In the final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2, Nepal will compete against the home team Netherlands today. The match is set to begin at 2:45 PM in Utrecht. Nepal has lost all three of their previous matches in this series. Securing a victory today is crucial for Nepal to remain in contention for a top-four position in the league. Kathmandu, 29 July.
As part of the One Day International (ODI) series currently taking place in the Netherlands under the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2, Nepal faces the host nation Netherlands today. The match between Nepal and the Netherlands will start at 2:45 PM in Utrecht. The Netherlands enters this third game of the series undefeated, while Nepal has suffered defeats in all three of their matches so far.
Due to consecutive losses, Nepal’s chances of finishing in the top four in League 2 have become slim. Nepal lost their opening match to Namibia, were defeated by the Netherlands in the second game, and again fell to Namibia in the third fixture. In the League 2 points table, Nepal currently sits sixth with 24 points from 31 games. The Netherlands holds third place with 36 points from 30 games, while Namibia is fourth with 26 points from 31 games. If Nepal fails to beat the Netherlands today, their prospects of finishing in the top four will be nearly impossible.
Nepal’s team for the match includes Rohit Paudel, Kushal Bhurtel, Dipendra Singh Airee, Asif Sheikh, Binod Bhandari, Ishan Pande, Bhim Sharki, Arif Sheikh, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Lalit Rajbanshi, Sandeep Lamichhane, and Arjun Kumar.
Nearly two weeks have passed since land parceling was halted across 363 municipalities nationwide. The Ministry of Land Management, Cooperative, Federal Affairs, and General Administration states that parceling has been stopped in these municipalities because they have not complied with the land use regulations or performed the necessary land classification.
Bhim Prasad Dhungana, chairperson of Dhadhing Nilkantha Municipality and president of the Nepal Association of Municipalities, said that the halt in parceling has significantly impacted local government revenues.
“Without land transactions, local governments cannot collect the revenue they are due,” he explained. “Moreover, with ongoing budget cuts under fiscal equalization, local governments are becoming increasingly weakened day by day.”
According to Puran Chaudhary, chief of the Survey Office in Dang Ghorahi, last year it was already announced that parceling would be stopped for any municipality that did not complete land classification by the end of Ashad (mid-July), following the Land Use Regulation.
“Other services continue and land sharing certificates are still being issued,” he added, “however, with parceling stopped, the land revenue office will not send registration documents either.”
Since the Land Use Regulation 2079 was first published in the Gazette on Jestha 23, the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperative, Federal Affairs, and General Administration has annually halted and resumed parceling activities.
The federal government has been revising the regulation each year to reopen parceling within the same fiscal year.
When Will Parceling Resume?
Image source: RSS
According to Ganesh Prasad Bhatt, spokesperson for the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperative, Federal Affairs, and General Administration, no discussions about reopening parceling have started this year.
“Since land transactions generally decrease in the month of Saun, complaints have been minimal,” he said. “We are striving to encourage municipalities to complete their classification processes. Therefore, no discussions have taken place about reopening parceling yet.”
However, he added that if classification cannot be completed and land administration is disrupted, the government will need to decide on amending the regulation.
Bhim Prasad Dhungana, president of the Nepal Association of Municipalities, said they have informed the ministry and received a response that discussions will take place.
The law requires land to be classified into 10 different groups.
These include agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial, mining and minerals, forest, river-rivulet-lake-wetland, public use, cultural and archaeological significance, as well as other categories assigned by the Government of Nepal as needed.
Provinces are responsible for classification based on geographic location, land capability, and requirements. The Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, and Poverty Alleviation must prepare the land use zoning maps and details for each local government.
The regulations also mandate including mapping with an analysis of potential risks on the classified land.
Why Is Classification Challenging?
Image source: RSS
Laxmi Devi Pandey, president of the Rural Municipality National Federation Nepal, shared that classification is a highly complex process.
Pandey, chairperson of Hupsekot Rural Municipality in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East), said it took her municipality a full year to complete classification.
“We held meetings in every ward, created maps, and spent six months discussing the drafts,” she said. “We coordinated with the Survey Office and others to finalize the process. Hence, skilled personnel and technical support are essential.”
