Nepal News Roundup

In a major step towards sustainable energy development, Nepal and Germany have signed a revised implementation agreement for the Energy Efficiency Project. ✍️⚡ The agreement was signed in the presence of Suresh Acharya, Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, at a ceremony in Patan, Lalitpur. 🌿🏛️

The second revised implementation agreement for the Recovery and Empowerment through Sustainable Energy Program was formalized between the Ministry of Energy and GIZ Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Program. Key signatories included Jivachchh Mandal (Joint Secretary, Ministry of Energy), Paulina Campos Montreros (GIZ Nepal Country Representative), and Dr. Frank Fecher (Program Manager).

The project, backed by a $6 million grant from the German government, will enhance renewable energy and energy efficiency at federal, provincial, and local levels in Nepal. It will also fund technical feasibility studies to promote clean energy initiatives. 🔋💰

Key focus areas include Butwal, Pokhara, and Bhairahawa, where the program will support private sector engagement in energy efficiency, policy promotion, and climate-friendly technology adoption. 🌞🏗️ Secretary Acharya emphasized that the initiative will play a crucial role in achieving Nepal's ambitious target of generating 28,713 MW of electricity by 2035. 📈⚙️

The world's largest social media and technology giants, including Microsoft, Google, Meta, TikTok, Adobe, Netflix, Amazon, and Apple, have paid a staggering Rs 415 million in taxes to Nepal in the last fiscal year 2080/81. These companies, providing electronic services, generated a turnover of Rs 3.5 billion in just one year. 💻📊

According to the Large Taxpayers Office, 19 international companies have now registered with Nepal's Internal Revenue Department, obtaining PAN numbers to comply with tax laws. These corporations contributed Rs 358 million in VAT and Rs 58 million in electronic service tax, boosting government revenue. One U.S. company alone reported the highest turnover of Rs 1.31 billion, paying Rs 171 million in VAT and Rs 293.6 million in electronic service tax. 📈💰

Under Nepal's Economic Act 2080, companies with an annual turnover exceeding Rs 2 million were subjected to 13% VAT and 2% electronic service tax. However, for the current fiscal year 2081/82, the threshold has been increased to Rs 3 million. Between Shrawan and mid-Mansir, these companies have already paid Rs 64.95 million as VAT, indicating a promising revenue trend. 🏦✨

The inclusion of non-resident companies like Google Asia Pacific, Meta Platform Ireland Limited, Microsoft Regional Sales, and TikTok Pvt. Ltd. in Nepal's tax system marks a significant step toward modernizing the revenue framework. As the digital economy expands, these revenues are expected to become a critical financial source for Nepal. 📱🌐💸

The long-awaited breakthrough of the under-construction Siddhababa Tunnel in Dobhan, Palpa, along the Siddharth Highway, has been achieved! 🛤️ The historic moment was marked after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli delivered a virtual address due to health reasons. Originally, the Prime Minister was expected to be physically present, but the event was conducted online at the last minute.

Only 1.8 meters were left to connect the north and south sections of the 1,089-meter-long, two-lane main tunnel. This marks a significant achievement, with physical progress at 40.18% and financial progress at 39.90%, according to the Siddhababa Tunnel Project Office. 🚀 Key government officials, including Deputy Prime Ministers Prakash Man Singh and Bishnu Poudel, witnessed the event.

The tunnel, constructed by China State Construction Engineering Corporation at a cost of Rs. 7.34 billion, features a width of 10.5 meters and a height of about 7 meters. It also includes 3 emergency bypasses and plans for helipads on both ends. 🚁 Once operational, the Siddhababa Tunnel will significantly enhance travel safety and convenience for citizens of Lumbini and Gandaki Provinces, connecting key districts like Palpa, Rupandehi, Syangja, and Baglung.

Despite the government's efforts to keep the youth in the country, the number of Nepali youth seeking foreign employment continues to rise every year. In the first six months of the current fiscal year, 393,067 individuals have gone abroad, marking a 14.46% increase from the previous year. Among these, 225,625 left with new work permits, while 162,628 returned with re-work permits. Men constitute 89% of this workforce, while women make up 11%. 👨‍💼👩‍💼

The most popular destination for Nepali workers is the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with 21,121 Nepalis finding jobs in Poush alone. Other major destinations include Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Malaysia. 💼🛫 With skilled workers heading abroad for better opportunities, remittances have also seen a significant boost. Notably, skilled labor in fields like hospitality and cooking is on the rise, offering a better income for those who complete training programs. 🍴💡

Although migration is driven by both desire and necessity, the government aims to create a worker-friendly environment. In the past six months, 954 complaints were filed, with many workers rescued and compensated. 🛠️💰

Bagmati Province: The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Development allocated the largest development budget but has spent only 12.52% so far. The Ministry of Tourism and Culture fared even worse, spending just 4.06% of its allocated funds.

Madhes Province: Only 6% of the total allocated budget has been utilized. Despite the introduction of an open competition process for development projects, political opposition and coalition disagreements stalled progress.

Koshi Province: Spending remains low at 24.85% of the total budget for the first six months. The remaining 26 billion rupees must now be utilized before the fiscal year's end.

Gandaki Province: With an emphasis on tourism and agriculture, Gandaki allocated significant funds for infrastructure but has spent only 17.02% of its capital budget.

Lumbini Province: Lumbini recorded minimal progress, spending just 16.64% of its capital budget. The Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens spent nothing on capital projects.

Across Nepal, opposition leaders have raised concerns about slow budget utilization, emphasizing the need for swift implementation and improved coordination among stakeholders. 🕒

The breathtaking Manaslu (8163m) region witnessed a record-breaking 10,600 foreign tourists in 2024, marking a significant rise of 1,500 visitors compared to 2023. This milestone, reported by the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP), highlights the growing global appeal of the region. 🌟📈

MCAP Chief Santosh Sherchan shared that the majority of tourists hailed from Europe and the United States. France topped the list with 1,335 visitors, followed by Germany with 1,181 and the United States with 796. Among SAARC countries, India led with 159 trekkers. Tourists from the Netherlands, Britain, Australia, Spain, and China also explored the scenic Manaslu trails. 🌍✈️

To enter the region, SAARC tourists pay Rs 1,000, while visitors from other countries pay Rs 3,000. Entry fees can be paid at Bhrikuti Mandap in Kathmandu or Damsite in Pokhara. Additionally, permits from the Immigration Department are mandatory for visiting restricted areas like Nubri and Chum Valleys. 📜🎟️

Open to tourists since 2005, the Manaslu region continues to attract adventurers with its unparalleled beauty and rich cultural heritage. 🏞️✨

The hilly district of Tehrathum in Koshi Province is now more accessible, thanks to the Mid-Hill (Pushpalal) Highway. Spanning 117 km through Tehrathum, the highway connects key areas like Majhitar, Chuhandanda, Sankranti, Phedap, Myanglung, and Basantapur, revolutionizing transportation and trade in the region. 🚧🛣️

Before the highway, locals endured arduous journeys, carrying daily necessities on foot for hours. Now, a day-long trek to Myanglung has been reduced to just three hours by vehicle, easing life for residents and boosting economic activities. Narendra Ingnam of Aathrai noted, "A one-day journey now takes just an hour." 🕒✨

The highway has not only linked municipalities like Aathrai, Phedap, and Laligurans to Myanglung but also enabled the smooth flow of goods to and from the district. Rajiv Dhungana, chairman of the Terhathum Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the ease of accessing district markets and sending products outside the region. 📈🌾