Nepal roundup: Ncell investigation, trade treaty, bail granted, historic pole, pollution

Nepal government forms high-level committee to investigate Ncell share transaction

The Nepali government has formed a high-level committee to thoroughly investigate concerns surrounding the Ncell share transaction. Initiated during a Cabinet meeting, the committee will delve into the purchase and sale of shares in Ncell, the nation's largest private telecom company. This decision comes in response to the recent announcement by Malaysian company Axiata, disclosing the sale of 80% of its Ncell shares to Spectrolite UK Limited for $50 million. With a one-month deadline for findings, the committee's formation reflects a collective commitment to transparency and addressing concerns related to this significant business transaction.

Nepal misses opportunity to amend trade treaty as automatic renewal with India takes effect

The chance to negotiate crucial amendments to the Nepal-India trade treaty has been missed, with its automatic renewal in November, according to The Kathmandu Post. Signed in 1978 and last amended in October 2016, the treaty renews automatically every seven years. Experts criticize Nepal for not proposing changes during a trade treaty meeting, despite suggesting amendments. The lack of priority from India complicates matters, and potential amendments are postponed until 2030. This may impact economic ties, evidenced by a 14.35 percent year-on-year decline in imports from India to Nepal, totaling Rs 1 trillion in the last fiscal year ending in mid-July.

Six granted bail and released in Nepal's fake Bhutanese refugee case

Six individuals implicated in Nepal's fake Bhutanese refugee case have been released from prison following the Patan High Court's acceptance of bail payments, according to reports by Rato Pati. Among those released are Shamsher Miya, Narendra KC, Haribhakta Maharjan, Ram Sharan KC, and Sandeep Rayamajhi, the son of former Deputy Prime Minister Top Bahadur Rayamajhi, who is also detained in the same case. The joint bench of High Court Judges Janak Pandey and Prakash Kharel granted their release on bail on December 1. However, Bhutanese refugee leader Teknath Rizal remains incarcerated as he has yet to pay the ordered bail amount of 1.5 million Nepali Rupees.

Electric pole damaged in 2004 Maoist-Army clash returns to Myagdi

A historic electric pole, damaged during the intense clash between the then CPN-Maoists and the Royal Nepali Army in 2004, is set to return to Myagdi district. The Madan Puraskar Pustakalaya (MPP) brought the pole to Lalitpur district in 2006, placing it at Yalmaya Center in Patandhoka. As part of the ongoing peace process, locals had demanded the pole's return to Beni in the Myagdi district. Kanakamani Dixit, president of MPP, announced that the pole would be installed in Shanti Park, under construction in Beni Municipality-7. The pole, marked by bullet damage, bears witness to the historic Beni clash that resulted in significant casualties on both sides.

Global City leaders unite against air pollution at COP-28

Leaders from eight major cities worldwide, including Kathmandu, made a joint commitment to combat air pollution during the 28th United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP-28) in the UAE. Affiliated with the Global Partnership for Healthy Cities network, these city leaders formalized their dedication through a Zoom meeting. Cities involved in this initiative include Chicago, Bucharest, Fortaleza, Jakarta, Dhaka, Kigali, Kampala, and Kathmandu Metropolitan City. Emphasizing cities' significant impact on global challenges, the leaders released a joint statement urging cities worldwide to implement robust air monitoring programs and advocate for data-driven public health services to improve residents' well-being, representing a united effort against global air pollution.