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Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has expressed sorrow over the demise of NC Regional President from the Kathmandu electoral constituency-7 and Kathmandu metropolis ward-16 Chair Mukunda Rijal.

In his condolence message today, the NC leader remembered the contribution of Rijal to the NC institutional development and the democratic movement in Nepal.

Extending his tributes to the late people's representative, Deuba expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

The mortal remains of Rijal, who passed away in the course of treatment at Grande International Hospital in Dhapasi at 7:30 am today, is to be kept at the city Hall till 12 pm today to pay final tributes.

Afterward, the body will be taken to the Pashupati Aryaghat, as confirmed by NC Central Office Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Poudel. The last rites are scheduled to be conducted at 2:30 pm today.

Born in 2027 BS, Rijal had spent his time in police custody for his involvement in the 2046 BS historic people's movement. 

He was elected twice as the NC regional president and ward chair under the Kathmandu metropolis.

Rijal had embarked on his political career through his involvement with the Nepal Student Union while studying at Saraswoti Campus, and he was also associated with various human rights organizations.

With his passing, the NC said it has lost a versatile and dedicated member.

The price of gold has dropped by Rs 400 per tola in the domestic market on Thursday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the yellow metal is being traded at Rs 112, 000 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 112, 400 per tola on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, tejabi gold is being traded at Rs 111, 450 per tola. It was traded at Rs 111, 850 per tola.

Similarly, the silver is being traded at Rs 1,410 per tola today.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City Ward-16 Chairman Mukunda Rijal passed away on Thursday.

He died in the course of treatment at the Grande International Hospital this morning, his friend and human rights activist Indra Aryal said.

Rijal, who was being treated at the Grande Hospital after contracting dengue, died of pneumonia, he said.

Nepali Congress leader Srijana Singh also confirmed the death of Rijal.

He was elected as the ward chairman for the second term from the Congress.

Rijal had garnered 4, 019 votes while his closest contender Laxmi Ratna Tuladhar received 3, 310 votes during local level elections held on May 13.

Nepali Congress has condemned the attack on its Joint General Secretary Mahendra Yadav.

The party strongly condemned the incident that occurred today, reads a statement issued by Chief Secretary at the NC Party Office Krishna Prasad Paudel.  

Yadav was attacked when he was exiting from the Reporters’ Club after attending a program this afternoon.

He is undergoing treatment at Trauma Centre in Kathmandu.

The NC has strongly demanded that the government carry out an investigation into the matter and take stern action against those involved in the incident.

The party wished Yadav a speedy recovery.

Meanwhile, police have arrested a man for his alleged invovement in the attack.

Nepali Congress Joint General Secretary Mahendra Yadav has been attacked with a sharp weapon on Wednesday.

Yadav was attacked with a khukuri while he was returning home after attending a program at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu.

Police have arrested a man for his alleged involvement in the attack on a Congress leader.

Metropolitan Police Range, Kathmandu spokesperson Kumod Dhungel said that they have taken Shayam Sapkota of Nuwakot under control for investigation.

Yadav, who has sustained injuries on his head, has been taken to the hospital for treatment.

Tootle, the pioneering ride-sharing platform in Kathmandu valley, has announced its return with a dynamic new management team and a host of exciting improvements. 

“After a brief hiatus, Tootle is back in business, reinvigorated and ready to redefine urban mobility with its revamped app and enhanced services,” said the company. “Under the banner of new leadership, Tootle is committed to delivering an unparalleled ride-sharing experience that seamlessly blends convenience, efficiency, and affordability.” 

With an eye toward revolutionizing how individuals traverse the bustling streets of Kathmandu, the reimagined Tootle is poised to exceed expectations and rewrite the rules of modern transportation, the company added.

As a new start to Tootle, the Tootle Driver App has been already available to download and register from Sept 1. The Tootle customer app will be available to download from Sept 6 to start taking Tootle rides.

What’s new with Tootle?

Sleek and intuitive app: Tootle’s redesigned app boasts a sleek interface and intuitive user experience, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free booking process.

Enhanced partner network: Our expanded network of reliable partners guarantees quicker response times and increased ride availability.

Faster and smarter: Experience expedited pickups, reduced wait times, and optimized routes for a more efficient journey.

Safety measures: Tootle remains committed to passenger safety, implementing cutting-edge safety features to ensure every ride is secure and worry-free.

“We are thrilled to reintroduce Tootle with a renewed passion for transforming urban commuting,” said Shreyas Krishna Shrestha, Owner and CEO of Tootle and Co-Founder of ZAPP. “Our new management team has meticulously crafted an enhanced experience, putting user satisfaction and convenience at the forefront. Tootle’s resurgence represents our dedication to offering a superior ride-sharing service that truly understands and anticipates the needs of our valued users.”

