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The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation has sought clarification from Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Executive Director Kul Man Singh, citing multiple instances of non-compliance with directives and failure to meet performance agreement obligations.

Sending a letter on Monday, the ministry asked Ghising to submit clarification within seven days on why he she should not be terminated from service.

Ghising, who has been credited with ending decade-long power cuts during his first term, was appointed for a second four-year term on 11 Aug 2021 by the coalition government of Nepali Congress and CPN (Maoist Center). However, his relation with the government started deteriorating when a new coalition government of NC and UML assumed office. The dispute over outstanding dues from dedicated and trunk consumers further aggravated the situation.

The ministry has said in the letter that Ghising denied the ministry detailed information about alleged irregularities in transformer procurement. Despite being given a deadline, Singh submitted only partial details, which, according to the ministry, were incomplete, vague and divergent from the requested information.

The letter also states that Ghising’s ‘note of dissent’, recorded on a decision taken by the NEA board meeting regarding the dedicated feeder and trunk line tariff dispute, demonstrates disobedience to government directives and violates Section 25 of the Nepal Electricity Authority Act.

The ministry has also accused Ghising of not submitting performance evaluation details within the stipulated time frame. “You were required to submit the total score of performance evaluation to the Board of Directors of NEA, and according to Clause 8.6 of the agreement, the evaluation should have been conducted based on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for works completed under Key Performance Areas (KPAs). However, you have failed to comply with the agreement by not submitting the required details even after 112 days have elapsed since the mid-August,” the letter states.

The Ministry has also expressed concern over Singh's conduct during board meetings, describing it as ‘uncooperative’. The ministry has termed his behavior as “unprofessional and unsuitable for the head of a government agency”.

“You have acknowledged in writing that you would coordinate with the Ministry and provide the required details promptly. However, as this has not been done, your evaluation cannot proceed under Clause 10.3 of the agreement. Therefore, you are asked to clarify why your appointment should not be terminated under the same clause,” the letter sent to Ghising states.

The Embassy of Israel handed over personal belongings of the October 7 Hamas terror attack victims, and other Nepali students who participated in the ‘Learn and Earn Program’ in Israel in 2023.

These personal belongings, carrying deep sentimental value, were handed over to their rightful owners today at the Embassy, reads a statement issued by the Embassy of Israel on Tuesday.

Ambassador Shmulik Arie Bass made personal efforts to bring these suitcases back to Nepal.

He met with Dhan Bahadur Chaudhary, one of the survivors of the Hamas attack, and six other students and victims’ families.

Ambassador Bass expressed his heartfelt support, listened to the victims’ stories, and extended his best wishes for their future.

The people of Israel stand in unwavering solidarity with the affected Nepali families, and wish for the fast return of Bipin Joshi, the Nepali hostage held by Hamas.

Deepak Bhatta (name changed), a resident of Kailali who has been living in Qatar for three years, lost money after purchasing a scooter advertised for sale online. He is now facing theft charges.

Bhatt had exchanged an iPhone he purchased abroad as payment for the scooter. However, the seller, a young man, had stolen the scooter, which belonged to another woman, and sold it to Bhatta. When Bhatta attempted to use the scooter, the seller disappeared, leaving Bhatt entangled with the Valley Traffic Police Office after the owner filed a complaint about the theft.

According to data from the Valley Crime Investigation Office, Kathmandu, 963 complaints of online fraud have been registered since July 2024, amounting to a total fraud of Rs 378,590,336. Of these, 82 cases have been resolved, with Rs 17m recovered, said Kazi Kumar Acharya, spokesperson for the office.

Acharya detailed various forms of fraud reported, including 26 complaints of lottery scams, 111 cases involving fraudulent claims of parcel arrivals, and 95 incidents of OTP code fraud. Additionally, 215 complaints were related to scams through fake advertisements, while 29 cases involved general scams, 25 stemmed from hacked social media accounts, and 346 were linked to online job scams.

Police have arrested 13 individuals, including one woman, in connection with these cases.

Fraudulent schemes in Nepal have become increasingly sophisticated. Have you received a message from an unknown number claiming you’ve won a lottery or received a gift from abroad? Be cautious—criminal gangs are exploiting such tactics to deceive people.

These fraudsters are using over 500 phone numbers and have targeted unsuspecting victims by promising lottery winnings, parcels, or dreams of traveling to the United States. Hobindra Bogati, spokesperson for the Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police (CIB), confirmed that organized gangs are involved in these online scams.

Bogati also noted that fraudsters are monitoring financial transaction apps like eSewa and Khalti. If users are not careful, these criminals can hack into their accounts and steal money. The number of complaints about financial fraud through such platforms is rising, prompting the CIB to issue warnings.

Social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, WhatsApp, Messenger, Viber, and Imo, are increasingly being exploited for fraudulent activities. Scammers have even targeted government employees by impersonating officials from app headquarters or social media offices.

Fraudsters use AI-generated voices to claim parcels have arrived or demand courier fees. They also send internet links to gain access to victims' devices and banking apps, stealing money through fraudulent transactions.

Gangs also lure victims by uploading attractive videos and photos on various sites under the guise of online businesses. Customers are often duped into paying advances for goods that are never delivered. Police have received numerous complaints of financial fraud, including Rs 5.7m in Pokhara, Rs 1.6m in Chitwan, Rs 550,000 from government employees, and millions from various companies and organizations.

The CIB has urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid responding to calls or messages from unknown numbers. Investigations into these cases are ongoing.

Snowfall along with moderate rain has occurred in high hill territory of the Taplejung district since Tuesday evening.

Normal life has been affected due to snowfall in the northern higher belt of the district, including Pathibhara Temple – a pilgrimage site located at an altitude of 3,794 meters.

