KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Committee formed to investigate fatal Gattaghar road accident
The District Administration Office in Bhaktapur has established a probe committee to investigate the Gaththaghar road accident that occurred in Bhaktapur. The accident, which took place near Gaththaghar Chowk on Thursday afternoon, involved a collision between a truck (Na 6 Kha 2173) and a scooter (Ba 39 Pa 8944), resulting in the immediate death of the scooter rider, Uttam Koirala, 65. Koirala, originally from Okhaldhunga Chisankhugadhi rural municipality-4, Khahare, had been residing in Kapan, Kathmandu. A meeting chaired by Chief District Officer (CDO) Roshani Kumar Shrestha led to the formation of a five-member probe committee, headed by Assistant CDO Dolendra Prasad Nraula, with a mandate to submit a report on the incident within seven days.
Public holiday in Bagmati and Karnali Provinces on Tuesday
The Bagmati provincial government has declared a public holiday in the province for the upcoming Tuesday in observance of Gai Jatra. This decision was made during a Cabinet meeting held on Friday. Similarly, the Karnali provincial government has also announced a public holiday on the same day. The holiday in Karnali is in honor of the Province Foundation and Martyrs’ Day.
Flooding in Thame river continues to erode land, displaces residents
The Thame River in Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality-5, Solukhumbu, continues to erode the surrounding coastal land following a flood that began on Friday afternoon. The areas around Khumbu and Lower Solu are still experiencing erosion despite a decrease in the river’s water level. According to Police Inspector Laxman Giri of the District Police Office, the flood has already swept away 20 houses and lodges, a health post, and a school in Ward No. 5 of Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality. Additionally, the flood completely destroyed the powerhouse of the local power project and washed away 200 meters of the trekking route from Phakding to Namche Jame.
Thinley Lhamo wins Boccalino d’Oro at Locarno Film Festival
The film Shambhala, directed by Meen Bahadur Bham, has earned acclaim at the 77th edition of the Locarno Film Festival. Actress Thinley Lhamo has been awarded the Boccalino d’Oro for ‘Best Acting Performance.’ Director Bham expressed that Lhamo’s award will serve as an inspiration to emerging artists in Nepal. He also dedicated the success to Nepal’s filmmakers and the remarkable, dynamic women of the Himalayan region. Shambhala explores the theme of polygamy in the western Himalayan region of Nepal.
Flood disrupts movement above Namche, cuts off Everest route
A flood in Solukhumbu district has severely disrupted movement above Namche, cutting off access to the Everest region. According to the District Police Office in Namche, the flood in the Thame rivulet on Friday damaged the tourist route from Phakding to Namche, disconnecting the lower belt from the Everest region. Deputy Inspector of Police Hem Bahadur Katwal reported that the trail between Phakding and Namche was damaged in two locations over a 100-meter stretch, resulting in the disruption of traffic from Lukla to Namche. Additionally, the only footpath to the Everest trail was blocked after the Bhotekoshi River eroded it.
Defense Minister Rai visits flood-hit Khumbu, distributes monetary relief
The flood-affected residents of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality in Solukhumbu district received monetary assistance today. Each affected household was provided Rs 50,000 from the local government and Rs 15,000 from the District Disaster Rescue Committee. Defense Minister Man Bir Rai visited the flood-hit Khumbu village, accompanied by Sonam Sherpa, Chairperson of the Federalism Strengthening and National Concern Committee of the federal parliament. Both officials directed local authorities to intensify rescue and relief operations.
Paddy plantation increases by 8 percent this year
The country achieved approximately 98 percent paddy plantation this year, covering nearly 1.3 million hectares of land, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. This marks an 8 percent increase compared to the previous fiscal year, when only 90 percent of the paddy fields were planted by mid-August. The increase in paddy plantation is attributed to adequate rainfall across the country. Mahanand Joshi, an Information Officer at the Ministry, stated that rice production is also expected to rise this year as a result.
Glacier lake burst in Nepal’s Khumbu region triggered massive flood in Thame river
A glacier lake burst has been confirmed in the Khumbu region, triggering a massive flood in the Thame River within Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality-5, Solukhumbu district, Nepal. According to Bhokraj Karki, Ward Chairman of Thulung Dudh Koshi Rural Municipality-7, two of the five glacier lakes at Tashi Lapcha burst on Friday. A team from the National Disaster Reduction and Management Authority, along with Defense Minister Manbir Rai, visited the affected area and released photos taken at Tashi Lapcha. These images confirm the bursting of two glacier lakes, while two others are at high risk of bursting.
‘Start-Up Enterprises Loan Operation Procedure’ now in effect
The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supply has officially approved and enacted the Start-Up Enterprises Loan Operation Procedure, 2081. The procedure, approved on August 14, aims to simplify, clarify, and make the process of providing concessional loans more transparent, thereby encouraging entrepreneurs with innovative ideas, skills, and capacities to engage in start-up enterprises. Under the new procedure, start-up loans can be obtained at a 3 percent interest rate, with enterprises and projects serving as collateral. Specific criteria have been established for eligibility: the enterprise must not have been registered more than 10 years ago, and its annual turnover should not exceed Rs 150 million in any fiscal year since its inception.
PM Oli addresses 3rd Voice of Global South Summit
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli announced via Twitter that he virtually addressed the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit, joining 15 other heads of state and government in the event. In his tweet, Prime Minister Oli expressed his honor in participating in the summit and acknowledged the efforts of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his role in consolidating the voice of the Global South. “Grateful to Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji for his commendable efforts to consolidate the voice of the Global South. Together, we can shape a future that benefits everyone,” Oli stated.
SAFF U-20 Championship kicks off Sunday
The SAFF U-20 Football Championship is set to begin on Sunday, running until August 12, according to the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) calendar. The tournament will feature teams from Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, the Maldives, and Bhutan. In the inaugural match, Nepal will face Sri Lanka on Sunday. Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh are grouped in Group A, while defending champion India, the Maldives, and Bhutan are in Group B.
Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba to visit India from August 18
Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba is set to embark on an official visit to India from August 18 to 22. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Minister Deuba is visiting India at the invitation of the Indian Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar. During her visit, Minister Deuba will hold discussions with her Indian counterpart on matters of mutual interest, focusing on further strengthening Nepal-India relations and enhancing cooperation between the two nations.
Standing committee meeting strengthens party amid split concerns: Prachanda
Chairperson of the CPN (Maoist Centre), Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ asserted that the recent standing committee meeting has bolstered party unity, dispelling concerns of a potential split. He made these remarks during a program at the party office to mark the ninth Memorial Day of Posta Bahadur Bogati. Chair Dahal addressed speculation that the party might fracture following opinions expressed by Deputy General-Secretary Janardan Sharma. However, he emphasized that the standing committee meeting had instead strengthened the party’s unity.
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