Author: space4knews

August 24, Kathmandu. International relations researcher Mohsen Farkhani has stated that China and Russia will not support the United States’ new sanctions against Iran. Despite US efforts to involve its allied countries in these sanctions, he believes they will fail to garner the necessary backing.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Farkhani explained that China and Russia will not participate in the sanctions imposed by the US. According to him, Iran is an important economic partner for China because Iran exports large quantities of oil to China. Despite the sanctions, Iran continues to maintain its influence over key global trade routes, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb regions.

Farkhani also mentioned the declining trust regional countries have in US security commitments. He pointed out that there is a growing perception that the US has diminished capacity and credibility in providing effective security to its allies. Therefore, he argues that the new sanctions imposed by the US will be ineffective and remain unilateral and limited due to the absence of participation from key countries like China and Russia.

Today in Kathmandu, meetings of five parliamentary committees focusing on International Relations and Tourism, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Infrastructure Development, Legislative Management, and Public Policy and Subsidized Legislation are set to take place. The International Relations and Tourism Committee will convene at 11 a.m. for discussions with stakeholders regarding the Tourism Bill, 2081. The Legislative Management Committee is scheduled for 1 p.m. to engage in a theoretical discussion on the Infectious Animal Disease (Control) Bill, 2083. Meanwhile, at 2 p.m., the Public Policy and Subsidized Legislation Committee will hold talks on grazing land policy with expert Dhan Prasad Lamichhane.

On 8 Bhadra in Kathmandu, five different parliamentary committees will hold meetings today. According to the Secretariat of Parliament, the timing for the committees is as follows: Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee at 9:30 a.m., Infrastructure Development Committee at 10 a.m., International Relations and Tourism Committee at 11 a.m., Legislative Management Committee at 1 p.m., and Public Policy and Subsidized Legislation Committee at 2 p.m.

The agenda for the International Relations and Tourism Committee includes a discussion on the “Tourism Bill, 2081” with concerned bodies including the Nepal Mountaineering Association. The Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee will review and discuss the report prepared by the Technical Taskforce on Human-Wildlife Conflict Management, formed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment. Similarly, the Infrastructure Development Committee will deliberate on infrastructure development and public-private partnerships. For this purpose, representatives from the Investment Board, the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, the Nepal Industrial Association, and the Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry have been invited. The Legislative Management Committee will conduct a theoretical discussion on the Infectious Animal Disease (Control) Bill, 2083, summoning the Minister of Agriculture, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment, and the Secretary of the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs. Finally, the Public Policy and Subsidized Legislation Committee will discuss grazing policy with invited expert Dhan Prasad Lamichhane, who will participate in the meeting.

August 24, Kathmandu – Iraq is set to begin the process of bringing weapons held by armed groups and militias under the control of the state. According to National Security Advisor Qasim Al-Araji, the process of weapon control will progressively advance following the withdrawal of the US-led international coalition scheduled for September 30.

Al-Araji described this decision as a “strategic Iraqi move,” emphasizing that the process will proceed through dialogue without confrontation with the armed groups. However, some militias close to Iran have expressed opposition to disarmament. Kataib Hezbollah demands the complete withdrawal of foreign forces, removal of Turkish troops from northern Iraq, and the disbandment of the Kurdish armed group, the Peshmerga.

Since the government regards armed conflict as a “red line,” Al-Araji assured that the rights and protections of fighters within armed groups will be guaranteed.

Sipradi Trading is providing booking, AMC, roadside assistance, and pick-up and drop services for petrol, diesel, and electric vehicles (EVs) through its Tata Service Center located in Kapan. According to Technical Manager Digvijay Acharya, approximately 98 percent of customers are satisfied with the service, and the center handles maintenance for 30 to 35 vehicles daily. Sipradi has also established around 40 fast charging stations nationwide, and the maintenance cost for EVs is less than half that of petrol and diesel vehicles. Kathmandu, 7 Bhadra — Sipradi Trading, the official distributor of Tata vehicles in Nepal, has opened the ‘Tata Service Center’ in the northern part of Kathmandu’s Kapan area, which has quickly become a key attraction for customers in the region. Each day, a steady flow of customers comes to the center for service on Tata diesel, petrol engine, and electric vehicles. Customers relaxing in the customer lounge while their vehicles are being serviced express high satisfaction, appreciating the convenience of receiving service close to their location.

