereignty of Nepal cost? This question sounds stupid and provocative. It’s like asking how much is your life worth? But according to the two agreed documents, the price is up to US$ 500 million.
As the saying goes, there is no such thing as free lunch in this real world. “MCC will provide assistance of up to US$ 500,000,000 to the Government,” which passes as the largest grant Nepal has ever received. But as an exchange or reward, the government has to hand over its sovereignty—the supreme authority or power within the territory to this American company.
Section 7.1 of the 2017 compact clearly reads, “The Parties understand that this Compact, upon entry into force, will prevail over the domestic laws of Nepal.”
Nepal’s constitution is the fundamental law of the land, but it is a local one. So the Compact nullifies it. That’s the price Nepal has to pay for the US$ 500 million assistance from the US.
If you go through the documents, the unequal terms and conditions are very much visible and surprising. The role that the Nepal government will have to play is like that of a maiden while the other party, the MCC, stands as the master which can decide everything including the management of human, financial, and material resources.
The program is worth up to US$ 630 million including a contribution of US$ 130 million from the Nepal government. It is a joint adventure but according to the agreements, the Nepal government can’t decide how to use the money, the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) can’t audit even the US$ 130 million, its own money. Furthermore, all the intellectual property under the program belongs to the only rightful owner MCC, acting on behalf of the United States Government. That’s to say, Nepal effectively donates US$ 130 million to the US, instead of it receiving US$ 500 million from the latter—in five years’ time.
The MCA-Nepal (Millennium Challenge Act-Nepal) is so powerful that “no decision of MCA-Nepal is modified, supplemented, unduly influenced or rescinded by any governmental authority,” according to Section 1.3 Role of MCA-Nepal of the 2019 agreement.
In past couple of centuries, Nepal signed treaties, pacts and agreements with foreign countries that have undermined its long-cherished sovereignty. The first, in the present context, is the 1816 Sugauli peace treaty with the British, the second one is the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship with post-colonial India. The third one is none but the MCC with the US.
As we all know, unlimited power corrupts the minds of those who possess it. How can one escape the prospective punishment from Nepal’s laws for any wrongdoings?
Cunning figures have already designed a way out. Section 6.8 “MCC status” of the 2017 compact states the immunity enjoyed by people working for the program:
“MCC and the United States Government assume no liability for any claims or loss arising out of activities or omissions under this Compact. The Government waives any and all claims against MCC or the United States Government or any current or former officer or employee of MCC or the United States Government for all loss, damage, injury, or death arising out of activities or omissions under this Compact, and agrees that it will not bring any claim or legal proceeding of any kind against any of the above entities or persons for any such loss, damage, injury, or death.
“The Government agrees that MCC and the United States Government or any current or former officer or employee of MCC or the United States Government will be immune from the jurisdiction of all courts and tribunals of Nepal for any claim or loss arising out of activities or omissions under this Compact.”
Here is the dichotomy: Nepal’s Supreme Court has power to invalidate the prime minister’s anti-constitution ordinance. It also can order the country’s president to appoint a new prime minister. But as things stand now, this powerful constitutional institution can do nothing against the MCC. It is left to be a mute spectator.
Here is the dichotomy: Nepal’s Supreme Court has power to invalidate the prime minister’s anti-constitution ordinance. It also can order the country’s president to appoint a new prime minister. But as things stand now, this powerful constitutional institution can do nothing against the MCC. It is left to be a mute spectator.
In past couple of centuries, Nepal signed treaties, pacts and agreements with foreign countries that have undermined its long-cherished sovereignty. The first, in the present context, is the 1816 Sugauli peace treaty with the British, the second one is the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship with post-colonial India. The third one is none but the MCC with the US.
Reducing poverty?
Some readers may question this conclusion: how could it be? It is only a five-year project.
But it is not. So long as there is poverty in Nepal, the MCC retains its presence here. It is going to be an eternal factor.
Because the Section 4.1 of the 2019 agreement says, “the Parties will develop a post-Compact monitoring and evaluation plan that describes the future monitoring and evaluation activities, the individuals and organizations that will undertake these activities, and a budget framework for future monitoring and evaluation.”
