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Three more Nepalis serving in the Russian army have died.

The Foreign Ministry confirmed the death of three more Nepalis serving in the Russian army.

With this, the number of Nepalis killed in the Russia-Ukraine war has reached 10.

The deceased have been identified as Raj Kumar Giri of Dhading, Hari Prasad Aryal of Syangja and Bharat Bahadur Shah of Kailali, according to Amrit Bahadur Rai, spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The government has urged the Russian government to send the bodies to Nepalis who lost their lives in the war.

Rai said that the government has urged the Russian government not to recruit Nepali citizens and to return the Nepali citizens who have joined the Russian army.

The import of electric vehicles (EVs) is experiencing a significant surge in Nepal, thanks to the government’s duty waiver on the import of environmentally friendly vehicles.

Data recently released by the Department of Customs shows that a staggering 3,675 units of electric cars, jeeps, and vans made their way into the country in the first five months of the fiscal year 2023/24. This figure is nearly triple the imports recorded during the same period in the previous fiscal year, where 1,353 EVs were brought into the country.

The surge in EV imports reflects the growing popularity and acceptance of clean and green mobility options. The country imported EVs with a combined import value of Rs 9.29bn.

Out of total imports, 2,028 cars have the capacity below 50 kWh. The import value of these cars is Rs 5.81bn. Additionally, 52 units of cars with a capacity ranging from 51 kWh to 100 kWh entered the country during the review period. These cars cost a combined Rs 262.64m. Likewise, 11 units of cars with a capacity ranging from 201 to 300 kWh were imported into the country in the review period. The total import value of these cars is Rs 77m. 

While the import of passenger cars is increasing at a healthy rate, the rate of EV adoption in public transport is very low. According to the Department of Customs 134 units of microbuses with 11-14 seats with a total import value of Rs 414.4m were imported into the country during the review period. Likewise, 56 units of microbuses with 15-25 seats entered the country. The import volume of these microbuses is Rs 187.6m. The majority of these microbuses have been used in public transportation. 

The government formulated Environment-friendly Vehicle and Transport Policy in 2014 setting a target of increasing the number of EVs to 20 percent of total motor vehicles in the country by 2020. While the government missed this target, recent import data shows the automotive landscape in Nepal is undergoing a transformation. 

The passenger car segment is witnessing a significant growth. Nepal had 249 EV passenger cars in 2020/21, which has increased to 4,050 units in 2022/23. 

The government imposes a one percent customs duty, 13 percent VAT, and five percent road tax on EVs with a capacity of up to 50 kWh. Similarly, microbuses with 11-14 seats are subject to a 13 percent VAT, 10 percent customs duty, and seven percent road tax.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has pointed out the need for transformation in educational policy, curriculum and structure for the reform of the country's education sector.

Addressing the Kantipur Education Summit ceremony here today, Prime Minister Dahal mentioned that the government has been carrying out activities for reforms of the educational sector.

He shared, "In the context when Nepal's higher education is facing global problems of globalization, such programs will have quality contribution for policy making with our own specialties and uniqueness in light of experiences across the world."

There are impacts of globalization at most of the areas of national life including education, said PM Dahal, adding, "There are direct impacts of globalization across the world. In developing countries like Nepal, its multifaceted impact exists as a challenge.  It has brought changes in economy, education, psychology and social structures of small and independent countries."

"We can overcome this challenge only after making changes in our educational policy, curriculum, and structures", he opined.

Stating that a negative mindset has been developed in the new generation in recent periods that there is no quality in a country's education and it could not compete in the global market, the Prime Minister stressed the need to discourage such a mindset.

The trend of brain drain of those academic personalities and those having employment opportunities in the country due to temptation of acquiring wealth in a short period was the matter of concern, he shared.

We came across Feels in Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur, right before Tihar when we were looking for a place to have brunch on the Saturday right before Laxmi puja. We had a great time. The restaurant was stunning. The food was great. We ended up staying for five hours, chatting and sipping on all kinds of hot beverages. Turns out, they had only had a soft launch back then. According to their Instagram page, they formally opened their doors a few days before Christmas.

 Feels is a restaurant we highly recommend. It’s aesthetic. The food is delicious. You really can’t go wrong with ordering anything on the menu. You could close your eyes, place your finger anywhere on the menu, and order that item and you wouldn’t regret it. We had the breakfast platter, chicken meatballs, tortilla wrap, and peri peri fries.

