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Government Revises VAT Proposal on Electricity Charges, Including Relief Measures

Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle speaking in Parliament

Image Source, rss

Officials have indicated that the government plans to modify its initial decision to impose tax on electricity charges.

The original decision required a 5% value-added tax (VAT) on electricity charges for consumption exceeding 50 units per month, which faced widespread criticism.

Recently, Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle spoke at the House of Representatives on Ashad 11 (June 26), assuring that the adjustments would be made so that the final consumer would not bear a higher burden.

According to Amrit Lamsal, spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance, the finance minister’s proposal to simplify the VAT application on electricity charges is now in the final stages.

“The Inland Revenue Department has prepared the directives, which will be made public once approved,” he stated.

Pakistan Reaffirms Commitment to Continue Efforts for Peace Establishment

June 16, Kathmandu — Following the renewed conflict between the United States and Iran, Pakistan has announced its ongoing commitment to facilitate dialogue between both parties. Tahir Andarabi, spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shared this information during a press briefing in Islamabad.

Previously, through Pakistan’s mediation, the US and Iran had engaged in peace talks resulting in the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at ending the war. It was anticipated that a formal peace agreement would be reached shortly thereafter. However, with the escalation of hostilities once again, Pakistan has issued this response.

“There are numerous challenges in implementing the agreement,” stated Tahir Andarabi, spokesperson for Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry. “Nonetheless, Pakistan continues to urge all parties to cease violence and resume negotiations at the technical level.” He also expressed hope that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will stabilize soon.

NCP Meeting Begins in Sudurpashchim to Discuss Power Dynamics

Information Summary

Created by AI. Editorially reviewed.

  • The NCP parliamentary party meeting has begun in Sudurpashchim Province to discuss power-sharing arrangements and the budget.
  • Following UML’s withdrawal of support after the dismissal of its ministers, Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah’s government has fallen into minority.
  • Chief Minister Shah is constitutionally obligated to pass the upcoming fiscal year’s budget by midnight Thursday.

32 Ashad, Dhangadhi – The Nepal Communist Party (NCP) parliamentary party meeting has commenced in Sudurpashchim Province. Held at the parliamentary party office, the meeting is focused on recent power-sharing dynamics and budget-related issues.

On Wednesday, after Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah dismissed the UML ministers, the UML withdrew its support from the government. Consequently, facing a minority, Chief Minister Shah has proposed a power-sharing agreement with the main opposition, the NCP.

Chief Minister Shah had proposed cooperation to pass the current budget first, followed by power-sharing discussions. However, the NCP rejected this proposal. Nonetheless, informal talks between leaders of both sides on the power equation are ongoing.

Earlier, UML expressed disagreement with the fiscal year 2083/84 budget, submitting a proposal to cut expenditures. This issue escalated disputes between the Congress and UML, ultimately ending their power-sharing partnership.

With UML withdrawing support, Chief Minister Shah faces a constitutional requirement to pass the new fiscal year’s budget by midnight Thursday.

If the budget is not passed within the stipulated time and the government also fails to introduce a provisional budget, the province risks entering a state of budget vacuum.

Global Survey Reveals Greater Positive Perception of China Compared to the US

A recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center reveals that in many countries around the world, China enjoys a more favorable perception than the United States. Among 36 surveyed nations, 25 exhibited a higher percentage of people with a positive view of China than the US. The study also highlighted that more countries express greater confidence in Chinese President Xi Jinping compared to former US President Donald Trump. (June 16, Kathmandu)

The Pew Research Center, an independent and reputable institution based in the United States, has released these findings for the first time. The survey indicates that the positive perception of China has reached historic highs in many countries, while the perception of the US has weakened. Participants in the survey expressed limited confidence in both Trump and Xi Jinping, though trust in Xi Jinping was generally higher than in Trump.

While the US continues to be seen as a government that highly values individual freedoms, the survey suggests that China is perceived as less interventionist in the affairs of other countries compared to the US. The Pew Research Center conducted this survey from February to May, collecting responses from over 42,000 individuals across 36 countries. The analysis found that in 25 out of these 36 countries, the positive perception of China surpasses that of the US.

In 2023, nations such as Italy, Spain, Colombia, Mexico, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, and Turkey recorded the highest levels of positive sentiment towards China. The study identifies a trend where middle-income countries generally hold more positive views of China, whereas wealthier nations tend to be more critical. Pakistan stands out with the most favorable perception, where nearly 90 percent of respondents expressed support for China.

How to Match Shoes with Your Outfit? Discover the Latest Fashion Trend

News Summary

Prepared after editorial review.

  • The widely discussed ‘Color Shoe Theory’ on social media emphasizes creating new, appealing styles by using unexpected footwear with traditional outfits.