One important point missed by supporters of MCC is that there is no guarantee for the realization of the project objective from the US side, even if both sides have to invest US$ 630 million in five years. And the Nepal side surrenders all its powers—relating to ownership.
The Section of 4.1 of the 2019 agreement states, “MCC and the Government recognize that the effects of the Compact will be long-ranging and its impact on reducing poverty may not be measurable for several years after the Compact ceases to be in force.”
Listen carefully, Americans have said very clearly that US$ 630 million investment and efforts of five plus several years may lead to immeasurable results.
WHAT IS THE LOGIC BEHIND THIS? DO YOU STILL THINK MCC IS REALLY SERIOUS ABOUT HELPING NEPAL TO ALLEVIATE POVERTY? DO YOU STILL BELIEVE THAT MCC COMES TO NEPAL TO HELP THE GOVERNMENT TO STRENGTHEN GOOD GOVERNANCE, ECONOMIC FREEDOM AND INVESTMENTS IN PEOPLE?
What is the logic behind this? Do you still think MCC is really serious about helping Nepal to alleviate poverty? Do you still believe that MCC comes to Nepal to help the government to strengthen good governance, economic freedom and investments in people? The reasonable explanation is that the US hopes Nepal stays poor and weak all the time and in dire need of assistance from the US forever so that Americans can act on their own will here, defying Nepal’s constitution.
Deadly plan
Most of the credulous people have thought that activities of MCC would revolve around the 300 km of a double-circuit 400 kilovolt transmission line and improving road conditions.
The Nepali embassy in Washington D.C. in its website also says, “MCC will provide grant of US$ 500 million and Nepal bears US$ 130 million for this US$ 630 million project where US$ 500 million goes to Energy sector and US$ 130 million goes to Roads sector.”
A question then begs answer: if the real tasks of Americans are to complete these hard projects, why are they bent on assuming supreme power through so many calculations?
A part of answer lies in the section 2.5 “Social and Gender Integration Plan”. According to 2019 agreement, “MCA-Nepal will develop a comprehensive social and gender integration plan.”
Under this plan, MCA-Nepal “identifies approaches for regular, meaningful and inclusive consultations with women and other vulnerable and/or underrepresented groups.”
Who will implement the plan? Non-profit organizations. Before MCC’s entry into Nepal, it has always been a huge challenge for the Social Welfare Council (SWC), established by the Nepal government, to observe and manage NGOs and INGOs from Western countries. Now like other institutions, SWC may be completely hopeless.
In its 58th annual report submitted to President Bidhya Devi Bhandari on August 20 this year, the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) recommends the government to carry out proper study of proposed projects from NGOs and INGOs, while stressing the need to refuse the foreign assistance that are offered with strings attached.
Of the US$ 630 million, how much will be spent on soft projects? Which NGOs and INGOs will be funded? What kind of vulnerable and underrepresented groups will get the promised financial support?
US$ 630 million program means expanded employment opportunities. And MCC itself may need a few thousand officers and employees. They enjoy the immunity like recognized diplomats.
According to MCA-Nepal Hiring Practices, “Officers and employees will be hired without regard to nationality or citizenship.”
Can US$130 million borne by the government provide some work opportunities for Nepal’s youths? It also depends on the favourable stand to be taken by the MCC!
In the Compact and in the agreement, the US side has almost considered all risks for itself while implementing them like “any purpose that would violate United States law or policy”; “a substantial loss of United States jobs or a substantial displacement of United States production,”. But there is no sentence mentioning Nepal’s protection of national interests.
After racking up all selfish calculations and digging out all cattish conspiracies contained in the documents, the conclusion beyond all dispute is made clear: Nepal side is supposed to behave like a driven cattle.
Threat to Nepal’s Neighbours
Why should Nepal’s immediate neighbours bother about MCC? Part of the answer to this question lies in the possession of supreme powers by a US company under the control of the US government which is set to be functional with little regard for Nepal’s laws. In these circumstances it is natural for Nepal’s close neighbours, India and China, to keep a vigilant eye on the activities–and inevitable consequences–of the MCC.
Geopolitically, the wisest choice for Nepal now is to decline to accept the MCC—lock, stock, and barrel.
Unfortunately, it might be too late for Nepal to get out of the rain.