In some locations, landowners prefer to reclassify agricultural land as residential due to road access, thereby facilitating easier sales, which is an observed trend.
With market expansion and growth in residential areas, the complexity in classifying such zones has increased.
Meena Kumari Lama, mayor of Hetauda Metropolitan City, reported that after receiving similar complaints from wards, the city issued notices for revisions.
“Complaints were received from wards 16 and 17,” she remarked. “Further studies will determine whether these areas are actually not residential.”
Leaders of local governments have criticized the central government’s hurried classification decisions without comprehensive studies.
The regulation allows local governments to update their land use maps as needed through local land use councils.
If new categories must be created, the local land use council must recommend this to the provincial council, which in turn recommends it to the federal council.
“Burden on Municipalities Without Proper Study”
Image source: RSS
If a new land category transformation is required, the local land use council must recommend it to the provincial council, and the province must then recommend it to the federal council.
Every land parcel must include classification details within the registration documents and land ownership records. In other words, details for each parcel must be regularly updated.
Yadav Prasad Pathak, deputy mayor of Ratnanagar Municipality, Chitwan, said delays have occurred due to insufficient support from the federal government.
“There are irregularities here,” he said, noting an overreliance on Survey Office staff, “This is beyond our capacity alone.”
Bhim Prasad Dhungana, president of the Nepal Association of Municipalities and mayor of Dhadhing Nilkantha Municipality, responded that although the transfer of the Land Revenue and Survey Offices to local governments was agreed upon, it has not been fully implemented.
“With current resources and manpower, no municipality can complete classification on time. Imposing this burden without detailed ground-level study and pushed by the federal government is a heavy load for many municipalities,” he said.
He emphasized that the central and provincial governments must coordinate effectively, considering the necessity, justification, and capacity of municipalities.
“Classification is neither an easy task nor one to be rushed,” he said. “The government must abandon the mindset that classification is solely a local government responsibility and instead foster cooperation. Only then will the work succeed, and the yearly pattern of halting and reopening parceling will end.”
A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southern Japan on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of at least three people and injuring dozens more. Following the earthquake, an explosion occurred at an Aeon shopping mall, and various physical structures were damaged, causing disruptions to road, rail, and air traffic. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has ordered around 300,000 residents to move to safe locations for their protection, as damage assessments continue.
13 Shrawan, Kathmandu – In Kumamoto Prefecture, southern Japan, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake on Tuesday triggered an explosion at a shopping mall and structural collapses, leading to at least three fatalities and numerous injuries. According to information provided by the Kumamoto Prefectural Government Wednesday morning, eight people were rescued alive during overnight search and rescue operations at the Aeon mall. Among the casualties, two women in their twenties were confirmed dead, while one individual was found in cardiopulmonary arrest. Five others were injured, though their conditions were not reported as critical.
Firefighting agencies, police, and Self-Defense Forces of Japan have continued rescue efforts through the night. Officials indicated that rescue teams focused on locations where calls for help were received inside buildings. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi noted that comprehensive damage assessments are underway, revealing power outages in some areas as well as fires, and widespread damage to roads, bridges, and buildings.
Approximately 300,000 people were instructed to evacuate to secure sites and temporary shelters following the earthquake. Due to continued aftershocks in the Kyushu region, authorities have urged residents to remain highly vigilant. The Aeon shopping mall, which houses nearly 200 stores, was severely damaged after the explosion. The exterior of the building collapsed, exposing steel structures, and debris scattered extensively across the parking area. The mall’s operating company confirmed that all customers and staff were safely evacuated shortly after the quake. While the explosion’s cause remains unconfirmed, investigations are focusing on a potential gas leak.
An eyewitness near the incident site reported a large explosion occurred while cleaning dishes after the earthquake, with thick smoke creating an atmosphere comparable to volcanic ash fallout. Meanwhile, the chimney at the Nippon Paper Industries factory collapsed, leaving several workers unaccounted for. Over 50 injured individuals are currently receiving treatment at two hospitals, some in serious condition. Passengers on high-speed trains in operation during the quake were also among the injured.