Technical Manager for EVs at Sipradi Trading, Digvijay Acharya, stated, “This service center has been operational for three years now. We are excited to provide quality service to our customers in the northern part of Kathmandu.” He added that a toll-free number is available for booking and other services. Additionally, AMC services are offered for BS-4 and BS-6 petrol and diesel vehicles that are still operable.

“Sometimes vehicles may face issues, so we provide 24-hour roadside assistance,” he explained. “This ensures customers receive aid during unexpected situations.” Pick-up and drop services are also offered for clients in the Kathmandu Valley—vehicles are collected from and returned to the customer’s address. Acharya further mentioned collaboration with insurance companies to offer cashless insurance facilities to ease the process for customers involved in vehicle accidents.

“We take customer complaints and suggestions very seriously. Our priority is to identify the problem and reach its root cause,” he said. “We aim to resolve issues quickly, with serious problems addressed within 30 minutes and all complaints managed within 24 hours.” He added that customers provide post-service feedback (PSF) within 72 hours after service completion, enabling the center to review and implement continuous improvements weekly.

According to Acharya, Sipradi conducts customer satisfaction surveys and has found approximately 98 percent satisfaction among clients. “Services such as vehicle repair, wheel alignment, tire balancing, and body repair are all available under one roof,” he informed. The center utilizes solar-powered chargers, promoting its ‘Greening the Green’ message. The facility can service 12 vehicles simultaneously, employs 14-15 technicians, and handles maintenance of 30 to 35 vehicles per day. Acharya noted that EV maintenance costs are less than half compared to petrol vehicles.

The operational and maintenance expenses for EVs are lower than those for petrol and diesel vehicles. Charging costs are the primary expense, which can often be managed at home. Depending on the model, charging is required every 300 to 500 kilometers, typically once or twice a week. Two maintenance schedules exist for EVs: one at 5,000 kilometers or six months, and another at 7,500 kilometers or six months. Sipradi currently operates about 40 fast charging stations, including 28 online and 12 offline chargers, with a total of approximately 150 charging stations nationwide. In the Kathmandu Valley, there are 4 online and 10 offline chargers; the rest are located outside Kathmandu.

“We have installed various AC fast chargers at different locations to help customers charge their vehicles quickly,” explained Acharya. He identified after-sales service and customer satisfaction challenges as common issues. Providing service is the most critical aspect when introducing Tata Motors products. Having skilled and trained personnel capable of delivering quality service remains a significant challenge. “It is difficult to find and retain competent workforce in the market, so we continuously organize training programs and produce skilled technicians,” he clarified.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Nepal Chamber of Commerce and the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) to promote investment, expand trade, and enhance economic cooperation in Nepal. According to the agreement, joint initiatives will be undertaken in areas such as direct foreign investment, knowledge transfer, innovation, technology exchange, and the formulation of private sector-friendly policies. Both parties have agreed to organize investment conferences, roadshows, summits, and training programs aimed at channeling the capital and skills of overseas Nepalis back into Nepal. Kathmandu, 7 Bhadra.

The agreement was signed by Chamber President Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal and NRNA Chairman Dr. Hemraj Sharma. Under the terms of the MoU, facilitation will be provided to attract direct foreign investment into Nepal, while efforts will be made to develop trade, industry, and entrepreneurship, and to strengthen collaboration between domestic and non-resident Nepali business communities. Furthermore, the MoU encourages knowledge sharing, fosters innovation, promotes technology transfer, and supports joint efforts to develop private sector-friendly policies.