Tootle’s return comes with a promise to empower commuters, simplify their daily journeys, and contribute to reducing traffic congestion and environmental impact within Kathmandu valley, he says.

Three months after Nepal and India signed a preliminary agreement on long-term power trade, the Indian Cabinet has finally endorsed the deal under which the southern neighbor has agreed to buy 10,000 MW of electricity from Nepal in the next 10 years.

While Indian approval for the purchase of 10,000 MW of electricity from Nepal marks a major milestone in bilateral energy cooperation, it has come at a time when Nepali Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is preparing for a China visit, during which Nepal plans to seal power trade agreement with the northern neighbor.  

The endorsement from the Indian Cabinet has paved the way for signing long-term power trade between India and Nepal. Nepal has been requesting the southern neighbor for a long-term power trade deal arguing that an inter-government agreement would lock in the market and end the unpredictability of the Indian market’s availability for electricity from Nepal in the long run. With a gradual increment in electricity generation in the past few years, Nepal has been looking for a market for its electricity export to avoid energy spillage. 

While Nepal wanted to sign the final deal during Prime Minister Dahal’s India visit in the first week of June, the signing was delayed as it was yet to be passed by the Indian Cabinet. Both countries then planned for the third week of June for agreement signing for which Energy Secretary Dinesh Kumar Ghimire did travel to New Delhi. However, it was again postponed as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was busy on an abroad visit. 

Madhu Prasad Bhetuwal, spokesperson at the Energy Ministry said that they have received information that the draft of the long-term electricity trade agreement has been approved by the Indian Cabinet. “We are yet to receive the official letter on it,” said Bhetuwal. However, Shankar Prasad Sharma, Nepali Ambassador to India, confirmed this on social media, saying that “India’s cabinet approval to purchase 10,000 MWs of electricity from Nepal in the next ten years has paved the way to develop a new road map for electricity development in Nepal. This could play a significant role in the economic development and restructuring of Nepal.”

According to Energy Ministry officials, energy secretaries of both countries will now sign the intergovernmental agreement for medium-term and long-term electricity trade. The Energy Ministry plans to sign the agreement amid a special program in Kathmandu. 

According to NEA officials, with an umbrella agreement in place, electricity can be sold through long-term agreements spanning from 7-25 years, as well as medium-term agreements spanning 2-7 years. 

The agreement is an umbrella agreement that will pave the way for power trading agencies in Nepal and India such as Nepal Electricity Authority and NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited (NVVN) to enter into a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA). The NEA and NVVN will sign a separate agreement for commercial deals. 

The long-term power deal has become of paramount importance for Nepal with the country’s electricity generation capacity gradually increasing. If the market for Nepali electricity is not ensured, the country faces the risk of electricity spillage every year, especially during the wet season.  In the rainy season last year, the country’s electricity spillage reached as high as 800 MW during the festive period in October and November.

The country’s generation capacity has already reached nearly 2,700 MW which requires more exports to India to avoid spillage in the rainy season when power plants start generating power at their full capacity.

India allows Nepal to export additional 180 MW of electricity 

India has also allowed Nepal to sell an additional 180 MW of electricity to its market. Nepal has already received approval to export 452 MW to India. With an additional 180 MW of electricity export now allowed, total energy exports to India have reached 632 MW. 

Of the 180 MW, 70 MW will be exported from Tanakpur in western Nepal to Uttar Pradesh while 110 MW will be exported to another Indian state of Haryana through Dhalkebar-Muzaffpur 400 KV cross-border transmission line. 

According to Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), India has allowed the export of electricity from 83 MW Dudhkosi Project, and 27 MW Lamjung’s Dordi Corridor under the medium-term agreement. Similarly, the electricity from 37 MW Upper Chameliya, and 33 MW Upper Kalangada projects will be exported from Tanakpur. 

Nepal which has been selling its electricity to India's day-ahead market since Nov 2021, has recently been allowed to sell electricity to its real-time market also. 

The Sudurpaschim Province is at high risk of dengue spread, according to the data from the Sudurpaschim Province Health Directorate.

The focal person at the Directorate, Hemraj Joshi, said that the number of dengue patients is increasing day by day.

The province recorded a total of 353 dengue patients in August alone.

"The number of dengue patients has shot up in the month of August," he added.

In the past eight months, the province recorded 680 cases of dengue infection.

As per the data, Kailali district has the highest number of dengue patients while Baitadi has the least number of the infection. During the period, Kailali witnessed 232 patients.

Fortunately, there has not been recorded even a single death caused due to dengue this year.

Last year, the province had recorded four dengue-related deaths.