Several buildings partially collapsed and fires broke out in multiple locations following the earthquake. Local media reported one fatality due to a building collapse in a city close to the epicenter. Major cracks in highways have affected road traffic. Rail services have been suspended, and Kumamoto Airport’s runway closure has led to multiple flight cancellations and diversions.
Global tech giants such as TSMC, Sony, and Fujifilm have evacuated employees from their factories in the region safely. TSMC reported no major damage to its production facilities and has gradually resumed operations. Tokyo Electron has suspended operations at its two Kumamoto plants through Wednesday, while Honda has temporarily halted production at its motorcycle factory.
The Japan Meteorological Agency located the earthquake’s epicenter approximately 20 kilometers south of Kumamoto city. Due to the heightened risk of aftershocks and landslides expected over the coming week, authorities have advised residents to remain cautious. Kyushu Electric Power reported power outages affecting roughly 48,000 households. However, the Japanese Nuclear Regulation Authority confirmed no abnormalities at any nuclear power plants.
Kumamoto had previously experienced a devastating earthquake a decade ago that killed 275 people and damaged thousands of buildings. Authorities anticipate potentially significant damage from this recent event as well.
Image caption, Screenshot where Chinese state media deny AI-generated contentArticle Information
Chinese officials, already battling the impact of Typhoon Maytas, are now facing a serious new challenge: highly deceptive and dangerous videos created using artificial intelligence (AI).
In recent months, powerful storms and floods have been accompanied on social media by viral fake videos showing flooded areas with swimming corpses, scenes of severe flooding in unaffected regions, and fabricated reports of emergency rescue and relief efforts.
Some videos falsely claim power outages, prompting people to rush to buy supplies unnecessarily. These videos spread misleading information based on fabricated risks.
Early July, following flooding in Jiangzhou city in Guangxi Province, hundreds of snakes escaped breeding grounds, and a fake image purporting to show otters released into a river was circulated.
Authorities try to avoid complications during these high-pressure rescue operations. However, China’s heavy investment in AI technology also risks equipping the public with easy tools to spread deception.
“Many content creators sensationalize disaster news to gain followers because such content attracts more likes and views. They deliberately organize misinformation to attract attention,” said Hu Wang Zhihua, deputy head of online public security at Zhejiang Police Department, in an interview with Chinese government media.
Recently, individuals creating false reports and videos have been arrested, with punishments ranging from imprisonment to fines.
However, experts warn that the crisis of misinformation may persist.
Why do people do this?
Image source, Social media
Image caption, Fake content depicts otters being released into a river
Professor Chen Bin, writing in the Chinese Communist Party’s Central Party School journal, explained, “AI technology has lowered barriers to creating false information. Now people can produce believable words, images, audio, and videos without complex technical skills. Even if realistic, this content is entirely fabricated and can be produced in large volumes.”
Professor Zhao Fuping from East China University of Political Science and Law said the motivations behind such fake content vary. Some create it for entertainment, others for personal gain through views or clicks, and some deliberately aim to spread terror or social unrest.
“Some users believe the online world is uncontrolled or that their identities cannot be traced,” he added.
A ‘Cat-and-Mouse Game’
Calls have been made to require clear labeling of all AI-generated content. However, as others can remove these labels and edit the content, this may not be a complete solution.
Professor Su Xiaoke from Beijing Normal University advocates for stronger efforts in geographic verification and original source validation for images.
He added, “But AI content detection technology still lags behind content creation technology. We are engaged in a continuous ‘cat-and-mouse game.’ So don’t assume technology alone can easily identify AI content.”
China is making extensive use of AI technology in its ambition to become a leading global technological power.
Since 2017, China has declared AI as a primary driver of national development.
With significant investments flowing into AI companies, competition domestically has intensified. According to Xinhua, there are over 6,000 AI companies in China.
Professor Su Xiaoke emphasizes the need to build reliable information infrastructure in China, including government-operated early warning systems and disaster-related information platforms accessible by news organizations.