The Chamber and NRNA will jointly organize investment conferences, roadshows, trade summits, and professional events to create direct connections and business partnerships between foreign and non-resident Nepali investors and entrepreneurs in Nepal. They also agreed to provide support to export-oriented industries, small and medium enterprises, and startups, including capacity-building activities such as training, workshops, and seminars.

Chamber President Agrawal emphasized that for economic development, good policies alone are not enough; effective implementation, legal clarity, and an investor-friendly environment are essential. He pointed out that the lack of stability and clarity in policy and legal frameworks prevents both domestic and foreign investors from fully trusting the investment climate. He further highlighted the necessity of joint initiatives by the government and the private sector to ensure investment security, political stability, and the creation of a facilitating business environment.

After Malaysia approved only 25 Nepalese manpower companies for sending workers, the Nepalese government rejected this move. Labor Minister Ramji Yadav held discussions with Malaysia’s acting ambassador and requested a solution through a joint technical committee. Nepal’s foreign employment entrepreneurs have protested against this system, calling it a syndicate and demanding an investigation. Kathmandu, September 23 – Following Malaysia’s issuance of a new list permitting only 25 manpower companies from Nepal to send workers, both the Nepalese government and manpower entrepreneurs have jointly opposed the decision. There have long been attempts by a limited group of entrepreneurs to monopolize sending workers to Malaysia.

Malaysia’s Ministry of Human Resources started implementing the Foreign Worker Centralized Management System (FWCMS) on August 22, 2026, only registering selected foreign employment entrepreneurs. According to this, only 25 Nepali companies were included on the list, along with a limited number from Bangladesh and other countries. Companies not registered under this system are prohibited from recruiting foreign workers in Malaysia. Out of hundreds of foreign employment contractors in Nepal, only 25 now have direct access to employment opportunities in Malaysia.

In response, the Nepalese government began preparations to oppose the system. Labor Minister Ramji Yadav summoned Malaysia’s acting ambassador Mohammad Firdos Azman to Kathmandu, expressing serious concerns and urging a resolution in bilateral interest. A statement issued by the Ministry of Youth, Labor, and Employment stated that the list is unacceptable and rejected any attempts to create a monopoly. The ministry emphasized that all issues must be resolved through the joint technical committee as per bilateral agreements.

Malaysia has fully digitized its labor recruitment process. Starting August 22, 2026, employers can apply only online through the FWCMS system. This process removes the need for frequent visits to government offices and is seen as enhancing transparency. However, Malaysia has assured that the new system will not weaken legal standards and qualifications. Still, this new arrangement has generated significant anger and opposition among Nepalese foreign employment entrepreneurs, who have labeled it a syndicate and illegal activity, demanding a government investigation. The Nepal Foreign Employment Entrepreneurs’ Association and other related organizations jointly submitted memorandums against the syndicate, warning that monopolization attempts will adversely impact Nepalese workers.

Some of the companies listed have expressed surprise, stating they were unaware of their inclusion. Others have objected, saying their institutions were not involved in the process. On Monday, the Nepalese government plans to meet with the 25 listed manpower companies to gather detailed information about the system and listing process. The disagreement and dispute over Malaysia’s limited listing of Nepali companies is expected to affect future labor relations between the two countries and has introduced uncertainty for the Nepalese manpower industry and thousands of migrant workers’ employment opportunities.

The Nepal Tourism Board, Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, and Nepal Airlines have yet to approve their budgets for the current fiscal year 2083/84. The Nepal Tourism Board remains without leadership, and although the CEO appointment process is underway, it has hindered the budget formulation. While the budget for the Pashupati Area Development Trust has not been passed, the Lumbini Development Trust’s budget has been approved, according to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. As of 7th Bhadra, Kathmandu.

