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The Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NICCI) delegation held a meeting with the newly appointed Energy Minister,  Dipak Khadka, at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation in Singhadurbar, on Thursday.

The NICCI delegation was led by President Shreejana Rana.

The delegation included Vice President Sunil KC, Treasurer Kunal Kayal, Executive Member Arun KC, Convener of the Energy Committee Batu Lamichhane, Deputy Director Marshal Rathour, and Finance Head Nimesh Nepal.

On the occasion, President Rana congratulated EnergyMinister Khadka on his appointment, noting his extensive practical knowledge from grassroots to policy levels. She expressed optimism that under his leadership, the ministry would address critical issues related to energy development, transmission lines, and power trade with India and Bangladesh.

The meeting focused on attracting foreign investments, project development, and capacity enhancement in the energy sector, which is crucial for reducing the country's trade deficit through energy exports to India and other countries via Indian transmission lines.

Batu Lamichhane, Convener of the Energy Committee, requested Minister Khadka to open the power trade sector to private entities, enabling competitive energy exports to India and breaking the current monopoly, a major concern for Nepalese private sectors.

Similarly, Vice President Sunil KC highlighted several key issues in the energy sector:

Ease of Import of Explosives: KC emphasized the need for a joint mechanism involving the private sector, Nepal Army, and government representatives to facilitate the timely import of explosives, crucial for project completion.

Transmission Line Development: Collaboration with Indian and Bangladeshi governments to develop transmission lines.

Joint Roadshows: Organizing roadshows in India and Bangladesh to attract investments for project development and execute a trilateral energy trade agreement among the three countries.

Meanwhile, Energy Minister Khadka thanked NICCI members for their valuable insights and assured them that the government is positive about such initiatives. He highlighted that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli  has instructed a collaborative approach with the private sector to develop policies that support achieving Nepal's development goals by 2030.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song called on Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak on Monday.

The Chinese Ambassador had reached Singha Durbar this afternoon to meet the Home Minister.

Stating that the relations between Nepal and China had always been cordial, Minister Lekhak expressed his confidence that the bilateral relations would be further expanded and strengthened in the coming days.

Minister Lekhak, acknowledging China as an important development partner in the development of infrastructures in Nepal, extended his gratitude towards China for its support in the capacity enhancement of the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force, Nepal as well as in Nepal's bid for development.

The Minister also reaffirmed Nepal's commitment to One-China Principle and expressed Nepal's commitment towards not allowing any of its land to be used against its neighboring countries, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Similarly, Chinese envoy Song believed that the friendly and diplomatic relations between Nepal and China would be further strengthened in the coming days.

He noted that there were many similarities between Nepal and China including cultural ones, the Ministry said.

On the occasion, he pledged to coordinate efforts with the government of Nepal in border management, combating cross-border crimes and protecting the citizens of both countries.

Furthermore, the Chinese envoy asserted that the government of China would provide the utmost support to Nepal to further strengthen the immigration administration.

Chet Narayan Acharya of CPN-UML has been appointed as the Chief Minister of Lumbini Province.

The Province chief appointed Acharya as the Chief Minister after he staked a claim with majority of members at the Office of the Province Chief in Butwal.

Acharya was appointed as the Chief Minister as per Article 168 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal.

There are a total of 87 Province Assembly members in Lumbini.

Forty-four lawmakers are needed for majority.

Acharya is the elected Province Assembly member from Arghakhanchi 1(1).

The price of gold has increased by Rs 100 per tola in the domestic market on Monday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 146, 300 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 146, 200 per tola on Sunday.

Similarly, tejabi gold is being traded at Rs 145, 600 per tola.

Meanwhile, the silver is being traded at Rs 1, 790 per tola.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli secured a vote of confidence in the Parliament on Sunday.

He garnered 188 votes while 74 members voted against him in the House of Representatives, the lower house of Parliament. A lawmaker remained neutral.

In the 275-member House of Representatives, 263 lawmakers were present in the meeting today.

Nepali Congress, UML, Ashok Rai-led Janata Samajbadi Party, Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal, Janamat Party and Democratic Socialist Party among others voted in favor of PM Oli.

CPN (Maoist Center), Rastriya Swatantra Party, CPN (Unified Socialist), Rastriya Swatantra Party and Janamorcha cast their votes against the vote of confidence.

CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli was appointed as the Prime Minister on July 14.

The newly appointed Prime Minister sought a trust vote at the House of Representatives (HoR) as per the Article 76(4) of the Constitution.

The Constitution of Nepal mandates that the Prime Minister appointed with the support of two or more than two political parties should seek a vote of confidence within 30 days of his/her appointment.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal failed to secure a vote of confidence in Parliament on Friday.

He managed to garner only 65 votes.

A total of 194 members voted against the confidence motion while a member stayed neutral.

The Parliament meeting was attended by 258 lawmakers.

Speaker Devraj Ghimire announced that the vote of confidence sought by Prime Minister Dahal was rejected.

Thirty-two lawmakers of the CPN (Maoist Center), 21 of Rastriya Swatantra Party and 10 of CPN (Unified Socialist)  voted in favor of Prime Minister Dahal.

Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, Rastriya Prajatantra Party, Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal, Janata Samajbadi Party, Janamat Party, Democratic Socialist Party and Nagarik Unmukti Party voted against PM Dahal.

PM Dahal sought a vote of confidence as per Article 100 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal after the UML withdrew support extended to the government.

This year’s monsoon season has once again exposed the glaring shortcomings in the government’s disaster preparedness and response mechanisms. With more than 80 lives lost, hundreds injured and thousands displaced across the country in just the first month of monsoon rains, it is clear that the authorities have failed to learn from past experiences and implement effective measures to mitigate the impact of annual floods, landslides and other disasters.

Police say 161 houses are submerged in floods, 138 houses are damaged, 54 animal sheds are destroyed, 41 bridges have collapsed, and 2,764 families are displaced due to various disaster incidents. The fact that such extensive damage occurs year after year reflects the government's inability to address this recurring issue. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Authority, 92 people died due to monsoon-related disasters last year. Likewise, 30 went missing and 168 sustained injuries in different incidents. A total of 459 landslide incidents, along with 142 cases of flooding, 168 instances of heavy rainfall and 113 reports of lightning in 2023.

Experts have raised questions about the rainfall forecasting capabilities of our authorities. Although there is now a system to send alerts to people whenever water levels in major rivers rise, there is no such mechanism for other disaster events. Infrastructure development in Nepal has also been shortsighted. The collapse of 41 bridges and damage to roads not only highlight a lack of resilient infrastructure but severely hamper rescue and relief efforts, isolating affected communities when they need help the most. This points to a systemic failure in planning and executing infrastructure projects that can withstand the country’s challenging topography and climate.

Moreover, the government’s disaster response appears reactive rather than proactive. The focus seems to be on search and rescue operations after disasters strike, rather than on preventive measures and community preparedness. While the efforts of rescue teams are commendable, a more proactive approach could save more lives and reduce the scale of devastation. As Nepal faces the increasing challenges of climate change, the need for effective disaster management is more pronounced than ever. The government must act now to prevent future tragedies and protect its citizens from the devastating impacts of natural disasters.

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party has decided not to give a vote of confidence to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

The Parliamentary Party meeting of the Rastriya Prajantra Party held in Singha Durbar on Thursday decided to stand against the vote of confidence, RPP Chief Whip Gyanendra Shahi informed.

The party, however, has not yet decided whether to participate in the new alliance of the Nepali Congress-CPN-UML or not, he further said.

The decision on the same will be made after the formation of a new government, leader Shahi informed.