The Risk of Growing Distrust in the Government
However, there have been instances of government-controlled media downplaying the severity of disasters, causing public distrust.
In early July, journalists were instructed to use less severe terms such as “opened” or “cracks” rather than “burst” for damage suffered at Liulan Dam near Nanning.
Though possibly an attempt to minimize the damage, the dam failure led to at least 26 deaths caused by floodwaters.
This is not the only incident.
In 2021, local officials in Henan Province were arrested on accusations of concealing or downplaying the deaths of 139 people, causing a significant breach of public trust.
This erosion of trust has made it easier for individuals with malicious intent to spread false and misleading content.
In emergency situations, law enforcement urges the public to rely only on official and verified sources.
Zhao Kai of Ningbo Public Security Bureau stated, “People should be skeptical of disaster information from unknown sources and trust only official information.”
He assured that those spreading false information will face legal consequences, stressing that the internet is not lawless. Public security agencies will continue to rigorously crack down on illegal online activities.
Special task forces have been set up to closely monitor social media platforms, especially short-video platforms, to conduct investigations and enforce strict action.
What Solutions Are Possible?
On July 23, China’s Cyber Administration launched a nationwide campaign against fake content related to floods and other disasters. It directed local offices to identify and punish fabricated statistics, malicious edits, artificial visuals, content that misrepresents historical events, and fake personas impersonating government officials. Social media platforms were urged to tighten content review processes.
According to Professor Zhao, the approach must combine raising public awareness with strict legal enforcement. He believes publicizing cases involving punishments is necessary.
He added, “The impact of AI-generated fake content ultimately depends on how people use the technology, not the technology itself.”
In his view, existing laws are adequate to address the problem.
However, not everyone agrees. Professor Chen warns that AI technology is advancing faster than legal frameworks, raising new legal questions and expanding the misinformation challenge.
Lawyer Peter Pang, working in Shanghai and Washington, notes the global scale of such issues is growing rapidly.
He believes that companies developing AI applications and platforms that publish fake videos should also be held legally accountable.
“The primary responsibility lies with the platforms that allow this content to be published, as they help amplify its reach,” he told the media.
Professor Su issued a warning: “AI-generated misinformation will not only increase in volume but can spread at much faster rates.”
“In the future, political elections, public health crises, armed conflicts, natural disasters, and issues critically affecting people’s lives may face heightened risks from AI-created false information.
Instead of reacting only after misinformation goes viral, governments and platforms must begin proactive preparations.”
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The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), in collaboration with the National Planning Commission, aims to organize the Fourth World Nepali Knowledge Convention 2027 with a goal to contribute to Nepal’s development. Dr. Gyanendra Regmi, Vice President of NRNA, informed that this year’s convention will focus on a solution-oriented model by linking knowledge and technology transfer with policy processes. Dr. Gunakar Bhatt, Vice Chairman of the Planning Commission, expressed the commission’s commitment to cooperate with the NRNA in infrastructure development, education, and digitization. 12 Shrawan, Kathmandu.
Discussions took place between Dr. Gunakar Bhatt, Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission, and representatives of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA). The conceptual framework for the Fourth World Nepali Knowledge Convention 2027 was presented, focusing on collaboration to contribute to Nepal’s development through knowledge, skills, technology, innovation, and investment, according to the NRNA. During the meeting, Dr. Gyanendra Regmi, NRNA Vice President and Head of Skill, Knowledge and Technology Transfer Department, shared that the networking-for-development approach started in 2018 has now been transformed from issue-based discussions into a solution-oriented model.
Dr. Regmi said that the convention will focus on six thematic areas directly aligned with the Planning Commission’s priorities. The event aims to bring together over 300,000 Nepali experts worldwide — including researchers, scientists, technicians, entrepreneurs, and professionals — alongside Nepal’s policymakers, government bodies, universities, research institutions, and the private sector on a shared platform. The goal is to link knowledge, skills, technology, research, and best international practices to Nepal’s development.
