Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Outer Ring Road Project in Kathmandu receives zero budget allocation
The Kathmandu Outer Ring Road project, considered an initiation of significant importance, has reportedly not been allocated any budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2024/25. As per the Ministry of Finance, the government has categorized this project under ‘priority two’. However, with the lack of clarity on construction and funding modalities, the project has remained stalled. Neither has the government allocated a budget for initiating the project nor has it officially canceled it. Despite an estimated expenditure of 800,000 rupees for the current fiscal year 2024/25, the government has not designated any budget for the next fiscal year. Since its conceptualization, the Outer Ring Road project has remained stagnant for the past two years.
Terai region faces escalating heatwave as temperatures soar
Over the past few days, temperatures across most parts of the country have been steadily rising. On Friday, temperatures soared to over 40 degrees Celsius in several locations of the Terai region. Today, Nepalgunj recorded 43 degrees, Dhangadhi 42.5 degrees, Dipayal 41.2 degrees, Surkhet 40.4 degrees, Ghorahi 38.6 degrees, and Bhairahawa 36.8 degrees Celsius. The continuous rise in temperature is attributed to the increasing intensity of the heatwave in the Terai region, as forecasted by the Meteorological Department. According to forecasts, the wave of hot winds, which has been persisting in the western Terai for the past one and a half days, is expected to continue until Sunday.
Parliamentary committee receives updates on international airport operations
The Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation has provided updates to the parliamentary committee regarding the operations, challenges, and action plans concerning Gautam Buddha International Airport, Pokhara International Airport, and the Lumbini Development Master Plan. Ministry Secretary Dr. Ganesh Prasad Pandey informed the committee that various technical, legal, policy-level, and practical issues are being addressed to ensure the smooth operation of these national pride projects falling under the ministry’s jurisdiction. During a meeting of the Public Policy and Delegated Legislation Committee on Friday, Pandey stated, “Projects such as the Lumbini Master Plan are progressing steadily based on the available resources.” Pradeep Adhikari, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority, reported that despite challenges such as earthquakes, border blockades, and the COVID-19 pandemic, the construction of Pokhara and Gautam Buddha Airports has been completed.
Narayanhiti Palace Massacre completes 23 years, tragic event still shrouded in mystery
Today marks the completion of 23 years since the tragic Narayanhiti Palace Massacre, which brought an end to the reign of the late King Birendra Shah’s dynasty. However, the details of this event remain veiled in mystery. On the night of June 1, 2001, inside the Narayanhiti Royal Palace, King Birendra, along with Queen Aishwarya, Crown Prince Dipendra, Prince Nirajan, Princess Shruti, Princess Shanti, Princess Sharada, Princess Jayanti, Kumar Khadga Bikram Shah, and Prince Dhirendra Shah were fatally shot. Among the survivors of the massacre were Komal Shah, Shobha Shahi, Kumar Gorakh Shamsher, and Ketaki Chester. Although the High-Level Probe Committee led by former Chief Justice Keshav Prasad Upadhyay and Speaker Tara Nath Ranabhat concluded in its public report that the then Crown Prince Dipendra was the perpetrator, the general public has not accepted this conclusion. The demand to uncover the truth behind this unresolved mystery is growing, necessitating further investigation into the massacre.
Four SPs recommended for promotion to SSPs
The Nepal Police has recommended the promotion of four Superintendents of Police (SPs) to the rank of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). This promotion decision was made following the recommendation of the police promotion committee meeting held on Friday, according to sources from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Heading the list of recommended promotions is Shyam Krishna Adhikari. Additionally, Ravindra Regmi, Bhim Bahadur Dahal, and Naniram Gurung have also been recommended for promotion to the rank of SSP.
Eighth PM Cup NVA Volleyball League kicks off in Kathmandu
The eighth Prime Minister Cup NVA Volleyball League, organized by the Nepal Volleyball Association (NVA), commenced in Kathmandu on Saturday. According to the NVA’s schedule, the first day will feature four matches for men and two for women. The games will take place at the National Sports Council (NSC) Covered Hall in Tripureshwor. The first men’s match between TipTop Help Nepal and Budhanilkantha Volleyball Club began at 9 am today. Likewise, the first women’s match will commence at 3 PM, featuring APF and Chandragiri Municipality. In the men’s league, eight teams including TipTop Help Nepal, APF, Tribhuvan Army Club, Nepal Police Club, Koshi province, Gandaki province, Sudurpaschim province, and Budhanilkantha Volleyball Club will compete.
24,575 kg plastic waste prevented from leaking into Sunkoshi river
In an effort to restore the natural state of the river, over 24,575 kilograms of plastic waste that could have polluted the Sunkoshi River has been cleared from various locations in Sindhuli. CREASION Nepal, in collaboration with Golanjor Rural Municipality, Youth Cohorts, the Armed Police Force, Nepal Police, Traffic Police, and other stakeholders, successfully completed a river cleanup campaign that removed 24,575 kilograms of waste from the banks of the Sunkoshi River and waste hotspots. Over 134 individuals participated in a river cleanup campaign organized by Project CAP (Collaborative Approach for Preventing Plastic Leakages in Rivers) in Khurkot, Golanjor-7, under the PLEASE (Plastic-Free Rivers and Seas of South Asia) initiative on Saturday.
