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The price of gold has dropped by Rs 300 per tola in the domestic market on Friday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the yellow bullion is being traded at Rs 112, 500 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 112, 800 per tola on Thursday.

Meanwhile, tejabi gold is being traded at Rs 111, 950 per tola. It was traded at Rs 112, 250 per tola.

Similarly, the silver is being traded at Rs 1,470 per tola today.

A leopard was found dead at Ramjadeurali village in Modi Rural Municipality-7 of Parbat district on Friday.

The wild cat was found dead this morning in farmland near a temple in the village. 

Police personnel and officials of the Forest Division Office buried the dead leopard at the premises of the Office. 

Chief of Office, Nabaraj Baral, said that the leopard of around three years old could have died some days ago. However, the leopard had no bruises and wounds on its body parts.  

In the last fiscal year, nine leopards were found dead in Parbat and two others were rescued alive.

I’m a 30-year-old woman and I have been feeling uninspired and lonely for the last few months. I used to be an early riser and quite active throughout the day. But now I tend to sleep till late and I feel lazy at work. On my off days, I tend to sleep a lot. I tell myself I will turn a new leaf from the next day but I haven’t been able to get back on track. What do you suggest I do?

 Answered by Kapil Sharma, counseling psychologist, Nepal Institute of Mental Health

 It seems like you are going through adjustment stress, transition stress, or maybe even an existential crisis. You’ve been wanting to do things but aren’t being able to actually do them. I would like you to know that it’s completely normal sometimes. You must be going through some struggles which might have influenced passivity. I assume there’s a sense of hope in reality.

The first thing I recommend you do is try figuring out the reason for your loneliness. If you can’t fix the problem yourself, you can try the community behavioral approach that might help to fix your negative thought pattern and help you deal with demotivation and laziness. For disturbed sleep, low motivation, and the loneliness you are currently struggling with, you can try scheduling activities that you enjoy.  Also, it’s necessary to hold on to a sense of achievement to break the cycle of demotivation. You can start by setting short-term goals or by participating in social activities. Try building a sense of purpose and achieve the goal. It can help bring some much-needed positivity in your days.

 You should also work on sleep hygiene and control screen time before bed. Physical exercises like skipping, walking, and jogging also help us stay motivated, albeit subconsciously. Importantly, you should be mindful that this is just a phase and you will eventually make progress. I suggest you try working on both physical and emotional actions without burdening yourself. You can rely on your family and friends for support. Another great thing would be to spend some time in nature. If these measures aren’t helping you, then I would advise you to seek professional help.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chan Song called on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Friday. The Chinese Ambassador had reached Baluwatar to meet the Prime Minister this morning.

At a time when the preparations are going on for the China visit, Ambassador Chan discussed possible agendas after meeting Prime Minister Dahal.

According to a source, the duo held a serious discussion for around one hour about the China visit.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Dahal and Ambassador Chan also discussed the issue about taking the BRI Project ahead.

The Chinese government has lobbied the Nepal government to build three industrial parks under the BRI Project.

All the issues to be raised during the visit have only been discussed, an official at the Prime Minister’s Office said, adding, “The agendas have not been finalized. But there is pressure from China to take the BRI Project ahead.”

Prime Minister Dahal has also expressed his concern with Ambassador Chan over the map made public recently by China, a source said.

China has also included the maps of some neighboring countries in its map made public recently.

But China has included the old map of Nepal while releasing its map.

The Chinese map released on Monday has included Nepal’s old map instead of the pointed spur.

China’s move has been widely criticized in Nepal.

While amending the Constitution on June 13, 2030, the Parliament had allowed to release the pointed spur of Nepal map by including Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh.

All the political parties had become united to amend the Constitution at that time.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah had also canceled his scheduled five-day visit to China saying that the pointed spur map of Nepal was not given the importance.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal will leave for China from New York in the United States on September 23.

The Prime Minister is leaving for the United States to take part in the United Nations General Assembly.

A dry landslide occurred at Majhuwa Deurali in Gorkha Municipality-14 along the Gorkha-Anbukhaireni road section disrupted the vehicular movement from early morning today. 