Rozina Pradhan Rai, NRNA Vice President and Head of Welfare Department and Coordinator of the Citizenship Continuity Committee, emphasized the need to engage not only Nepali experts globally but also second-generation Nepalis who have gained expertise across various fields, connecting them to Nepal’s development. She underscored the urgency of finalizing the Non-Resident Nepali Development Fund, effective implementation of Non-Resident Nepali citizenship, and amendments to the Non-Resident Nepali Act. Anlraj Bhattarai, CEO of NRNA Development Fund Limited, stated that preparations are underway to operate the Development Fund, which aims to encourage small and large-scale investment by Nepalis residing around the world into Nepal.
NRNA Deputy Secretary Krishna Pokhrel briefed the Planning Commission about the policy and practical challenges related to foreign investment and the repatriation of returns to Nepal. Addressing the delegation, Dr. Gunakar Bhatt reaffirmed the commission’s positive stance toward collaboration with the NRNA. He noted potential cooperation areas such as digitalization in non-financial sectors, improvement of higher education quality, tunnel roads outside the Kathmandu Valley, transportation, and other infrastructure development, pledging full support for the World Knowledge Convention. Rajendra Kumar Raut, NRNA CEO, shared that preparations for the NRNA’s Europe Regional Convention and Asia-Pacific Regional Convention are in the final stages.
The second edition of the ‘Naima Nepal Mobility Expo 2026’ is set to take place from Saun 26 to 31 at Bhrikuti Mandap in Kathmandu. Over 55 automobile brands will participate, unveiling more than 40 new vehicle models. According to the organizers, Naima, this year’s expo will also feature free learning sessions on various technical topics led by experts from the automotive industry.
Organized by the Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (Naima), this expo is considered the largest auto show in the country and is currently in its final stages of preparation. Visitors to the expo will be charged an entry fee of NPR 100 to 200. In a conversation about the preparations and management of the expo, Gaurav Sharda, Director of the Sharda Group and a member of the expo, stated, “Our preparations are nearly complete, and now only implementation remains.”
During the six days of the expo, learning sessions will be held at the Nepal Police Club’s ‘Blue Pavilion,’ where international and local experts, influencers, and stakeholders from the automobile and mobility sectors will discuss various topics. Free talk shows on road safety, skill development, battery management, and ethanol blending will also be organized.
This year, more than 55 brands will participate, and over 40 new models will be launched. All brands will offer special deals to attract customers. The expo’s primary goal is to bring together customers and companies in one place. Visitors and prospective buyers attending this event are warmly welcomed to what is being promoted as the largest auto show in history.
Consumer rights activists have expressed strong dissatisfaction over the government’s market inspections, which seem to focus solely on collecting fines. During the last fiscal year, the Department of Commerce inspected over four thousand businesses and found that more than 97 percent violated regulations. Former Director Kumar Dahal emphasized the need to shift from enforcement through inspections toward automated market management systems for effective reform. 12 Shrawan, Kathmandu.
Consumers commonly face issues such as inflation, poor quality products, and price discrepancies across shops. Despite ongoing arbitrary practices by traders, consumers are forced to purchase expensive and substandard goods. Although the government claims to have deployed daily market monitoring teams and collected fines amounting to millions of rupees, there are no signs of tangible improvement in market conditions. While the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection and the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control assert their roles in inspection and price control, the continued struggles faced by consumers indicate these agencies have largely failed in fulfilling their responsibilities.
According to data published by the Department of Commerce, during the fiscal year 2082/83, 965 inspection teams monitored 4,481 businesses, with only 115 complying fully with regulations. Authorities took action against 537 firms, collecting fines totaling NPR 26,123,300. Consumer rights activists accuse the Department of Commerce of prioritizing the collection of fines over genuine market improvements.
Former Director Kumar Dahal acknowledged that the inspection system is outdated and often symbolic, noting that revenue generation is a secondary concern compared to the essential objective of cleaning up market operations. Vishnu Timalsina, General Secretary of the Consumer Interest Protection Forum, stated that the Department of Commerce and the government are under traders’ influence, which undermines inspection effectiveness. He further cited manpower shortages and jurisdictional confusion as key reasons for ineffective monitoring.