Fashion is not just about wearing expensive clothes; it is equally about the precise combination of small details. An attractive outfit, matching makeup, and a beautiful hairstyle alone don’t complete the look. Often, the eyes are drawn last to the shoes someone wears.

Style experts say, “Good shoes can make even a simple outfit appealing, while a wrong choice can diminish the effect of an otherwise excellent ensemble.”

Currently, on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest, a new fashion trend called the ‘Color Shoe Theory’ is gaining attention. The name might suggest recommending mismatched shoes, but its meaning is quite different.

What is the ‘Color Shoe Theory’?

The ‘Color Shoe Theory’ involves deliberately pairing shoes that do not exactly match the outfit but create an obvious contrast at first glance, resulting in a fresh and stylish appearance.

The goal is to establish a contrast between the outfit and the footwear, which transforms a simple look into one that is attractive, modern, and reflective of personal personality.

For example, a one-piece dress is usually worn with high heels or sandals, but pairing it with sneakers or chunky boots changes the overall look dramatically. Likewise, wearing sneakers with a sari or loafers or sporty shoes with a formal suit also falls under this theory.

Why is this trend becoming popular?

Fashion today prioritizes individual style over the idea of a ‘perfect match.’ Celebrities, fashion influencers, and designers are breaking traditional rules to present new combinations.

The ‘Color Shoe Theory’ offers individuals a chance to express their confidence, creativity, and taste, which explains its rapid popularity among young people.

Suggestions for pairing one-piece dresses with sneakers or boots

If you usually wear high heels or flats with your one-piece dresses, try pairing them with sneakers or chunky boots this time. This not only enhances the style but also complements casual fashion.

Sneakers can be a more comfortable option especially when you need to walk for long hours.

Making jeans and T-shirts fashionable

Simple jeans and T-shirts can look attractive even without expensive accessories. Using pointed heels, platform sandals, statement boots, or white sneakers can significantly transform the look. The right shoes make an ordinary outfit look modern and appealing.

New experiments with sari pairing

While wearing high heels with saris is a traditional practice, now Kolhapuri sandals, stylish flats, block heels, and even sneakers are becoming popular choices.

Especially for women who need to be on their feet for extended periods or attend long events, sneakers and comfortable flats are practical options that provide style without compromising comfort.

Other outfit and shoe pairing possibilities

– White sneakers with blazer and trousers
– Combat boots with maxi dresses
– Loafers with kurtas
– Platform sneakers with wide-leg pants
– Sports shoes with denim skirts
– Stylish flats with formal dresses

Things to keep in mind when adopting the ‘Color Shoe Theory’

Even if shoes contrast with the outfit, the overall look should not appear unbalanced. Shoes should be clean and well-maintained.

Choose footwear appropriate for the occasion. It is important to balance the shoe’s color, texture, and fit with the clothing.

Using too many colors and patterns at once may make the look appear cluttered. The most important factor is confidence and selecting a style that makes you feel comfortable.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with fashion

Fashion is not about following what everyone else does; it is about developing your own style. The ‘Color Shoe Theory’ conveys this message. Sometimes, unexpected footwear is what makes your entire look most attractive.

Therefore, while selecting an outfit, give equal importance to footwear. Even small changes can elevate your style to a new level.

World Cup 2026 Semifinal: Potential Disciplinary Action Against Argentina Over ‘Falklands Banner’ Display

Argentine players display a controversial banner after defeating England

Image source, Getty Images

After defeating England in the World Cup semifinal, Argentine players celebrating their victory displayed a controversial banner asserting that the Falkland Islands are Argentine territory, sparking controversy.

This incident has raised the possibility of FIFA imposing disciplinary action against Argentina, who are striving to defend their World Cup title.

In the match held in Atlanta, United States, Argentina defeated England 2-1 to secure their place in the final. According to Nepal time, Argentina will play Spain in the final just after midnight on Sunday.

In this thrilling match, Argentina scored their second goal after 90 minutes and secured an exciting victory.

Immediately after the final whistle, Argentine players celebrated holding a banner that read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” which translates to “The Falkland Islands are Argentine.”

Russian Forces Expand Control Near Omelnik in Zaporizhzhia Region

Russian forces have significantly expanded their control near the settlement of Omelnik in the Zaporizhzhia region. Military expert Andrei Marochko confirmed this week that Russian troops have seriously advanced their control northwest of Omelnik village. The Russian army has successfully pushed Ukrainian forces out in the areas of Novoselivka and Verkhnyaya Tersa.

Marochko told TASS news agency, “This week we have made a serious expansion of control northwest of Omelnik village. Efforts to systematically expel enemy forces are currently underway.” Omelnik village is located about 13 kilometers from Orechov. The Orechov area is considered highly important and heavily fortified for Kyiv.