Superintendent of Police (SP) of Gorkha Anupam Shrestha said that the landslide has completely obstructed the traffic.  

SP Shrestha said that it could take some time to clear the dry landslide adding that they are working to clear the debris.

Vehicles coming to the Gorkha district headquarters via Anbukhaireni side have been stranded there.

With the start of the Russia-Ukraine war last year, the global situation has also changed drastically. Geopolitical tensions are rising and there is a legitimate threat of global energy and food crises. After the war, there has been a lot of discussion regarding Nepal’s formal position as well. In this context, ApEx talked to Russian Ambassador Aleksei Novikov on a host of global and Nepal-Russia relations. Excerpts.

1. After the Russia-Ukraine war, global security is becoming increasingly complex and uncertain. Geopolitical rivalries, nuclear proliferation, food security and financial crises raise questions about our ability to maintain stability. What is your take on it ? 

The subject matter of this issue is rather complex; however, there are a few clear reasons why global security is threatened nowadays.  Firstly, the very possibility of the dominance of one country, or let’s say, a group of particular states must disappear. I strongly believe that a truly democratic world must be multipolar and shall be based on generally recognized international legal norms, primarily the principles of the UN charter. Secondly, those who ignore these principles are not embarrassed by the fact that their actions are creating new risks, undermining supply chains as well as food and energy security. For example, the number of countries headed by the US who try to “contain Russia” and flood the Kiev regime with weapons is provoking the risk of spreading weapons around the world, which may lead to an outburst of international terrorism. Everyone should learn that every action has its consequences. We believe it is important that the UN, which has of late been fairly quiet in this regard, should act proactively and step up its efforts in fighting global threats without the double standards.

2. Since you mentioned energy security, how can we address this issue ?

Energy prices have risen consistently over the past year and a half, which Western leaders purposefully keep silent about. This was the result of the policy of the central banks of the United States, Great Britain, EU states to print unsecured funds. An increase in the money supply naturally caused inflation. Price hikes were also triggered by disruptions in supply chains due to the coronavirus lockdowns in various parts of the world. The surge in fuel prices was provoked by the attempts of the West to unleash a trade and sanctions war against Russia. Europe has created a deficit in the market with its own hands, stopping the purchase of Russian oil and gas, as well as seriously complicating their transportation to third countries. Replacing Russian fuel, the Old World began to buy it from the markets of Asia and Africa, thereby giving impetus to prices. Thus, the rise in fuel prices is in no way caused by Russia's actions. Moreover, Russia tried to contribute to the normalization of the market situation by supplying oil to friendly countries at a 20-30 percent discount.

3. What about the global food crisis?  

According to the FAO, the Russian Federation is one of the largest food producers in the world, it is a significant net exporter of agricultural products. For instance, in 2022, Russia harvested a record grain crop of 158 million tons, exported 70 million tons of agricultural products and food (cereals, oils, fish and seafood, etc.) to 160 countries of the world. As of today, every fifth export batch of wheat in the world is of Russian origin. The Russian Federation consistently advocates ensuring the activities of the FAO strictly within its mandate and without politicization. Solving the problem of food security and nutrition for all is possible only through the coherent and collective efforts of the entire international community. In the agricultural season 2023/24, Russian farmers plan to harvest at least 123 million tons of grain; half of it will be exported. In addition, the FAO confirms that the Russian Federation is one of the leading exporters of fertilizers, the largest in terms of the mineral ones. We are also the world's leading producer of other types of fertilizers, with up to 70 percent of the Russian exported fertilizers going to the developing countries of the Global South.

There have been many accusations of Russia blocking 20 million tonnes of grains in Ukrainian storage facilities, but the harsh reality of that issue is that the poorest countries are actually being held hostage to the EU and Washington’s ambitions. For the EU, food security problems are a side effect of anti-Russia policies and Western attempts to protect its self-serving “rules-based order.”

The projects to export agricultural products from Ukraine, including through EU’s so-called solidarity corridors, proved to be a humanitarian sham. Fodder corn, not wheat, became the main export in this scheme. It is the EU that needs this commodity more than others, and became the main recipient of these shipments (only 3 percent of the Ukrainian part of the “Black Sea Initiative” went to the poorest countries). The Russian part of the “package” had not been implemented at all.

