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The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), in partnership with the Government of Germany, today inaugurated the groundbreaking ceremony for the Lekhnath–Damauli 220 kV Transmission Line Project at the Damauli Substation in Tanahun District.

NEA Managing Director Hitendra Dev Shakya,  German Ambassador to Nepal Udo Volz,  Director of KfW Development Bank for Bangladesh and Nepal Michael Sumser, as well as senior representatives from NEA, the German Embassy, KfW Development Bank, GIZ, local governments and other key stakeholders attended the ceremony. 

Co-financed by Germany through KfW Development Bank, the project includes the construction of a 45 km long 220 kV double-circuit transmission line and the development of modern gas-insulated substations in Lekhnath and Damauli, reads a statement issued by the German Embassy in Kathmandu. 

With a transmission capacity of around 1000 MW, the project will strengthen the regional electricity grid and enable efficient evacuation of electricity from hydropower plants in the region, including the Tanahun Hydropower Project.

“The expansion of reliable transmission infrastructure is essential for Nepal’s growing energy needs,” said Ambassador Udo Volz. “Germany is proud to partner with Nepal in strengthening its electricity grid and enabling the use of its vast renewable energy potential. Projects like this ensure that clean energy reaches homes, businesses and industries, contributing to sustainable economic growth.”. 

Germany has also supported renewable energy solutions ranging from household solar systems and solar irrigation to grid-connected solar installations, contributing to around 55 MW of solar photovoltaic capacity in Nepal.  

In Gandaki Province, German Technical Cooperation has supported Pokhara Metropolitan City in developing a five-year Municipal Energy Plan to guide efficient energy use and the adoption of clean energy technologies. 

German Technical Cooperation has also supported the establishment of two electric vehicle charging stations in Pokhara and Damauli and the integration of two micro-hydropower plants in Baglung into the national grid of the Nepal Electricity Authority.

Reliable transmission infrastructure such as the Lekhnath–Damauli line provides the foundation for greater use of clean electricity, including electric mobility and other low-carbon solutions, supporting Nepal’s ambition to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels.

National Assembly Chairman Narayan Prasad Dahal paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sushila Karki at her official residence in Baluwatar today.

During the meeting, they held discussions on post-election review, running parliament sessions and other related topics, according to the Prime Minister's press advisor, Ram Bahadur Rawal.

Finance Minister Rameshwor Khanal has stressed the need to mobilize liquidity into the productive sector to build national capital.

Addressing a program marking the 36th anniversary of the Citizen Investment Trust (CIT), Minister Khanal said that there is plenty of liquidity in the banking sector due to falling interest rates and thus pressed for channelizing liquidity into the productive sector.

Highlighting the need to accelerate the large-scale infrastructure and long-term investment projects, Khanal informed that efforts are underway to promote mega projects such as Budhi Gandaki Hydropower Project through Public- Private Partnership (PPP) model. 

He viewed that the idle capital should also be mobilized into the productive sector. 

Stating that ongoing tensions in the Middle East region could disrupt Nepal's supply chain, the minister cautioned that the disruption could lead to inflation. Hence, he called for timely actions to reduce such risks.

Finance Minister Khanal noted, "At present, both the balance of payment and current accounts are in surplus and the government revenue has increased compared to previous fiscal year."

While economic indicators are improving, he highlighted the need to ensure that investors can easily access capital.

Calling for laws on alternative financing, he viewed that the taxation on various retirement funds should be reconsidered, including lowering taxes on similar type of income and social security funds. 

On the occasion, he lauded the notable business success achieved by the CIT at a time when many state-owned enterprises were facing operational challenges.

He advocated for seeking appropriate alternatives in accordance with the government's policy guarantee to recover loans provided by the Fund to the Nepal Airlines Corporations.

Minister Khanal suggested that the CIT should be aware about risk management while considering investments. He added that it is necessary to issue long-term bonds for assets-liability management of various retirement funds.

A Thai man was arrested after entering the enclosure of Moo Deng, a popular pygmy hippo at Khao Kheow Open Zoo, AP reported.

The man allegedly climbed into the enclosure while no staff or visitors were nearby and stayed briefly before being caught. Authorities later charged him with trespassing.

Zoo director Narongwit Chodchoy confirmed that Moo Deng and her mother Jona were unharmed, though slightly startled.

Moo Deng rose to global fame after her birth in 2024, attracting large crowds and online attention. Officials say the man has been released on bail, and further investigation is ongoing.