Frequent landslides on the Muglin-Narayangarh highway disrupted daily transportation services on Tuesday. Due to the high risk on the road, the Chitwan administration has imposed a traffic ban from 8 PM to 5 AM. The Department of Roads has kept 277 machines ready nationwide to promptly clear blocked roads.
Kathmandu, 28 July — The country’s main highway, the Muglin-Narayangarh section, was repeatedly blocked on Tuesday due to landslides. According to the Road Division Office in Bharatpur, the first blockage occurred at 7:30 AM caused by a new landslide near Khahare Khola. This site near Muglin Bazaar has been identified as a high-risk area for landslides.
The road remained closed for nearly five hours and reopened around 1:30 PM. However, another landslide occurred at the same location around 3 PM. After about an hour of clearing debris, traffic resumed but was again disrupted at 6 PM. Currently, the road is operational, but the office has warned against using the road at night due to ongoing risks.
The Chitwan District Administration has banned vehicle movement on the highway from 8 PM to 5 AM. The Muglin-Narayangarh highway runs through one of the highest-risk landslide zones. On Monday afternoon, a large rockfall at kilometer 17 caused the highway to remain closed for over two hours. Earlier that day, a landslide near Simaltal briefly blocked traffic for about 30 minutes. Similarly, last Saturday a rockfall near Gaighat also obstructed the road.
Areas such as Jalbire and Tuin Khola are considered the most vulnerable to landslides. The Road Division Office has confirmed landslide risks at over two dozen locations. Mauri Bridge, Namsi Bridge, Kalikhola, and Tuin Bridge are identified as the highest risk zones. Other high-risk landslide-affected areas include Gaighat, Dumre Bridge, Ghumaune, Simaltal, Jalbire, and Panchkilo.
The Department of Roads notes that new landslide challenges emerge each year in different locations. It has kept 277 machines in readiness across the country, which are operated by various heavy equipment divisions. This has accelerated efforts to quickly clear blocked roads. Machines are being deployed in coordination with the Road Division Offices to maintain traffic flow.
Prioritizing landslide control this time, the government has allocated a budget of three billion rupees. Around 60 to 70 landslide-prone areas have been identified, where studies and immediate work are planned in selected locations. The Muglin-Narayangarh highway is a key route connecting the federal capital Kathmandu with other regions. Although the road was upgraded a few years ago, landslide risks have increased since. Experts have pointed out that expanding the road by cutting into stable rocky hillsides has heightened vulnerability over time.
Microfinance victims have launched an indefinite collective hunger strike at Maiti Ghar to demand the implementation of the Supreme Court’s directive. A group of 25 victims, including Maniram Gyawali, chairman of the Committee to Combat Microfinance and Financial Exploitation, have arrived in Kathmandu from various districts to participate in the protest. Vice Chairman of the committee, Min Prasad Chaulagain, stated that the strike will continue until the government publicly releases the report of the task force formed last September and implements its recommendations. 12 Shrawan, Kathmandu.
The hunger strike began on Tuesday with 25 victims demanding the enforcement of the Supreme Court’s order. The Court had mandated the government, Nepal Rastra Bank, and the Association of Microfinance Bankers to implement consensus measures to resolve the victims’ issues. However, due to government inaction, the victims have resorted to this protest during the rainy season.
Those on hunger strike at Maiti Ghar have brought provisions such as rice, gas cylinders, and lime. Given the prolonged nature of their movement, Vice Chairman Chaulagain confirmed that protests will continue until their grievances are addressed. He remarked, “Though microfinance institutions have caused us suffering in the past, unresolved legacy issues continue to hinder us. Until these matters are resolved, we will not feel justice has been served.”
Committee Chairman Maniram Gyawali emphasized the need for the government to publicize the on-site evaluation report of the recently formed task force. He explained, “Many of the microfinance victims’ problems would be resolved if the recommendations in the report are implemented.” The report proposes measures including refraining from blacklisting victims for four years, removing names already blacklisted, halting auctioning of collateral for four years, establishing rehabilitation centers, forgiving loans based on victims’ conditions, and providing new loans ranging from NPR 100,000 to 500,000 at 3 percent interest.
