Kathmandu, September 14
There is a lot happening every day. The Daily Digest brings together some of the most important stories and developments in one place—from Nepal’s latest affairs to international news, business, sports and stories that deserve a closer look.
Deuba camp rejects central office terms, sets own path for 15th convention
The non-establishment faction of the Nepali Congress has decided to move forward with the party’s 15th general convention process in its own way. This was concluded at a meeting of the faction held Monday at outgoing party president Sher Bahadur Deuba’s residence in Maharajgunj, where members determined they could not take part in the convention on the terms decided by the party’s central office.
Q&A with Prime Minister missing from House calendar
The House of Representatives has released its tentative calendar through October 1, outlining the dates on which meetings will be held and the likely agenda for each sitting. However, the calendar does not include the direct question-and-answer session with the prime minister.
Infrastructure Minister vows to restore flood-damaged roads by October
The government says it has stepped up work to restore damaged road networks in flood-affected areas and aims to bring them back into operation by October. The government is currently prioritising temporary alternative roads, suspension bridges and cable crossings in the affected areas. It plans to begin construction of permanent roads and bridges once immediate connectivity is restored. Speaking at a meeting with representatives from flood-affected areas at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on Monday, Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal said the government had formed eight thematic task forces to accelerate the construction of roads and bridges.
Contracts for 10 road projects in Baitadi terminated
The Road Division Office, Baitadi, has terminated contracts for 10 road projects that had long remained unfinished. In a notice published Monday, the office said the contracts were terminated because the work had not been completed within the agreed timeframe and had not proceeded according to the contract terms.
PM Balen Shah assures no budget shortage for Bhotekoshi flood relief, reconstruction
Prime Minister Balen Shah has assured that there will be no shortage of funds for relief and reconstruction in areas affected by the Bhotekoshi flood in Rasuwa. Speaking at a meeting with elected representatives from districts and local levels declared disaster crisis zones at Singha Durbar on Monday, Shah said all state agencies were working to address the situation and that the government would ensure adequate funding for relief and reconstruction.
RSP forms special team to resolve organisational dispute in Madhesh
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has formed a special team to resolve organisational disputes in Madhesh Province, where party conventions have yet to be held in seven of the province’s eight districts. The RSP held its first general convention in Chitwan in late June. However, only Parsa has completed its district convention in Madhesh, while conventions in the other seven districts remain pending.
Gold and silver prices fall
The prices of gold and silver declined in the Nepali market on Monday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold has fallen by Rs 1,200 per tola today.
Direct Pokhara–Dubai flights to start from September 23
Flydubai has announced its schedule for direct Dubai–Pokhara–Dubai flights, with the first flight landing at Pokhara International Airport at 6:15 pm on September 23. Pokhara Airport plans a water-cannon salute to welcome the arriving Flydubai aircraft and passengers. After disembarking arriving passengers, the plane will depart Pokhara for Dubai at 7:15 pm with a new set of passengers.
NEPSE rises 25 points as investors await market reform plan
Nepal’s stock market rose 25.55 points on Monday, the first trading day of the week, with the NEPSE index closing at 2,585.04 points. The index had gained 27 points in the previous trading session. With Monday’s rise, the market has gained 52 points over the past two trading days.