A lot of Nepalese were happy when the Deuba-led government’s Common Minimum Program came out around two weeks ago, without mentioning MCC. However, in contrast with common impression, the MCC can move ahead without the approval of the parliament.
The 2017 compact expresses, “The Government must have submitted evidence to MCC that the Electricity Regulatory Commission bill has either been passed by the Federal Parliament, or that progress, satisfactory to MCC, is being made on the passage of the bill.”
Now we can understand why some ministers of Oli-led government reiterated that MCC must be endorsed by the Parliament at any cost. Oli himself had asked other political parties to support it. They just wanted to make MCC people satisfied. While the two sides–for or against MCC–are locked in fierce debate over why the US demands the parliament to ratify the compact, as a Dutch proverb suggests, the still sow eats up all the draff.
In the near future, for self-protection, Nepal might have to request both the close neighbours to observe the MCC because when some irreconcilable disputes happen in Nepal’s territory, Nepal can only get justice from the international community since the agreements with the US are governed by international law.
After spending few weeks to study the MCC documents, collecting diverse opinions from local media, as well as talking to the elites of Nepal’s society, I do hope all Nepali people will become aware about how small countries are lured to disaster through huge loans guaranteed by MCC.
From : Mend or End (Nepal in the eyes of a Chinese Journalist)
Homework has begun for the reopening of the closed school as the effects of the third wave of coronavirus are diminishing.
The matter was taken forward by the Covid Crisis Management Center (CCMC) in a discussion with education sector officials and stakeholders on Friday about the operation and facilitation of various service sectors along with the school. Based on the suggestions received, a meeting of the CCMC will be held next Sunday in the presence of Minister of State Umesh Shrestha to make further recommendations.
The meeting was attended by Ram Prasad Thapaliya, Head of CCMC and Secretary to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. Deepak Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology; Rituraj Sapkota, President of National Pabson, Suprabhat Bhandari, President of Parents Federation, Kamala Tuladhar, President of Nepal Teachers Federation and others were present.
According to Sapkota, chairman of National PABSON, it has been suggested that the CCMC and the government should take a concrete decision on the issue of reopening the school from March 13. The meeting has also decided to provide vaccine to the children who are eligible to be vaccinated against covid till January 8.
Various district administration offices including Kathmandu have issued orders to close schools and other services till mid-January this year, but schools have started opening in Gokarneshwar and other municipalities.
With a grand opening ceremony, the Beijing Olympics started on Friday evening according to Nepali time.
Chinese President Xi Jinping formally inaugurate the 24th Winter Olympics on Friday at 8 pm local time. China has also used the Winter Olympics, which began on Friday evening, as a means of showcasing its splendour.The opening ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games is currently taking place at the world famous stadium Bird’s Nest.The opening ceremony of the Olympics has the direct presence of 97 countries around the world. Russian President Vladimir Putin also attended the inauguration ceremony.
Amid political tensions with the United States and India, China has made every effort to make the Winter Olympics grand.India and the United States have accused China of politicizing the Winter Olympics. That is why the Indian delegation will not participate in the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics.
No athlete from Nepal has participated in the Winter Olympics this time.
Three people have been killed in Madhesh Pradesh due to strong winds. Three people were killed when a tree fell on them in Sabaila Municipality of Dhanusha and Baudhimai Municipality of Rautahat.
Two people have died when a tree fell on the premises of Fakirchanda High School in Dhanusha’s Sabaila Municipality-12 due to strong winds. The deceased have been identified as Pratima Kumari Sada, 8, daughter of Mahendra Sadaki of Dhanusha and Arvind Sada, 7, son of Chandeshwar Sada, according to Dhanusha Chief Superintendent of Police Basanta Rajaure.
Both died on the spot after a tree fell on the school premises due to strong winds. Similarly, a woman died after being trapped in her house in Rautahat due to strong winds and incessant rains since last night. The deceased has been identified as Phulmatiya Devi, 45, wife of Ram Mangal Ray Yadav, a resident of Ajagabi in Baudhimai Municipality-1. According to the District Police Office, Rautahat, the victim died on the way to Maulapur for treatment.
According to the Meteorological Department, Department of Water and Meteorology, the country is currently under the influence of western low pressure system. Light to moderate rain with thunderstorms is expected in most parts of the country at present.