Control of the Hormuz Strait Crucial for Iran’s National Security

Published 40 minutes ago

A senior Iranian official, who is the chief negotiator in talks with the United States, has stated that Iran’s national security heavily depends on control of the Hormuz Strait. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who also serves as Iran’s parliamentary speaker, described his country’s situation as a struggle for survival against the US. He emphasized that both negotiations and military confrontations are part of Iran’s strategy of resistance.

The US military has announced that the recent wave of attacks against Iran has ended. Iranian media reported multiple missile strikes near a children’s cancer hospital in Ahvaz city, which forced the hospital’s evacuation. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump issued a warning to Tehran to reform. According to US military sources, recent strikes targeted Iranian capabilities that pose threats to vessels passing through the Hormuz Strait.

The US also claimed to have struck a ship involved in attempts to breach a maritime blockade at Iranian ports. Iran, in turn, reported conducting strikes on US military installations in Bahrain and Kuwait. Negotiator Ghalibaf stated that if an agreement does not benefit Iran, there is no reason to continue abiding by it.

On why Trump praised Tehran, the US president commended Iran for allowing an Iranian-American philanthropist, Dena Karari, who had been detained in Iran for the past 18 months, to leave the country. When journalists asked Trump on Wednesday about his earlier comments regarding a potential attack on Iran’s energy centers and bridges next week, and whether he has a timeline in mind, Trump replied, “I don’t like to set deadlines. But they know… they should reform.”

Digital Currency in Nepal: Efforts Toward Legal Recognition and When Usage May Begin

Office of the Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank with a staff member entering the room visible in the background.

Image Source, Getty Images

The government is moving forward with granting legal recognition to ‘digital currency’ as a form of banknotes, which officials at Nepal Rastra Bank say will encourage the use of such currency for pilot testing.

This week, the government released a draft bill regarding amendments and consolidation of foreign exchange laws, which includes ‘digital currency’ in the definition of currency.

The Nepal Rastra Bank’s third amendment bill, introduced after the formation of the new government to the House of Representatives, specifies that ‘currency’ refers not only to cash banknotes but also to coins and ‘digital currency’ issued by the bank.

A spokesperson for the central bank stated that the process to implement the central bank digital currency (CBDC) pilot project has begun, and legal recognition is necessary, prompting steps forward.

What does the government say?

File image of the Ministry of Finance building in Singha Durbar.

Image Source, MOF

Officials at the central bank have been studying the potential of digital currency for several years.

Argentina Coach Scaloni: Football and Politics Must Be Kept Separate

Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni has emphasized the importance of separating football from politics ahead of the match against England. Despite the painful history of the 1942 Falklands War, Scaloni stressed that football should remain free from political disputes. A historic football clash is set to take place between England and Argentina at the Atlanta Stadium. England, the defending champions, are aiming to reach the World Cup final for the first time since 1966, while Argentina seeks to advance to the final for the second consecutive time.

Off-field political tensions have intensified the rivalry on the pitch. The Falklands War of 1982 between Britain and Argentina led to the deaths of 649 Argentine soldiers, 255 British soldiers, and 3 civilians. The British overseas territory known in Argentina as “Las Malvinas” remains a matter of sovereign dispute between the two nations. Scaloni remarked, “The reality is that this is a football game. While respecting what happened many years ago, I cannot separate myself entirely from these issues.” He added, “It was a very tragic time in our history over which we had no control. But this is a football match. We must not confuse these two matters.”

Nepal Karate Team Departs for Bangladesh to Compete in 10th South Asian Karate Championship

Eight dozen athletes from Nepal are set to participate in the 10th South Asian Karate Championship, scheduled to be held in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The competition is slated to take place from July 15 to July 19. The Nepalese team departed for Bangladesh on Wednesday to attend the event. Officials from the National Sports Council organized a farewell program to wish the athletes success. Kathmandu, Asar 31 — Nepal will be represented by 80 karatekas at the 10th South Asian Karate Championship, which will be conducted in Dhaka, Bangladesh from July 15 to 19. The Nepalese delegation left for Bangladesh on Wednesday. Vice Chairman of the National Sports Council (NSC), Bishal Shrestha; NSC Member-Secretary Ramcharitra Mehta; Advisor to the Ministry of Education and Sports, Raju Singh; NSC Executive Committee Member Sikka Subal Shrestha; and NSC Member Pawan Shahi were among those who organized the farewell event and extended their best wishes to the team. The event was also attended by prominent figures such as Former Member-Secretary of NSC and President of Nepal Karate Federation, Yubaraj Lama, as well as President of Nepal Shotokan Karate-Do Federation, Dawa Gurung.

Two Players to Represent Nepal in Professional Squash Tournament

Summary

Generated by OK AI. Editorially reviewed.

  • Nepali players are set to depart for Dhaka, Bangladesh on Thursday to participate in a professional squash tournament.
  • Saroj Tamang and Pasang Vhlon will represent Nepal in the competition scheduled from July 18 to 21.
  • Vice Chairman of the National Sports Council, Vishal Shrestha, and President of the Nepal Squash and Rackets Association, Dhruv Gurung, bid farewell to the team on Wednesday.