Department of Tourism warns to revoke casino license if not renewed on time
The Department of Tourism has issued a warning to casino operators who are reluctant to renew their applications by mid-June, stating that their licenses may be revoked. “The licenses of casino operators will be automatically revoked if they fail to submit their renewal applications by mid-June,” said Kali Bahadur Bhujel, the Spokesperson and Director of the Department of Tourism, emphasizing, “Renewal applications should be submitted at least one month before their expiration.” He added that failure to submit the renewal application by mid-June would result in automatic cancellation. Thus far, only a few applications have been received for the renewal of casino licenses. According to spokesperson Bhujel, a total of 28 licenses have been issued for the operation of casinos nationwide.
Mountaineer Purja denies allegations of sexual misconduct by former Miss Finland
Nirmal Purja, a well-known mountaineer, has refuted allegations of sexual misconduct made against him by former Miss Finland. The New York Times had published news alleging that Lotta Hintsa, a former Miss Finland, and Dr. April Leonards had accused Purja of committing sexual misconduct. Purja has now denied these accusations. Hintsa mentioned in her memoir published in 2019 about being subjected to misconduct by “a famous climber.” In a recent interview with The New York Times, she mentioned Purja’s name. According to the news report, Purja allegedly attempted to force himself into her room during their attempt to climb a mountain. Dr. April Leonards has also claimed that Purja attempted to force himself on her. Purja, who was a guide on Mount Everest, has denied these claims. Purja has posted a story on his Instagram refuting the allegations. He maintains that he has not committed any wrongdoing and claims that all allegations against him are false.
Health Ministry forms three-member high-level committee
The government has formed a high-level committee to address the long wait times for treatment and surgery in government health facilities. Following a ministerial decision, the Ministry of Health and Population established a three-member committee on Friday, led by Additional Health Secretary Dr. Dipendra Raman Singh. The committee includes Madan Kumar Upadhyay, Chief of the Quality Standard and Regulation Division, and senior public health administrator Dr. Guna Nidhi Sharma, who serves as the member-secretary. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, in response to complaints about the difficulties faced by the general public in accessing health services at government hospitals, directed Minister for Health and Population Pradeep Yadav to take necessary steps for a long-term solution. The committee’s mandate includes studying the prolonged wait times for surgery, referral processes, quality of health services, and procedural hassles in Kathmandu Valley government hospitals.
Schools extend summer vacation due to rising temperature
Following the continuous rise in the temperature, the Nepalgunj sub-metropolitan city has extended the summer vacation for students till June 21. Gorkha Bahadur Thapa, head of the education division of the municipality, shared that the decision was made to give summer vacation from June 2 to 21 due to rising temperature and the heat wave. Prior to this, Nepalgunj sub-metropolitan city had announced summer vacation until May 31. Accordingly, the schools in Nepalgunj sub-metropolitan city will now open on June 23.
UML Chair Oli expresses dissatisfaction over budget
Chairman of CPN-UML, KP Sharma Oli, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the budget recently introduced by the government. Oli stated that the government introduced the budget without consulting its ruling partner. Speaking during the party’s parliamentary meeting held earlier today, Oli asserted that the budget for the upcoming fiscal year appears to be more aligned with the Finance Minister Barsaman Pun’s party rather than a collective government budget. He noted that the budget favors the CPN (Maoist Center), the party of Finance Minister Pun. Despite his criticisms, Oli clarified that his party will still support the budget.
Two Yarsa pickers die from altitude sickness
Two yarsa pickers have died from altitude sickness in Mugu district. The deceased have been identified as Man Bahadur Buda, 29, and Shovan Budha, both from Chhayanath Rara Municipality-12, according to APF Police Constable Tilak Baduwal. Deputy Superintendent of Police at the District Police Office, Mugu, Birendra Thapa, reported that both individuals were brought to Mugu for treatment after suffering from altitude sickness but died during the course of treatment. Additionally, Raj Bahadur Sawad from Kampha village in Mugu district also fell ill due to altitude sickness.
New policy mandates 10% of income to parents
Minister for Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, Bhagawati Chaudhary, announced that the government is introducing a policy requiring offspring to provide at least 10% of their income to their parents. Speaking at the 20th establishment anniversary of the Community Development and Service Centre and the Community Police Service Centre in Gatthaghar on Saturday, Minister Chaudhary stated that the policy will be implemented following the amendment of the Senior Citizens Act and Regulations. She explained that the policy aims to address the neglect many senior citizens face from their children. The Minister emphasized that both sons and daughters would be required to contribute at least 10% of their income, regardless of whether it is generated from formal or informal sectors.
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