According to the Weather Forecast Division, Department of Water and Meteorology, the weather forecast for the next three days is as follows.
March 21, 2078 (Friday)
Afternoon: There will be normal to full cloud cover across the country. There is a possibility of light to moderate rain with thunder / lightning / hail in most parts of the country. There is also a possibility of heavy rain in one or two places in Gandaki and Lumbini. Light to moderate snowfall is expected in many parts of the high hills and mountains of the country.
Night: There will be normal to complete cloud cover across the country. There is a possibility of light to moderate rain with thunder / lightning / hail in some places of Province 1, Madhesh Pradesh, Bagmati Pradesh and Gandaki Pradesh and light rain is likely in a few places in Far West, Karnali and Lumbini Pradesh. Light to moderate snowfall is expected in some parts of high mountainous and mountainous areas of the country.
March 22, 2078 (Saturday)
Afternoon: There will be partial to moderate cloud cover in Province No. 1, Madhes Province, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces of the country and there will be partial cloud cover in other provinces. There is a possibility of light rain in a few places in Province No. 1, Madhes Province, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces and in one or two places in hilly areas of other provinces. Light snowfall is also expected in a few places in the high hills and mountains of the eastern and central parts of the country.
Night: The weather will be generally clear with partial cloud cover across the country.
January 23, 2078 (Sunday)
Afternoon: The weather will be generally clear with partial cloud cover across the country.
Night: The weather will be generally clear with partial cloud cover across the country.
Warning / Advisory for next 24 hours
Light to moderate rain with thunderstorm / lightning / hail is expected in most parts of the country and heavy rain is also expected in one or two places in Gandaki and Lumbini provinces. It is requested to take necessary security and vigilance to avoid its effects.
On the last trading day of the week, the Nepse index has dropped by 14.60 points to 2876.74.
Along with the Nepse index, the sensitive index has also declined by 3.25 points. Despite the decline in the Nepse index, the transaction amount has increased. A total of 15,780,713 shares worth Rs 8,612,174,162 was traded during the day.
Prime Minister Deuba has said that if the Speaker Agni Prasad Sapkota obstructs the MCC in the Parliament, the alternative of the Speaker could be consider.
During a meeting between Deuba and Democratic Socialist Party (LOSPA) Chairman Mahanta Thakur at the PM’s residence in Baluwatar today, Deuba said that (LOSPA) would have to play an important role in passing the MCC. During the meeting, Prime Minister Deuba said that if Speaker Sapkota obstructed the MCC in the parliament, an alternative to the speaker need to be consider and the Democratic Socialist Party should cooperate for that. In response, Thakur said that his party is positive about passing the MCC but its role would be clear only if the government came up with a concrete decision first.
Secretary of the main opposition CPN (UML) Top Bahadur Rayamajhi has expressed the view that Speaker Agni Prasad Sapkota should be impeached.
Speaking at a program organized in Kathmandu today, UML Secretary Rayamajhi said that the Congress should bring an impeachment motion to remove Speaker Sapkota. Rayamajhi also said that the UML would clarify its position only after the ruling coalition takes its decision on the MCC but we would help in approving the MCC if the congress proposes to impeach the speaker.
Currently the country is under the influence of westerly winds. In Province 1, Bagmati and Gandaki, there is general cloud cover and in other hilly areas, there is partial to normal cloud cover and there is partial cloud cover in the Terai region of the country.
According to the Meteorological Department, there will be normal to full cloud cover in Far West, Karnali, Lumbini and Gandaki provinces and normal cloud cover in Bagmati province on Thursday.
Light to moderate rains with thunderstorms are expected in most parts of the far west, Karnali and Lumbini provinces and in some parts of Gandaki and Bagmati provinces.
Light snow is expected in most parts of the high hills and mountains of Far West, Karnali, Lumbini and Gandaki and in some parts of the high hills and mountains of Bagmati and Province 1.
Nine border posts established on the Nepal-India border in Kailali district have been washed away by the river.
The Karnali and Mohana rivers have washed away two main and seven small boundary pillars. Dhan Bahadur Singh, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Armed Police Force, Kailali, said that nine of the 283 border posts maintained by the Armed Police Force this year have been washed away.