June 14 (31 Asar), Kathmandu: Two players are set to travel to Dhaka, Bangladesh on Thursday to compete in a professional squash event.

The tournament will take place from July 18 to 21, where two male athletes will challenge other competitors representing Nepal. Saroj Tamang and Pasang Vhlon will participate in the event.

The team was officially seen off on Wednesday during a ceremony by Vishal Shrestha, Vice Chairman of the National Sports Council, and Dhruv Gurung, President of the Nepal Squash and Rackets Association.

Messi Leads Golden Boot Race with Two Assists in Semifinal Victory

Lionel Messi has surpassed France’s Kylian Mbappe in assists to claim the top spot among the tournament’s leading scorers. The Argentine captain provided two assists in the semifinal against England, securing the lead in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot competition. By defeating England in the semifinal, Argentina has reached the World Cup final for the second consecutive time. Messi has now set a new record by playing 33 World Cup matches, scoring 21 goals, and providing 11 assists.

In the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals, Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi assisted twice against England, propelling him to the top of the Golden Boot standings. The second semifinal, held on Thursday morning at Atlanta Stadium in the United States, saw Argentina come back to defeat England 2-1, with Messi assisting both goals. Playing a crucial role in guiding Argentina to their second consecutive final and defending their title, Messi has emerged as a leading contender for individual awards.

Although Messi did not score against England, his two assists allowed him to overtake Kylian Mbappe in the assist count, moving ahead in the list of top scorers. Both Messi and Mbappe have scored 8 goals each across 7 matches. However, Messi has 4 assists compared to Mbappe’s 3. France, captained by Mbappe, was eliminated from the World Cup after losing to Spain in the semifinals. France will now compete against England for third place.

With one match remaining, Mbappe still has a chance to claim the Golden Boot. Other challengers are not close to Messi’s tally. Norway’s Erling Haaland, who is third with 7 goals, has been eliminated from the tournament. England’s top scorers, captain Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, both have 6 goals but their Golden Boot hopes ended with their semifinal loss to Argentina.

Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal, finalists and currently seventh on the top scorers list with 5 goals, must score in the final to meet Messi’s tally. Otherwise, Messi is highly likely to become the highest scorer. If no other player surpasses him, Messi will win the Golden Boot award for the first time in his World Cup career. Having won the FIFA World Cup in 2022, Messi has also twice won the Golden Ball award.

Messi first won the Golden Ball award in 2014 after leading Argentina to the final with outstanding performances. He claimed the award again in 2022 upon winning the World Cup, becoming the first and only player to win the Golden Ball twice. Now, by taking Argentina to the final again in this tournament, Messi is once more a prime candidate for the Golden Ball. At age 39, he aims to secure Argentina’s World Cup title for the second time in 64 years, continuing to display the same passion and form. He has set records for scoring in nine consecutive World Cup matches and netting goals in six straight knockout round games. Additionally, Messi holds multiple records in this World Cup, including most matches played, most goals scored, and most assists provided. To date, he has played 33 World Cup matches with 21 goals and 11 assists—the most assists by any player in World Cup history.

Spain and Argentina Set to Clash for World Cup Title

According to reports, Argentina defeated England 2-1 to secure their place in the final of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez enabled Argentina to make a comeback and confirm their showdown with Spain for the championship. The final match is scheduled for Monday morning, July 20, while France and England will compete for third place on Sunday.

Kathmandu – Former champions Argentina are poised to compete against Spain for the FIFA World Cup 2026 title. In the second semifinal held in Atlanta, USA, Argentina overcame England 2-1, ensuring a final clash with Spain. After falling behind, Argentina turned the game around with goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez to defeat England. Marking their seventh time reaching the semifinals, Argentina remains undefeated in this stage of the tournament. The final between Argentina and Spain will take place on Monday morning, July 20, at the New York New Jersey Stadium in the United States.

Additionally, the third-place match between France and England will be played on Sunday morning. While Argentina secured comfortable wins in the group stage, they faced challenges in the knockout rounds. In the knockout phase, they have shown resilience by scoring last-minute goals and making comebacks, evident in their semifinal performance as well. In their first group match, Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 with captain Lionel Messi scoring a hat-trick.

On the other hand, Spain, the 2010 champions, reached the World Cup final for the first time in 16 years and remain undefeated so far. Spain opened with a goalless draw against debutants Cape Verde, followed by a convincing 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia. They secured the top spot in their group with a 1-0 win over Uruguay in the final group match. Spain then defeated Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32 and edged neighbors Portugal 1-0 in the pre-quarterfinals. The upcoming final promises a competitive contest between Argentina, defending their title, and Spain, returning to the final after 16 years.