4. What is your take on Nepal’s decision to vote against Russia in UN voting on Russia-Ukraine conflict?

Russia considers Nepal a friendly state and we deeply respect its people, leadership and rich history. As you know, this year marks the 67th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between our countries and I am very happy to state that since 1956, our cooperation has been built on the basis of mutual respect, trust and concern for each other's interests.  However, some aspects of Nepal’s diplomacy seem to have changed. We got used to seeing Nepal as one of the most outstanding leaders of the non-alignment movement and the strong follower of neutral international policy. Not just Russia, but the whole world admired how perfectly Nepal implemented the Pancha Shila philosophy in its external policy. Nevertheless, the way Nepal supported confrontational anti-Russian resolutions during the UN 11th emergency special session does not contribute neither to relations with Russia, nor to the traditional Nepali approach in the international organizations. I sincerely admire the Nepali people, their honesty and optimistic attitude. Many of them told me that they supported and cheered Russia and its culture. During our conversations, literally everybody said how thankful they were for all the support that the USSR had provided Nepal with. And this makes me happy. I believe that we have many things in common. As we look forward, we remain committed to strengthening the ties between the peoples and governments of Russia and Nepal, to celebrating our shared history and achievements.

5. Out of this perspective, how can Nepal and Russia work on the regional and international platforms?

The legal framework of the bilateral partnership consists of the number of existing agreements. Both Russia and Nepal are guided mainly by traditional multilateral international acts, primarily UN documents. Over the past years and decades, enormous changes have taken place in our countries and in the world. But the feelings of sympathy between the two peoples and the desire to deepen multifaceted bilateral cooperation have not changed. Our relations have a mutually beneficial ground and all the joint international efforts must be based on that principle. We have no tensions, our ties remain friendly despite all the efforts to spoil them. And answering your question, I would like to point out that all the future prospects of cooperation in the regional and international platforms shall stick to the same attitude as before—trust and support without relying on those who wish to draw our nations apart.

6. Lastly, what are the new initiatives that Russia is taking to enhance bilateral ties including resuming flights between two countries?

First of all, Russia and Nepal are developing cooperation in infrastructure and railway construction. This August I had a wonderful opportunity to negotiate with Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport Prakash Jwala. Besides that, we maintain active contacts with the leadership of the Nepali railway industry. During the talks, the Nepali side expressed its interest in attracting RZD International and other Russian companies for the construction of the Pokhara-Ridi road, East-West railway, as well as a project to build a light metro in Kathmandu. We are also working closely with the Nepali friends in hydro energy development, having preliminary agreements on the possible participation of a Russian state company “Inter RAO” in the implementation of four projects for the construction of hydroelectric power plants in the Himalayan republic with a capacity of 300 MW or more. We believe that Nepal is interested in developing cooperation in the field of electricity generation and its export.

Agriculture continues to be one of the most promising areas of cooperation between Russia and Nepal. There have been many meetings with the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Development that contributed to the active development of contacts in this field. The prospects of Russian-Nepali cooperation in agriculture, in particular, the supply of chemical fertilizers were on the agenda. We are actively exploring the possibility of joint construction of a plant for the production of chemical fertilizers in Nepal and we hope Russian farmers will shortly visit Nepal to explore the possibility of creating greenhouse complexes, including their construction in high-altitude areas. Training programs for Nepali specialists in Russia and study opportunities for Nepali students in Russian agricultural universities are discussed as well. 

Today young people from Nepal have the opportunity to receive free scholarships to study in Russia. Moreover the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia already expressed its readiness to increase the number of positions for Nepali nationals to study in various programs and specialties (including medicine and IT) in the Russian educational institutions within quota of the Russian Government for 2024/25 academic year. And of course, establishing the direct flights between Kathmandu and Moscow is of essential importance to us. Such a measure would contribute to strengthening cooperation in all areas. 

The Tatopani checkpoint where Nepal shares a border with its northern neighbor China is to remain open from Friday.