The current government appears to be repeating past failures in the tourism sector. The bodies responsible for promoting tourism, regulating aviation services, and providing those services have still not brought forward budgets for the fiscal year 2083/84. The Nepal Tourism Board, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, and Nepal Airlines have yet to receive budget approval.

Significantly, the first month of the fiscal year (Saun) has concluded, and the first week of Bhadra has begun, but preparations for the budget have not started in many institutions. The Nepal Tourism Board is currently without leadership. Even with progress in the CEO appointment process, momentum remains slow, directly impacting budget preparation, according to a senior board official.

“The CEO is the most critical person for preparing and implementing the budget at the Tourism Board,” said the official. “The budget must be made according to the CEO’s vision and priorities, but currently the board has no leadership.” A committee led by a joint secretary from the Ministry of Tourism has been formed for the CEO appointment, but there has been no evident urgency from the government side.

This year, the Nepal government declared the “Year of Health Tourism.” However, the ministry has yet to allocate a budget for this program. It is waiting for the board’s budget to implement the initiative, which in turn is likely to affect the board’s regular programs.

The government’s recent indiscriminate appointments in the tourism sector have stirred controversy. The Supreme Court has nullified the appointment of an executive chairperson at Nepal Airlines made in violation of the law. With the institution without leadership, Nepal Airlines has been unable to pass a new budget.

A budget proposal was presented through a subcommittee to the board of directors. According to a senior official of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, the budget has stalled after the Supreme Court canceled the appointment of 80-year-old Maheshwar Bhakt Shrestha, who was unlawfully appointed by the government.

Public institutions are permitted to spend up to one-fourth of their budget in advance, which is how they have been managing their expenses. Similarly, the Civil Aviation Authority has not passed a new budget. A senior authority official indicated that while the budget proposal is ready, the board of directors has not approved it.

The chairman of the authority’s board is the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Khadkaraj Paudel. The official stated that efforts are underway to finalize the budget within the next week. Previously, ministers used to prolong budget approvals to favor their own constituencies, but the new government had hoped to break that pattern; however, delays have occurred once again.

Delays in approving these institutions’ budgets result in postponed project preparations and hinder capital spending. Procurement plans get delayed, preventing the institutions from fulfilling their objectives effectively. Similarly, the budget for the Pashupati Area Development Trust remains pending. In contrast, the Lumbini Development Trust’s budget has been approved, the ministry confirmed.

Jaynarayan Acharya, spokesperson and joint secretary at the ministry, stated that delayed budgets generally impact institutional progress. “If budgets can be approved promptly, procurement activities can proceed efficiently,” he said. “The ministry’s priority is to ensure all institutions receive their budgets as quickly as possible.”

The price of dried onions, commonly used in street snacks and home kitchens, has surged by 40 percent within a month from New Baneshwor to Budhanilkantha, reaching 77 rupees per kilogram. In Kalimati, retail onion prices have climbed to 90-100 rupees per kilogram, with traders predicting prices could exceed 150 rupees per kilogram by the time of Dashain. During the current fiscal year’s month of Shrawan, Nepal imported 17,518,569 kilograms of onions from India, spending over 7.18 billion rupees.

On July 21 in Kathmandu, Parvati Thapa, who makes her living selling street snacks in New Baneshwor, is currently worried about the rising cost of dried onions, an essential ingredient she uses daily. As onion prices continually rise, her business is under strain. To cope, Parvati has reduced the amount of onion in her ‘chatpate’ and ‘pani puri’ dishes for over a month.
“I used to buy dried onions at 60-70 rupees per kilogram, but today it hit 100 rupees in the morning,” she said. “This directly affects my business since customers say the snacks don’t taste good with less onion. We have to keep customers satisfied, but if prices keep rising, how will I manage?”

While homes are gearing up for festival celebrations, consumers like Laxmi Shrestha, a housewife in Budhanilkantha, are also forced to cut back on onion usage in their cooking. Laxmi said, “I only add onions when cooking meat and use very little in pickles. I’ll buy more if prices come down.”