 The best thing about them all, apart from the fact that we couldn’t find anything to complain about in terms of taste, was just how beautifully they were plated. The dishes used were heavy ceramic pieces in pastel shades that made the food stand out even more. Wooden trays were used for the platters. The fries came in paper cones in mental holders, atop a plate. The orange juice came in champagne flutes. We pretended they were mimosas. 

The prices are reasonable, given the portion sizes. Three of us ordered almost two drinks each (non-alcoholic) and four food items and the total bill was still a little less than Rs 5000. We also didn’t feel bad about parting with the money because we had enjoyed our time there.

There are plenty of seating options at Feels. We haven’t been there since the official launch but going by some friends’ posts on Instagram and Facebook, there have been quite a few upgrades and additions. And all of it looks quite lovely.

There’s a post on Feel’s official Instagram page where the founder talks about wanting to open a place that wasn’t just a restaurant, but a space where you could relax and have a good time without feeling obliged to keep ordering. Five different sections of the restaurant include a brunch area, study area, bar, boho-themed section, and a 90s space.

The brunch area has hues of blue and gray. The study area doubles as a co-working space. The bar is interestingly done, and there are some mean cocktails on the menu. The boho-themed area has plants and white macramé décor whereas the 90s space has interesting knickknacks sourced from the founder’s family and friends. We had fun looking at tape recorders and one of those chunky phones where you have to spin the wheel to dial a number. It was all very nostalgic.

 All in all, Feels stood out as a spectacular restaurant. We loved it. We will definitely be going back and we urge you to give it a try as well. You won’t regret it.

Two Indian nationals died in an auto accident at Chandrapur-5 in Rautahat on Monday.

Police said that the incident occurred when the tanker (Pradesh 2-03-001 Kha 1927) heading towards Sarlahi from Amlekhgunj hit the auto (Ja 1 Ha 4485) en route to Chandranigahapur from Nunthur last night.

The deceased have been identified as Pinku Singh (35) and Abadesh Jha (22) of Dumari, Sitamadi District, India, the Area Police Office, Chandranigahapur said.

The duo had gone to Nunthar in Chandranigahapur-1 to celebrate the English New Year.

According to police, four persons were injured in the incident. They are undergoing treatment at the Chandrapur Hospital.

Police said that they have arrested tanker driver Prabin Sah (26) of Gangapipara, Durga Bhagwati Rural Municipality-6, Rautahat for investigation.

The largest parties in the ruling coalition— Nepali Congress and CPN (Maoist Center)—held a discussion on sharing the National Assembly seats.

CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba among other leaders held a meeting at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar this morning.

A preliminary discussion was held on giving how many seats to which party out of 19 seats in the election to be held on January 25, a Congress leader said.

According to a source, there is a possibility that the meeting of the coalition will be held on Wednesday to share the National Assembly seats.

Nepali Congress, Maoist Center, CPN (Unified Socialist), Janata Samajbadi Party, Janamat Party, Democratic Socialist Party and Nagarik Unmukti Party are currently in the ruling coalition.

Though the Rastriya Janamorcha has not joined the government, it has been extending support from outside.

The Congress has claimed 10 seats.

Twelve political parties have applied at the Election Commission to contest the National Assembly election.

The price of gold has increased by Rs 500 per tola in the domestic market on Tuesday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 121, 000 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 120, 500 per tola on Monday.

Meanwhile, tejabi gold is being traded at Rs 120, 400 per tola. It was traded at Rs 119, 900 per tola.

Similarly, the price of silver has increased by Rs 5 and is being traded at Rs 1,410 per tola today.

The office of the election officer has been set up in Biratnagar in view of the National Assembly (NA) election scheduled for January 25.

The province election office is established in Biratnagar, which is the voting station for Koshi Province.

Election Officer and District Court Morang's Chief Judge, Durga Prasad Dhungel, inaugurated the election office.

On the occasion, he said all sides would extend cooperation in holding the election in a peaceful manner.

He said that discussions would be held soon with the representatives of the 12 political parties registered with the Election Commission for the purpose of the NA member election.

Election is taking place in Koshi province for two seats in the National Assembly, the upper house of the Federal Parliament.

Three hundred and sixty-seven persons, including 93 Province Assembly members and 274 mayors and deputy mayors of metropolises, sub-metropolises and municipalities, and chiefs and deputy chiefs of rural municipalities, will be voting in the election.