JAN 29: 6 things to know by 6 PM today

Published On: January 29, 2019 06:00 PM NPT

Nepal ranks 124 in corruption perception index

Nepal climbed two points to 124 in the Transparency International's annual Corruption Perception Index, 2018 from 122 last year. Of the 180 countries, Nepal now ranks at 124. However, Nepal's position has stayed the same as there was no headway to reduce corruption this year. The report states that after the elections of 2017, corruption in the public sector, businesses and by government officials continue to plague the country. "Nepal's score is concerning," the press statement reads.

Restaurants to get rid off 10% service charge

The Restaurant and Bar Association Nepal (REBAN) has agreed to remove 10 percent service charge from its consumers following larger dissatisfaction. REBAN said it decided to do so to protect consumers' concerns. At present, customers are charged with an additional 23 percent when they relish their favorite meals and drinks in restaurants and bars. The 23 percent is split into 13% VAT and 10% service charge.

Won’t tolerate elements acting against the peace process, says PM Oli

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged one and all not to disrupt the peace process saying that it is near to a conclusion. Speaking at a program organized on the 18th Police Day at the Armed Police Force (APF) headquarters in Halchowk in the capital on Tuesday, Prime Minister Oli appealed to one and all not to disrupt the peace process as it is at the final phase.

Students burn effigies of PM Oli in Palpa

The Nepal Students Union of Palpa burned effigies of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli for endorsing the Medical Education Bill. Yesterday, the National Assembly also tabled the Bill for approval amid protests from Nepali Congress parliamentarians. The protestors accused the government of hiding its "ill motives" and questioned its silence over the widebody aircraft purchase and irregularities while procuring vehicles in provinces.

Deepak Manange enters Gandaki Province in an Indian number plate vehicle

Newly appointed provincial parliamentarian Rajiv Gurung, alias, Deepak Manange entered Gandaki's provincial assembly in a vehicle with Indian number plate, BR 06 PD 7529. Manange defended his action and said that rather than questioning about the vehicle, security personnel needed to check if the vehicle had paid Rs. 450 as road tax. However, after the vehicle caught attention, it has now been parked outside of the provincial assembly.

India's Former Defence Minister George Fernandes dies

India's Former defence minister George Fernandes passed away Tuesday following a prolonged illness, media reports said citing family sources. The 88-year-old Fernandes was suffering from Alzheimer's disease and recently, he contracted swine flu, according to Press Trust of India. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the demise of the socialist leader, saying he was frank and fearless, and never deviated from his ideology.