According to the Kalimati Fruit and Vegetable Market Development Committee, onion prices have uncharacteristically inflated in the past month. At the end of Ashad, wholesale prices averaged 54 rupees per kilogram in Kalimati, rising to 55 rupees by July 21. Prices then rapidly increased, reaching 62 rupees by July 31 and 77 rupees (minimum 75, maximum 80) by August 22. This significant jump reflects the heavy burden on consumers, with prices rising 22 rupees per kilogram — a 40 percent increase in one month. Year-on-year, wholesale prices have climbed from an average of 46 rupees last Shrawan to 77 rupees, marking a 65 percent increase.

Following wholesale price hikes, retail prices have correspondingly risen, affecting consumer budgets. Currently, in the retail market, dried onions sell for 90 to 100 rupees per kilogram. A survey of ten vegetable shops across Kathmandu found prices at 90 rupees in some stores and 100 in most others. Supermarkets, including Big Mart, have priced onions around 99 rupees per kilogram. According to a vegetable trader from New Baneshwor, “We buy onions at 80 rupees per kilogram in Kalimati, and retail prices are 5-10 rupees higher.” Wholesale traders anticipate prices could reach over 150 rupees per kilogram by Dashain.

Businesspersons attribute the local price hike to shortages and price increases in the Indian market. Since Nepal depends on India for about 98 percent of its onions, price increases there directly impact the Nepali market. Prakash Gajurel, General Secretary of the Nepal Potato and Onion Business Association, explained shortages result from low production and high demand in India.
“Onion prices have gone up in India due to scarcity. Being fully dependent on Indian supplies, prices here have naturally risen,” he said. Import costs – termed ‘landing costs’ – from India now exceed 75 rupees per kilogram. Demand spikes as festivals approach worsen the situation. Delays in supply, poor weather conditions, and increased demand in both countries are factors intensifying price hikes.

Minimal domestic onion production and reliance on Indian imports have historically caused shortages and price surges. Gajurel predicts wholesale prices might soon surpass 100 rupees per kilogram, noting past occasions when prices soared beyond that threshold caused market panic.
Although India has officially placed export restrictions on onions, traders claim that supplies remain uncertain and strict indirect controls are in place. Gajurel warned that when supply from eastern regions is weak or political relations sour, India could impose direct export bans again.
“While direct bans are not currently active, indirect restrictions have tightened,” he explained.

To prevent shortages and stabilize prices, traders have urged the government to initiate government-to-government (G2G) onion supply arrangements. During recent discussions with the Kalimati Market Development Committee, Gajurel stressed the need for timely government intervention.
“There’s a significant risk that prices will rise even further, so the government must act to facilitate G2G supply,” he emphasized.

Price hikes in India have been dramatic: Retail onion prices increased by about 40 percent in just one week across major cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, reaching 50 to 60 rupees (roughly 80 to 96 Nepalese rupees). In Bhubaneswar, Odisha, prices nearly doubled within two days to 60 rupees. Delays in transportation and vegetable supply due to heavy rainfall, late arrival of new crops from southern India, depletion of old stocks, and increased festival demand in Maharashtra’s Lasalgaon mandi have been cited as key causes. Indian media reports that the government plans to release buffer stocks of subsidized onions into retail markets soon.

Meanwhile, consumer rights activists accuse traders of artificially creating shortages to spike prices ahead of festivals. Madhav Timalsina remarked, “Merchants tend to hoard onions before festivals. A sudden 40 percent price hike is not surprising.” He added, “Both local and federal governments’ failure to regulate markets leaves consumers perpetually disadvantaged. Prices have increased recently as well.”

Currently, Nepal’s Kalimati market imports dried onions exclusively from India. In the month of Shrawan alone, the country imported approximately 17,518 tons valued at 7.18 billion rupees under the fiscal year 2083/84 (2023/24), with customs revenue collection reaching 646.7 million rupees.