The Nepal Electricity Authority has decided to impose only a 5 percent value-added tax (VAT) on electricity consumption starting from Saun 1 (mid-July). VAT will not be charged on electricity consumed until the end of Ashar (mid-July), and the VAT previously collected will be adjusted in the bill for Bhadra (August), the authority has announced. Due to technical issues in meter reading, the Authority is internally discussing how to separately account for electricity consumption of Ashar and Saun months. (12 Saun, Kathmandu)
The Authority clarified that VAT at 5 percent will apply only to electricity consumed after Saun 1. Accordingly, customers will pay VAT in Bhadra only for electricity consumed during Saun. Earlier, when the Authority issued bills for Ashar consumption during Saun and collected VAT, it sparked widespread protests. Following instructions from Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, the Authority sought legal interpretation from the Inland Revenue Department.
After the Revenue Department clarified that VAT applies only to electricity consumed after Saun 1, the Authority confirmed it will implement accordingly. However, another practical issue has emerged. Since the Authority reads meters for a given month during the first week of the following month, there is no immediate mechanism to segregate the consumption of Ashar and Saun separately. As a result, meter readings taken during Saun capture consumption until the end of Ashar along with consumption from Saun 1 onward combined.
An official from the Authority said internal discussions on this matter are ongoing. “The problem lies in meter reading; a single reading covers consumption from both Ashar and Saun months. The current system does not allow separate display of consumption for the two months,” he explained. Therefore, the Authority has already confirmed that VAT will not be charged on Ashar consumption. Arrangements will be made to levy VAT only on actual electricity consumption after Saun 1.
The clash between two groups in Dewanganj Market, Sunsari, on Tuesday evening was brought under control after about two hours. DSP Chandra Khadka, spokesperson for the Sunsari District Police Office, informed that the increased tension in the market area has been contained. The police are currently assessing the extent of the physical damage caused by the clash. The incident occurred around 8 pm and was controlled by 10 pm. DSP Khadka confirmed the police intervention to manage the rising tensions in the market and said that damage reports are being compiled.
12th Shrawan, Biratnagar – In response to escalating tensions between two communities, the Sunsari District Administration Office has declared an indefinite curfew in nine local units of the district. The curfew covers a 200-meter radius on both sides of Mahendra Highway within Itahari Sub-Metropolitan City wards 16 and 17, Ramdhuni Municipality wards 1 and 5, as well as the entire areas of Inaruwa Municipality, Duhabi Municipality, Bhokraha Narsingh Rural Municipality, Kosi Rural Municipality, Ghadi Rural Municipality, Dewanganj Rural Municipality, Harinagar Rural Municipality, and Barju Rural Municipality.
The curfew, effective from 9 PM on Tuesday evening until further notice, was ordered by Chief District Officer Indradev Prasad Aryal following a meeting of the District Security Committee. According to the administration, all movement, gatherings, processions, demonstrations, meetings, assemblies, and sit-ins are strictly prohibited within the designated areas for the duration of the curfew.
Any individual found violating the curfew will face legal action in accordance with prevailing laws.
Following Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time, Gennaro Gattuso resigned as Italy’s head coach last April. Roberto Mancini is now set to take over his position once again. The Italian Football Federation has reappointed Mancini as Italy’s head coach. Under his leadership, Italy won the UEFA Euro 2020 title and set a world record by remaining unbeaten for 37 consecutive matches. Giovanni Malago, president of the football federation, described Mancini as the most suitable candidate for the head coach position. Kathmandu, July 28.
Roberto Mancini has been appointed as Italy’s head coach for a second time. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced on Tuesday that Mancini is the new head coach. After Andrea Pirlo withdrew from the coaching competition and technical director Paolo Maldini resigned, Mancini was reinstated as Italy’s head coach. Although prominent names like Pep Guardiola were mentioned for the position, Mancini was ultimately chosen. The 61-year-old held the role from 2018 to 2023.
