Kathmandu, September 21
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.
Oli rejects calls for leadership change, says UML reorganisation is not about replacing leaders
CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli has made clear that he has no intention of stepping down as party chairman, arguing that replacing the leadership cannot by itself be described as party reorganisation. Presenting his political report at the UML Central Committee meeting on Monday, Oli argued that the debate over party reorganisation should be understood in its proper historical and organisational context and should not be treated as a matter of impulse.
Probe committee formed to investigate Tripureshwor bus fire
A committee has been formed to investigate the bus fire incident in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu. The Kathmandu Valley Police Office, Ranipokhari, formed the investigation committee, according to AIG Sushil Singh Rathour of the office. The committee is headed by SSP Ramesh Basnet and has been given five days to complete its investigation
Gas supply easing, no need to worry about shortages during festive season: Minister Sah
Industry Minister Deepak Kumar Sah has said the supply of cooking gas in the market is gradually becoming easier. Speaking at a meeting of the House of Representatives, he said the government’s continuous efforts had helped restore two-way traffic on the road obstructed at Krishnabhir from September 17.
100 billion needed for post-disaster reconstruction, says Minister Lamsal
Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal has said that around Rs 100 billion is needed for post-disaster reconstruction and infrastructure management following the Bhotekoshi disaster. Speaking at a meeting of the Infrastructure Development Committee held at Singha Durbar on Monday, Minister Lamsal said this amount would be required for a plan covering the current disaster damage and future preparedness.
Ransomware attack shuts stock market as investors raise security concerns
Nepal’s stock market was abruptly shut down on Monday after a ransomware attack targeted the infrastructure of Data Hub Pvt. Ltd., which hosts the Trading Management System (TMS) servers of 72 brokerage companies. According to Data Hub, the attack on its TMS hosting infrastructure was detected at around 5:30 am on Bhadra 4. Data Hub hosts the servers used by 72 trading member, or brokerage, companies.
39 dead, 439 missing at Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project
Thirty-nine people working at the 216 MW Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project in Rasuwa have been found dead, while 439 others remain missing following the devastating flood in the Bhotekoshi River on August 26.
Petition seeks transfer of Nepali Congress dispute to Constitutional Bench
A petition has been filed at the Supreme Court seeking to transfer the case concerning the Nepali Congress’s special general convention from the full bench to the Constitutional Bench.
VAT on electricity to be scrapped, energy and finance ministers agree in principle
The government is preparing to scrap the value-added tax (VAT) it has levied on electricity tariffs since the current fiscal year. The move comes just two months after VAT took effect at 5 percent for household consumers and 13 percent for industrial and other non-household consumers.
Deposits in government-run relief funds reach near Rs 15 billion
Monetary contributions to the Prime Minister Natural Disaster Relief Fund have continued to pour in following the floods that struck the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli river system on August 26. Around Rs 15 billion has been collected so far in the Prime Minister Natural Disaster Rescue Fund and the Prime Minister Relief Fund, both operated by the government. According to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the combined balance in the two funds presently stands at Rs 14,889,038,871.
