Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.

Sunil Paudel receives nine-year jail term and Rs 230 million fine in corruption case

Sunil Poudel, the former Executive Director of the National Information Technology Center and Managing Director of Nepal Telecom, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for his involvement in the corruption case related to the National Payment Gateway. A joint bench comprising Chairman Tek Narayan Kuwar and Member Murari Babu Shrestha of the Special Court delivered the verdict, sentencing Poudel to nine years in jail and imposing a fine of Rs 230,758,077. The Special Court (SC) had found Poudel guilty in the corruption case linked to the National Payment Gateway on April 19.

Home Minister Lamichhane requests permission from Speaker to address queries in upcoming budget session 

Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane has penned a letter to Speaker Devraj Ghimire, seeking permission to respond to inquiries leveled against him during the forthcoming budget session. The Nepali Congress, the main opposition party, has persistently accused Minister Lamichhane of involvement in a cooperative fraud case and has alleged that he was prevented from addressing these accusations during the previous parliamentary session. Continuing its demand for the formation of a parliamentary committee to investigate allegations of cooperative fraud against Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, the Nepali Congress remains resolute in its stance, as reiterated in the meeting of key political leaders convened by Speaker Ghimire on Tuesday. Consequently, Minister Lamichhane has formally requested permission from the Speaker to participate in the upcoming parliamentary proceedings and address the allegations raised against him.

Upendra Yadav to challenge party split in Supreme Court, calls it conspiracy

Upendra Yadav, Chairman of the Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal (JSP), has asserted that he will challenge the decision to split his party in the Supreme Court (SC). Yadav has resolved to file a lawsuit at the Supreme Court against Ashok Rai’s initiative to divide the party and establish a new one. On Tuesday, Chair Yadav convened meetings and discussions with leaders and lawmakers aligned with him. Ashok Rai, on Sunday, announced his departure from JSP Nepal, with the support of seven lawmakers and 30 central committee members, to create a new entity named the Janata Samajbadi Party. The Election Commission has officially recognized the newly formed political party. “I am currently engaged in discussions with my allies and supporters, seeking their input. I will take legal action soon,” Yadav informed Khabarhub.

Nepali youth from Bhojpur enlisted in Russian Army dies in Ukraine conflict

 A youth from Bhojpur district who enlisted in the Russian Army has tragically lost his life in the conflict against Ukraine. The deceased, identified as Pritam Rai, aged 36 and originally from Pauwadungma Rural Municipality in Bhojpur, was engaged in the conflict on the Russian side. His brother, Kiran Rai, who serves as the Chairperson of Pauwadungma Rural Municipality, confirmed that Pritam lost his life last Thursday during the hostilities.

Prime Minister Dahal denies involvement in JSP split

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has firmly denied any involvement in the split of the Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal (JSP). Following his participation in a gathering of key political figures convened by Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire, Prime Minister Dahal emphasized that he played no part in the fragmentation of the JSP. Expressing his unease, Prime Minister Dahal voiced concerns about being held accountable for any unforeseen developments in the country’s political landscape. Amidst the rift within the JSP Nepal, speculation has arisen suggesting that the division was orchestrated to safeguard the government led by Prime Minister Dahal.

NC accuses govt of protecting Home Minister Lamichhane in fraud case

Nepali Congress, the main opposition party, accused the government of misusing power and state resources to shield Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane in a cooperative fraud case. After attending a meeting of key political leaders summoned by Speaker Devraj Ghimire on Tuesday, Ramesh Lekhak, the chief whip of Nepali Congress, asserted that the government was leveraging its authority and resources to protect Lamichhane.

Parties fail to reach agreement on parliamentary obstruction, NC insists on investigation against Rabi

A crucial meeting of key leaders, convened by Speaker Devraj Ghimire, has ended without reaching an agreement to lift the obstruction of parliamentary sessions. Nepali Congress (NC), persisting with its demand for a parliamentary committee to investigate allegations of cooperative fraud against Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, remains steadfast in its stance. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has been striving to broker consensus among the parties regarding the cooperative fraud investigation, foreseeing potential disruptions from the Nepali Congress during the upcoming budget session.

NC challenges confidence vote of Gandaki Province CM, files writ at Supreme Court

Nepali Congress (NC), the main opposition party, has lodged a writ petition at the Supreme Court (SC) against the confidence vote of the Chief Minister (CM) of Gandaki Province. Surendra Raj Pandey, the parliamentary party leader of NC, submitted the petition to the apex court on Tuesday. In the petition, Pandey asserts that Speaker Krishna Prasad Dhital declared CM Khagaraj Adhikari victorious without him securing the confidence vote. He has urged the court to annul this declaration.

Newly-formed JSP decides to uphold support for Dahal-led govt

The newly-formed Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) led by Ashok Rai has decided to maintain its support for the incumbent government led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’. The Rai-led JSP, made the decision to this effect on Tuesday fFollowing its recognition by the Election Commission on Monday. The newly-formed JSP split from the Upendra Yadav-led Janata Samajwadi Party Nepal to form JSP. Upon registration confirmation conveyed to the Federal Parliament Secretariat, a parliamentary party meeting chaired by Chairman Rai was held on Tuesday. During the meeting, it was unanimously agreed to uphold their backing for the current government.

CIB raids Chinese-operated hotel in Thamel, three arrested

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) conducted a raid on a hotel in Thamel under suspicion of involvement in ‘hundi’ (illegal transaction of money) business. Reports indicate that the hotel in question was managed by Chinese nationals. While confirming the raid, spokesman Hobindra Bogati withheld the name of the hotel.

Gold price increases by Rs. 800 per tola today

Gold price increased by Rs 800 per tola in the domestic market today. As reported by the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of fine gold has been fixed at Rs 136,400 per tola, while standard gold is currently traded at Rs 135,750 per tola.The price of fine gold was Rs 1 35,600 per tola, while standard gold was traded at Rs 134,950 per tola on Monday.

Upendra Yadav returns from US amid party split

Upendra Yadav, Chairman of the Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal (JSP), returned to Nepal this morning amid the party’s recent split. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health and Population, Yadav had traveled to the United States of America (USA) as a government representative to participate in the fifty-seventh session of the Commission on Population and Development. During Yadav’s absence, seven out of 12 lawmakers in the House of Representatives (HoR) opted to depart from the party and establish a new party under the leadership of Ashok Rai, a move recognized by the Election Commission. Upon his return, Yadav is expected to promptly join the parliamentary party meeting today itself.