Officials at the Land Reform Ministry and Survey Department said they were unaware of the agreement between Nepal and China regarding the joint announcement.

Amidst rising geopolitical rivalries, Nepal will need to assuage the international community’s concerns regarding the conduct of its foreign policy.

The KP Sharma Oli administration has undermined the rights and privileges of marginalised communities, leaders say.

The move follows criticism that chief ministers and ministers were holding meetings with foreign diplomats and dignitaries without informing the ministry.

It appears that that defence cooperation will be prioritised in this ‘strategic cooperative partnership’ between the two nations, security analysts say.

Oli expressed displeasure over the media’s use of the informal Nepali pronoun ‘timi’.

Analysts believe that a strategic partnership has security and military components but caution against a hasty interpretation.

The Chinese president returned to Beijing on Sunday after a whirlwind trip where he met with Nepali leaders and officials and announced a slew of projects and packages.

The Chinese president also announced that China would conduct the detailed project report for the long-awaited Kathmandu-Kerung cross-border railway.

While the 1,200MW Budhi Gandaki hydroelectric project is set to be revived, an agreement is also expected on the detailed project report for the Kathmandu-Kerung railway line.

Agreements related to infrastructure, connectivity, trade, commerce and energy are expected to be signed during Xi Jinping’s visit.

As the country prepares for Dashain holidays, there are fears about the investigation’s progress and about the complainant’s safety.

New amendments to the tender have reduced requirements regarding past experience in printing passports so as to create a more level playing field.

As Nepal is party to many international human rights conventions, it is required to ensure justice for victims of gender-based violence, or face international censure.

The House Speaker’s resignation over rape allegations means that the parties will now need to select a new Speaker, a critical position in a parliamentary system.