Today’s national news in a nutshell

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

Nation in a critical hour; NC should take lead role: Sher Bdr Deuba

Nepali Congress (NC) President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba said his party should take the lead role when the country has passed through a critical situation.

Inaugurating the first conference of the NC Bagmati Province on Saturday, President Deuba noted, “Now the nation is in dilemma and it is necessary for everyone to work together and especially the Congress in a leadership role at this time”.

Claiming that a republican democratic system is crucial, ex-PM Deuba further said this is the inclusive political system. He stressed the need to strengthen the party base from the grassroots level being fully committed to make the organization further effective.

PM Dahal vows nationwide power supply during his tenure

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that he is working to ensure undisrupted power supply across the country during his premiership for the third time.

The Prime Minister said so stating that the power cut was brought to an end in the Kathmandu Valley during his second innings as the head of the executives.

Inaugurating the Budhanilkantha municipal conference of the CPN-Maoist Center here Saturday, Prime Minister Dahal said that the Maoist-led governments have always worked for the cause of people and his current nationwide illumination campaign is a continuation of the same move.

Advocating monarchy amid democracy progress unjustifiable: Barshaman Pun

CPN-Maoist Center Deputy General Secretary Barshaman Pun has emphasized that advocating for a return to monarchy amidst the progress of democracy-driven initiatives is unjustifiable.

He emphasized that while there might be room for improvement in the choices for leadership and political parties, a monarchy cannot serve as a viable alternative to democracy.

Speaking at today’s Maoist Center program in Chandragiri-2, he commented, “Even though the monarchy was abolished upon the Constitution’s promulgation, substantial progress in people’s lives hasn’t been achieved. Our commitment remains to uplift the living standards of our people.”

NC Gen Secy warns of protests if federal government denies rights to provinces

Nepali Congress (NC) General Secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma has issued a stern warning, stating that if the federal government neglects to enact laws empowering the provinces, they will mobilize toward Singha Durbar in protest against the lack of legislative action.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Bagmati Province Conference of the Nepali Congress, Sharma expressed dissatisfaction, alleging that the Prime Minister had overlooked their requests to establish laws securing the rightful autonomy of the provinces.

Sharma highlighted grievances from Lumbini, Gandaki, Madhes, and Bagmati provinces, emphasizing their discontent over the denial of constitutional rights.

Over 143,000 Nepali youths apply for employment opportunities in South Korea

A staggering number of 143,812 Nepali youths have eagerly submitted applications in response to South Korea’s announcement of 15,448 job openings in the manufacturing sector.

The demand for employment in South Korea continues to attract a significant influx of applicants.

After the announcement of job vacancies in the manufacturing sector, the enthusiastic response from Nepali youths highlights the appeal of South Korea as a sought-after destination for foreign employment opportunities. The applicants will now undergo a language test, and those selected will be granted the chance to work in various manufacturing sectors in South Korea.

Sugarcane farmers withdraw protest in Sarlahi

The agitated sugarcane farmers of Sarlahi district have called off their protest as of Thursday.

The decision was made during a meeting of the Sugarcane Farmers’ Joint Struggle Committee, opting to pause their local protest and redirect their efforts to Kathmandu to intensify pressure on the government.

Their primary demand was to fix the price of sugarcane at Rs. 750 per quintal for this year, and they urged for the immediate disbursement of the Rs. 70 subsidy promised by the government for sugarcane sold a year prior.

NRB to issue treasury bills worth Rs 17.11 billion

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) plans to issue treasury bills amounting to Rs. 17.11 billion.

The Monetary Management Department, operating under the central bank, has initiated an auction for treasury bills spanning 28 days, 91 days, and 364 days, aiming to secure internal debt on behalf of the government.

The NRB intends to auction treasury bills totaling Rs. 5 billion for 28 days, Rs. 10.112 billion for 91 days, and Rs. 2 billion for 364 days, as outlined in the Treasury Bill Auction notice publicly released by the bank on Friday.

NEA disconnects power supply to defaulting industries

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has severed power connections to several large-scale industries that have prolonged outstanding electricity tariff payments for dedicated and truck lines.

This action follows Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’s directive to the NEA to disconnect power lines and recuperate overdue charges from these industries on Thursday.

Previously, NEA faced public backlash for discontinuing power supply to household consumers while exempting large-scale industries. Notably, Jagdamba Steel, Reliance Spinning Mills, Ghorahi Cement, and Arghakhanchi Cement industries are among those affected by the power cutoff, as confirmed by NEA.

Narayangadh-Muglin road section to close for four hours

Commencing today, daily transportation along the Narayangadh-Muglin road section will pause for four hours owing to the ongoing construction of a bridge at Tuin Khola.

The road closure will span from 11 AM to 3 PM, impacting traffic across various areas in Chitwan and Tanahun districts.

Vehicles transporting passengers departing from Kathmandu will have passage from Muglin Bazaar to Manakamana Cable Car until 10:55 AM, while cargo vehicles will be allowed until 10:45 AM.

Similarly, vehicles carrying passengers from Pokhara will be allowed from Beni Tower to Powerhouse until 10:55 AM, while cargo vehicles can proceed up to Satrasaya Phant until 10:45 AM.