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Rastriya Swatantra Party President and former Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane has been released on bail on Wednesday.

Lamichhane, who has been accused of misappropriating Rs 1. 99 billion from Kathmandu-based Swarnalakshmi Cooperative, was released after posting a bail of Rs 6 million as set by the Kathmandu District Court.

A single bench of Judge Madhav Prasad Adhikari issued the order responding to the writ petition filed against Lamichhane.

He had produced himself before the Kathmandu District Court, three days after he was released on bail of Rs 6. 5 million, in the similar case in Pokhara.

On the behalf of Lamichhane, senior advocates-- Sushil Panta and Raman Shrestha-had argued the case.

The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany has pledged an assistance of 100,000 Euros to support communities impacted by the devastating floods of September 2024 in Nepal.

 Ambassador Dr. Thomas Prinz, the German Envoy to Nepal, on behalf of the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, signed the grant agreement with One Heart Worldwide for a project titled “Emergency Response and Recovery Plan for Continuation of Maternal and NewbornHealth (MNH) Services in Flood-Affected Areas of Sarlahi, Rautahat and Kavrepalanchowk Districts,” that aims to provide vital healthcare services in the affected regions. Surya Bhatta, Co-CEO of One Heart Worldwide signed the agreement on behalf of the organization, reads a statement issued by the Embassy of Germany.

One Heart Worldwide is an organization dedicated to improving access to healthcare for mothers and newborns in remote areas of Nepal for over a decade. Through this project, One Heart Worldwide will focus on maintaining access to basic health services, ensuring water and sanitation facilities, and delivering emergency supplies to pregnant women, new mothers, and their families in the three most heavily affected districts from the recent floods and fire: Sarlahi, Rautahat, and Kavrepalanchowk.

Rautahat, one of Nepal’s poorest districts, is home to a significant Muslim and Dalit population, who have been disproportionately affected by recurring disasters. Frequent floods, fires, and cold waves have made survival increasingly difficult for vulnerable communities. The recent fires have affected 25 households, while 53 people are rendered homeless. Similarly, Sarlahi and Kavrepalanchowk were heavily affected during the recent floods caused by the incessant rains.

The project will provide affected individuals with Dignity Kits, Winterization Materials, Hygiene Kits, and Kitchen Utensils, as well as Health Facility Medical Equipment and Supplies, and establish WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) stations at healthcare facilities. The cold season is expected to have a particularly severe impact on pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.

“This is an important project for districts heavily affected by the recent disasters. With the harsh winter, we are relieved thatthe most vulnerable populations are receiving the support they urgently need,” said Ambassador Dr. Thomas Prinz, according to the statement.

“We are pleased to have signed this agreement with the German Embassy. This grant will provide critical assistance to mothers and newborns in these vulnerable communities, ultimately supporting the Government of Nepal’s ongoing efforts,” shared Mr. Surya Bhatta.

The project is slated to complete by June 2025.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 1. 83 points to close at 2, 595. 96 points on Wednesday.

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 2. 41 points to close at 439. 01 points.

A total of 10,745,427-unit shares of 299 companies were traded for Rs 5. 82 billion.

Meanwhile, Dolti Power Company Limited (DOLTI) was the top gainer today, with its price surging by 10. 00 percent. Likewise, Nyadi Hydropower Limited (NYADI) was the top loser as its price fell by 10.00 percent.

At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 30 trillion.

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

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association, the gold is being traded at Rs 155,400 per tola. 

Similarly, the price of silver has increased by Rs 10 and is being traded at Rs 1,830 per tola today.

A significant portion of financial transactions by Chinese tourists in Nepal is bypassing the national tax system, raising concerns about lost revenue. Restaurants in Thamel and other areas catering to Chinese tourists often accept payments through WeChat Pay, a China-based digital payment service.  

Although the app uses Nepal’s internet connection, the transactions are processed in China, leaving no record in Nepal’s national accounts. As a result, these transactions are not reflected as foreign income, and the government of Nepal cannot impose taxes on them.  

