In a recent circular, the Nepal Communist Party has asked its members to refrain from making comments on the party, leadership, government and policies and warned of action if they fail to abide by the diktat.

Other Cabinet decisions include resumption of long-haul bus services and domestic flights from Thursday and allowing foreigners to visit Nepal for trekking and mountaineering starting October 17.

Cabinet discusses allowing in foreign tourists but no decision was made, according to a minister.

Despite a huge electoral mandate, the ruling Nepal Communist Party has failed to deliver on many fronts and the main opposition Nepali Congress has been a mute spectator.

The party leadership squandered crucial months and multiple meetings bickering over their individual interests, ignoring the most pressing issues of the present time, insiders say.

Proposal by chairs Oli and Dahal commits a lot while failing to address some key issues, so irritants are likely to emerge sooner rather than later, insiders say.

Leaders and experts see this as a step to shrink democratic space within the party as well as the larger society and it will be opposed.

Doctors say Valley authorities have failed to make it clear on what basis they are taking decisions, as restrictions for the past three weeks have largely been ineffective and Covid-19 cases have continued to soar.

Both public and private vehicles can operate within the Valley under the odd-even rules while shops will be allowed to open with strict health protocols.

Authorities’ confused response to the virus continues, as prohibitory orders, which have been in place for the last three weeks, end tonight. The sharp rise in the number of cases over the period shows the measure has proved to be largely ineffective.

Oli may have decided to take Bamdev Gautam to the National Assembly and to appoint him a minister, but he is likely to delay this process until he falls into extreme crisis.

Nepal has resorted to the six-decade-old Infectious Disease Act, which does not talk about people’s rights, but empowers bureaucrats to punish citizens.

With the decision, Yubaraj Khatiwada won't be able to continue as the finance minister.

Authorities have eased some activities including online home delivery, development works and national pride projects.

Chief district officers of the Valley, who are authorised to take steps to contain the virus spread, are not sure of the next move as curbs imposed since August 19 midnight end Wednesday midnight.