During his tenure, Italy claimed the Euro 2020 championship by defeating England, and established a world record by staying unbeaten for 37 consecutive games. However, following Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, Mancini resigned. Former midfielder Andrea Pirlo was also interested in the coaching role but withdrew on Monday due to controversies involving a Russian betting company. Giovanni Malago, president of the football federation, stated, “I am confident that Roberto Mancini is the most suitable person to be head coach.” Additionally, Claudio Ranieri, who led Leicester City to the Premier League title in 2015–16, will replace Maldini as technical director.
The Department of Agriculture has launched the ‘AMPIS Nepal’ mobile app to provide farmers with easy access to market prices of agricultural products. Wholesale prices of agricultural products traded daily across 12 federal agricultural markets nationwide can now be viewed directly on mobile phones through this app. Agriculture Minister Gita Chaudhary emphasized the government’s goal to make the agricultural sector technology-friendly and to free farmers from dependence on middlemen. Kathmandu, 12th Shrawan.
With the objective of ensuring farmers receive timely, transparent, and easy access to market prices, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Environment’s Department of Agriculture introduced the ‘AMPIS Nepal’ mobile app. Through this app, farmers can now monitor the daily wholesale prices of agricultural produce in 12 federal agricultural markets across the country from their mobile devices. This initiative is part of the National Agricultural Market Information System program approved under the government’s 100 reform agenda on 13th Chaitra 2078 BS, aimed at ensuring agricultural produce markets and disseminating daily price information to farmers via SMS and digital platforms.
Minister Chaudhary stated, ‘The app has been launched to prevent farmers from relying on middlemen, to ensure they easily access actual market prices, and to make agricultural markets transparent, organized, and technology-friendly through digital means. Modernizing the agriculture sector and expanding the use of information technology is a top government priority.’ The app has been developed by upgrading the existing agricultural market price information system previously available on the Department of Agriculture’s website.
In coordination with the Kalimati Fruit and Vegetable Market Development Committee, the Department will now publicly share daily wholesale prices from 12 federal agricultural markets: Kalimati, Sunsari, Jhapa, Dhanusha, Sarlahi, Sindhuli, Kaski, Nawalparasi (East), Rupandehi, Banke, Surkhet, and Kailali. The app is compatible with Android mobile phones and can also be downloaded by scanning the QR code available on the Department’s website. Through the app, farmers and stakeholders can effortlessly access minimum, maximum, and average wholesale prices, compare prices across markets, track price trends, and receive seasonal agricultural advisory bulletins.
Minister Chaudhary added, ‘This system will assist farmers in selecting suitable markets to sell their produce, obtaining fair prices, and making market decisions based on reliable data. Expanding digital services will enhance farmers’ access to information and make agricultural markets more efficient.’ For more details about the mobile app or the agricultural market information system, contact Department of Agriculture’s Statistics Officer Urmila Shahi, the Department informed.
Iran’s Deputy Speaker Hamidreza Haji Babai stated that due to the US’s strategy and objectives, no understanding can ever be reached between Iran and the United States. He emphasized considering the Strait of Hormuz as a center of Iranian power and prioritizing its security as a national imperative. Referring to the recent attack on an Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea, he warned Ukraine against repeating such activities.
On July 28, Tehran (RASAANI) — Haji Babai clearly declared that no agreement could ever be formed between Iran and the US. He described the Strait of Hormuz as a critically important strategic area and urged the continuation of a policy focused on persistent resistance. He also issued a warning that any hostile activities in the Caspian Sea region would not be tolerated.
Haji Babai hailed the support led by Iran through Hezbollah as the greatest achievement of the resistance movement, stating that it has strengthened Iran’s and allied forces’ influence on both regional and international levels. This has forced both the US and Israel to retreat. Quoting the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Hosseini Khamenei, he noted that protecting Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is the foremost condition in any prospective agreement.
Referencing statements from the current Supreme Leader Ayatollah Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, he expressed the conviction that there is no alternative to jihad and resistance, and success is only achievable by steadfast adherence to this path. Targeting the US, he said Washington will not be allowed to impose its will or prevent Iran from playing a significant regional role. Haji Babai also claimed that all of America’s strategic objectives—whether involving war, peace, or dialogue—are driven by its own motivations.