The Tatopani checkpoint wherein human mobility has been halted for long will come into operation tomorrow.

A meeting between the Chinese and Nepali officials held at Lhasa on Tuesday decided to permit movement of the general public through the border point, informed Chief District Officer Ramesh Neupane. "We have made all necessary preparations from the Nepal side", he said.

The movement of goods carrying vehicles resumed three months back in the bordering checkpoint that has remained closed since the 2015 earthquake.

CDO Neupane further said that the human mobility through the border point will remain open from Friday onward.

According to him, locals from Sindhupalchowk district will receive a pass having a year permit for mobility through the border point.

The government has finally approved the Electricity Bill from the Council of Ministers, which once approved by the parliament, will pave the way for the private sector to engage in power trading.

The much-awaited bill by the Nepali private sector will be tabled at the federal parliament by Energy Minister Shakti Basnet for parliamentary endorsement.

Once the bill is endorsed by the parliament and authenticated by the President, the Nepali private sector which has been solely involved in electricity generation till now, will be allowed to be involved in the power trading. As of now, the state-owned power utility Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has a monopoly in power trading.

This signifies a significant shift in the power sector, allowing private entities to actively participate in buying and selling electricity. The proposed law aims to create a framework that enables private sector involvement and facilitates competition in the power trading market.

The Nepali private sector, including independent power producers, has been advocating for their involvement in power trading. This demand stems from the fact that the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) currently holds a monopoly on power purchase agreements (PPAs), leaving no other entity in the country authorized to sign such agreements.

In the bill, it has been proposed that the Energy Ministry should grant licenses to the entities that have been registered with the purpose of power trade.

The government has brought forward the electricity bill with provisions that a single entity cannot be involved in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. This provision means the state-owned NEA has to be unbundled.

It is mentioned in the bill that if any entity is currently involved in the generation and transmission of electricity, it has to be unbundled within five years.

The government has also proposed to issue generation licenses for hydropower projects through competition. Currently, the Department of Electricity Development (DoED) initially issues survey licenses for a five-year period, during which the power developers will have to complete the study and then submit the application to get generation licenses. Now the government will study the projects itself and invite the private sector to get hydropower projects through competition.

While the Electricity Bill to amend the Electricity Act 1992 had reached the parliament earlier, it got stuck for more than two years and failed to get endorsed. The then Energy Minister Pampha Bhusal withdrew the bill from the parliament in September 2022.

The Sher Bahadur Deuba-led government did make efforts to facilitate the entry of the private sector into power trading by introducing an ordinance last year. The Deuba government withdrew the long-pending Electricity Bill at the National Assembly and opted for an ordinance instead.

In October 2022, the Deuba government passed an ordinance to ratify the Electricity Act 1991 to give licenses to the private sector for power trade. However, the then President Bidya Devi Bhandari did not endorse the ordinance sent by the government for authentication.

The Nepali power producers have been gearing up for power trading licenses by establishing power trade companies. According to the Department of Electricity Development (DoED), Nepal Power Exchange Ltd (NEPEX) and Power Trading and Energy Exchange Ltd (PTEEL) have applied for power trading licenses. Similarly, Nepal Infrastructure Bank has applied to the Ministry of Energy, on behalf of the Power Trading Company (PTC) Ltd, and the Himalayan Trading Company is also preparing to register an application for the license.

While the private sector in Nepal is still awaiting the trading license to sell electricity in both domestic and foreign markets, some private entities have already signed the memorandum of understanding (MoUs) with Indian companies for cross-border power trading.

The Nepal Power Exchange Limited (NPEL), subsidiary of IPPAN has already signed an agreement with Manikaran Power Limited, India to carry out cross-border electricity trade. As per the MoU, the Indian company will buy 500MW of electricity from the Nepal Power Exchange Limited besides investing in the Nepali company itself.

During the Power Summit 2023, Nepali and Indian companies signed initial deals for selling 2,200 MW of electricity to India. Manikaran Power Limited signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to purchase around 200MW of electricity directly from the hydropower projects. Vedanta Resources, a sister company of Vedanta Limited, also initiated the process to buy 2,000MW of hydropower from Nepal in the next five years.