Out of 283 border posts, 184 are in a safe condition, 20 need to be repaired, three are in need of reconstruction and 32 are missing and 35 are submerged in water, he said.
Chief District Officer of Kailali, Kiran Thapa, has said that the pillars on the Nepal-India border have been washed away and the reconstruction and repair work will be done as per the decision of the joint mechanism.
In the 101 km long border of Kailali district, 18 border posts of the Armed Police Force have been providing border security as well as inspection, monitoring and security of border posts.
The three top leaders of the ruling five-party alliance have discussed the option of revising the US aid project Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).
During the meeting between Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, CPN-Maoist Central Committee Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and CPN (Unified Socialist) Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal, in Baluwatar for the second time today, the option of modification was discussed.
According to sources, the Deuba-Prachanda-Nepal meeting discussed about taking initiative to modify MCC. According to a source, Prime Minister Deuba, who is in favor of passing the resolution as soon as possible, is also ready to discuss the option of amendment.
In this meeting, it is said that all the three leaders are in favor of not breaking the alliance as much as possible.
The Indian government will soon legalize digital and cryptocurrency. On the occasion of the budget speech of the Government of India for the fiscal year 2022-23, the government said that it will soon give legitimacy to digital and cryptocurrency.
The announcement was made by Finance Minister Nirmata Sitharaman on the occasion of her budget speech for the fiscal year 2022-23, according to Indian media. According to local media reports, the Central Reserve Bank of India will recognize digital and cryptocurrency and issue the currency through various technologies, as announced by Finance Minister Seemarman. It is said that 30 percent tax should be paid to the government for trading cryptocurrency after the currency gets legal recognition.
The Indian government expects the country’s economy to benefit if digital currency is recognized. However, the Indian government did not issue any directives on digital and cryptocurrency during the budget speech.
The Metropolitan Police Circle Singhabar has arrested 14 people protesting with the demand of the Federal Forest Regulations draft to be cancelled.
Community Forest Users Federation Nepal has protested against the Federal Forest Regulations draft saying that it is against the forest regulations. Police have taken control of those who performed. Police have arrested 14 people including Chairman Bharati Pathak of Community Forest Users Federation Nepal. Police have taken them under control and kept them at the Nepal Police Club at Bhrikutimandap.
Jhala Nath Khanal claims that nine supplementary MCC agreements of more than 800 pages were hidden during the Oli’s government
Gyanendra Bahadur Karki has said that the MCC agreement made by him as the then Finance Minister is different from the current MCC agreement.
Communications Minister Gyanendra Bahadur Karki has said that the MCC agreement he signed when he was the finance minister is not the same as the current MCC agreement. “Despite the agreement I made in 2017, I don’t know why another agreement was made in 2019 and in whose interest it was done,” Karki said. The MCC agreement signed by me on behalf of Nepal as the then Finance Minister of Nepal and Jonathan Nash, acting CEO of MCC, on September 14, 2017, was not about ratifying it from the Parliament. Minister for Communications Karki said that Yuvaraj Khatiwada had signed the program implementation agreement on September 29, 2019, and added the provision to be ratified by the parliament.
In the report prepared by the MCC study task force formed under the government of Prime Minister Oli, it is mentioned that, Finance Minister Dr Yuvaraj Khatiwada signed the implementation agreement with MCC Operations Vice President Anthony Belcher in September 2019 without any hesitation, which is inconsistent with some provisions of the original agreement or even to the detriment of Nepal.
Meanwhile, leader Jhala Nath Khanal has claimed, nine supplementary agreements of the MCC consisting more than 800 pages were hidden during the government of Prime Minister Oli. During Prime Minister Oli’s government, a three-member MCC study task force was formed under the coordination of Jhala Nath Khanal with leaders Bhim Rawal and Pradip Gyawali. Current Prime Minister Deuba has also formed a three-member MCC study task force comprising Jhala Nath Khanal, Narayan Kaji Shrestha and Gyanendra Bahadur Karki. Leader Jhala Nath Khanal has said that the present MCC study task force will study the remaining supplementary agreement and submit a report.
Jhala Nath Khanal accuses the Oli government of hiding the MCC subsidiary agreement. Click the link to read thishttps://nepalnationaldaily.com/877/
NP