Moreover, Chinese business operators in Nepal have reportedly used WeChat Pay to repatriate their earnings to China without paying any local taxes. This issue led to a ban on WeChat Pay in Nepal in 2019. However, the ban was lifted in 2020 after the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) granted the app permission to operate within the country.  

Despite regulatory approval, the problem persists, with substantial amounts of money being transacted through the app by evading Nepal’s tax system. Experts and officials are now urging stricter monitoring and enforcement to ensure that such digital transactions contribute to the national economy.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has continued its diplomatic efforts for the safe release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali citizen believed to be held captive by Hamas.

These efforts follow reports that Hamas is releasing 34 captives, including women, children and the elderly.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has been requesting countries, which are reported to be in contact with Hamas and are mediating for a ceasefire, to intensify their initiatives for Joshi's release.

Today, Minister Rana had a telephonic conversation with Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, requesting him to take special initiatives for Joshi's freedom.

She acknowledged Qatar as a longstanding friend of Nepal.

During the conversation, Dr Khulaifi, the key mediator for the peace talks with Hamas on behalf of the Qatari government, said progress was being made in bringing Hamas to a ceasefire with Israel.

He highlighted the Qatari government's ongoing initiatives for the release of those kidnapped by Hamas.

He further said they have also prioritised advocating for the release of the Nepali youth Joshi, adding that Joshi would be included in the first phase of the release of the captives, which focus on women, children and the elderly.

If not, he assured that Joshi would be prioritised in the subsequent phases of negotiations.

Last week, Dr Rana met with ambassadors of Israel, Egypt, Qatar, seeking their governments' assistance in securing Joshi's release.

In response, Ambassador of Israel to Nepal Shmulik Arie Bass informed that the Israel government had sent a list of captives to Hamas a few months ago, urging the group to release elderly, women and children, and those in critical health conditions in particular in the first phase, and that preparations were underway for their release.

Joshi was among those who were kidnapped during the Hamas' attack on Israel in October 2023, which led to the killing of more than a thousand people, including 10 Nepalis.

Since then, the Government of Nepal has continued its diplomatic efforts for Joshi's release. Dr Rana has continuously raised the issue at national and regional forums, including the United Nations, and through bilateral meetings for Joshi's safe release.

KATHMANDU: President Ramchandra Paudel has urged all to move ahead being united by resolving the existing problems of the country.

At a tea reception organized at Sheetal Niwas today on the occasion of Maghi festival, President Paudel said good governance, development and peace are aspiration of Nepali people.

The main objective of our constitution and federal democratic republic governance system is also to establish good governance, development and peace in the country, he argued.

The President expressed the belief that several festivals celebrated by various communities would contribute to unite and strengthen national unity by enhancing mutual love, brotherhood and harmony among all the Nepalis.

Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire, National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal, former Presidents Dr Ram Baran Yadav and Bidya Devi Bhandari, former Prime Ministers, Deputy Prime Ministers, ministers and parliamentarians were present on the occasion.

 A total of 17,691 adolescent girls in Bhaktapur are expected to get the HPV vaccine against cervical cancer.

According to Shantiram Khatiwada, Chief of the District Public Health Office Bhaktapur, girls aged 10 to 14 in the district will be vaccinated under the HPV vaccination nationwide campaign that will commence on February 4.

Of four municipalities in the district, 4, 162 girls in the Suryabinayak, 6, 742 in the Bhaktapur, 4, 203 in Madhyapur Thimi and 2, 584 in the Chagunarayan will be vaccinated against the cervical cancer.

Of them, 16, 628 from grade six to 10 will be picked from schools and 1,063 who are out of schools will also be covered in the vaccination drive.

He said that the vaccine typically causes no side effects.

However, in the rare event of any issues, the Bhaktapur Hospital, Khwopa Hospital, Surya Binayak Municipal Hospital, Changunarayan Municipal Hospital and Nepal Korea Friendship Municipality Hospital are prepared to respond.

The government will be launching the campaign targeting 1,688,900 girls across the country, coinciding with the World Cancer Day on February 4.

It will conclude on February 18. Studies show that the HPV vaccine can prevent up to 90-95 per cent cervical cancer cases.

Cervical cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in Nepal, followed by breast cancer.