Constable at Phedi-based police post Milan Katuwal informed that the trekking route leading to Pathibhara Temple and settlement at Phedi has been receiving snowfall.

This time there has been a brief rainfall in some places of the district after a long time. The farmers who cultivated winter crops were facing problems due to the dearth of rain for a long time after the winter. Farmers said the rainfall with snow will provide some relief.

Executive Director of Pathibhara Area Development Committee, Prajin Hangbang said that the number of pilgrims visiting Pathibhara has decreased for some days due to rise in cold.

However, the arrival of domestic religious tourists has been increasing in Pathibhara every year due to snowfall.

A panoramic photo exhibition titled ‘MUSTANG Nostalgia: Two-Decade Odyssey’ was organized by the Gehendra Dhimal Foundation in collaboration with the US Embassy in Kathmandu on Monday. The exhibition featured 30 breathtaking panoramic photographs by renowned lens-based artist Kishor Kayastha, capturing the beauty and transformation of the Mustang region over the past two decades.

Kayastha’s stunning photographs, unveiled to the public for the first time, reflect his two-decade-long journey documenting Mustang. With roots in the culturally rich city of Bhaktapur, Kayastha’s work deeply connects to Nepal’s landscapes and heritage. His images serve as a poignant record of the region’s evolving climate, urbanization, and the resilience of Mustang’s ancient traditions within its rugged and spiritual environment.

The exhibition was attended by Deputy Chief of Mission Jason P Meeks, chairperson of the Gehendra Dhimal Foundation Gautam Dhimal, Kishor Kayastha, and other prominent figures. Deputy Chief Meeks expressed gratitude for the collaboration, stating: “The US Embassy has a longstanding partnership with the Mustang region, supported by the American AFCP, through which we have successfully completed numerous impactful projects.”

Chairperson Gautam Dhimal remarked: “The past few months have been challenging with extensive preparations for this exhibition. Today, we celebrate the culmination of Kayastha’s two decades of dedication, presenting an extraordinary collection of large-scale photographs. Over these 20 years, much has changed, and this exhibition offers valuable insights and inspiration.”

Kayastha shared his reflections on his two-decade journey in Mustang, describing it as a profound exploration of life, peace, and spirituality. While seeking inner harmony, he expressed heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support of his wife, who stood by him throughout this transformative experience.

The exhibition also showcased photos from the US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) project sites in Mustang. The AFCP has been instrumental in restoring and preserving monasteries, chortens, temples, monuments, and other cultural heritage sites across Nepal. Over the past two decades, the AFCP has funded 28 cultural heritage restoration and preservation projects, totaling more than $4.54m.

A house each at Thulung Dudhkoshi Rural Municipality and the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality in Solukhumbu have been damaged due to the earthquake that occurred this morning.

The two-storey stone-and-mud-walled house of 50-year-old Harka Bahadur Khattri at Deusa Luruwa, Thulung Dudhkoshi-7, suffered damage due to the tremor, police said. The house roof was made of slate.

Similarly, the two-storey stone-and-mud-walled house of Aangima Sherpa at Helajung, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality-5 was also damaged due to the earthquake. The house had a tin roof, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Dwarika Prasad Ghimire, said.

According to him, a police team has been dispatched to those places for assessing the damage.

Chief District Officer Anoj Kumar Ghimire said all the apparatus, including the police, have been kept on standby for possible rescue and relief works.

Sagarmatha National Park building develops cracks

Similarly, the office building of Thame Post of the Sagarmatha National Park at Thametyang, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality-5 has developed cracks due to the tremor.

Park Chief Conservation Officer Sushma Rana said the one-storey block made of stone has cracked. Two people had been staying in the house.

Meanwhile, a house has collapsed due to the earthquake this morning at Kimathanka, Bhotkhola Rural Municipality-1 of Sankhuwasabha district. The two-storey mud-and-stone house belonged to Tenchhebi Sherpa. It had a tin roof, said Chief District Officer Binod Kumar Khadka.

The earthquake with its epicenter at Dinggye County of Xizang Autonomous Region, China jolted the eastern region of Nepal as well as the federal capital, Kathmandu. The 7 magnitude-earthquake occurred at 6.50 am today.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 6.16 points to close at 2,646.84 points on Tuesday.

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 0.89 points to close at 450. 48 points.

A total of 12,081,606-unit shares of 305 companies were traded for Rs 5. 38 billion.

Meanwhile, Saptakoshi Development Bank Ltd (SAPDBL) and Nyadi Hydropower Limited (NYADI) were the top gainers today, with their price surging by 10. 00 percent.

Likewise, Aatmanirbhar Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (ANLB) and Dolti Power Company Limited (DOLTI) were the top losers as their price fell by 10.00 percent.

At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 39 trillion.

A water bird census was conducted at Aalital Lake and its vicinity in Aalital Rural Municipality-3, Dadeldhura.

The census was organized by the Division Forest Office, Dadeldhura, and supported by Bird Conservation Nepal's ornithologist, Hirulal Dagaura.

According to Dagaura, 48 bird species were recorded, including the Great Cormorant (Thulo Jalewa), Little Cormorant (Sano Jalewa), Gadwall (Khadkhade Hans), and the globally endangered Ferruginous Duck (Malak Hans).

This is the first time a census has been conducted at Aalital Lake, and the survey on both native and migratory bird species has now commenced. The study is expected to continue for a year, with records of bird sightings in the area.

The lake is situated at an altitude of 800 meters above sea level, with a length of 1,175 meters and a width of approximately 400 meters.

The bird census was also conducted at Jakhor Lake and Mahadeva Lake in Dhangadhi Sub-metropolis-7, Kailali, where birds such as the Common Pochard (Kailo Tauke Hans) and the Ferruginous Duck (Malak Hans) were among the species identified.