Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Minister Kailash Chaudhary of Sudurpaschim province resigns
Kailash Chaudhary, the Minister for Physical Infrastructure Development in Sudurpaschim Province, resigned from his post on Thursday. His resignation comes ahead of a crucial vote of confidence scheduled for Friday, which Chief Minister Dirgha Sodari is expected to face. Minister Chaudhary, a member of the Nagarik Unmukti Party, stated, “I tendered my resignation on moral grounds, as CM Sodari is unlikely to secure his position.” The resignation follows the CPN-UML’s withdrawal of support from the government led by CM Sodari.
Three new province chiefs sworn in
Three newly appointed province chiefs were sworn in on Thursday. President Ram Chandra Paudel administered the oath of office and secrecy to the newly appointed chiefs. The appointments were made on Wednesday, based on the government’s recommendation and in accordance with Article 163 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal. The newly appointed Province Chiefs are: Bagmati Province: Deepak Prasad Devkota from Kailali, Lumbini Province: Krishna Bahadur Garti Magar from Rolpa, Karnali Province: Yagya Joshi from Bajhang
PCL Nursing now requires grade 12 graduation
The Medical Education Commission has announced a new requirement for students aspiring to study nursing, stating that only those who have completed Grade 12 will be eligible. This marks a change from the previous qualification standard, which required only a Secondary Education Examination (SEE) for admission into the Proficiency Certificate Level (PCL) nursing program. During a meeting of the Education Committee on Thursday, the Commission’s Vice Chairman, Professor Dr. Anjani Kumar Jha, confirmed that the decision has been finalized and that the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) will be notified soon.
July sees lowest tourist arrivals in Nepal for 2024
The onset of the monsoon season led to the lowest tourist arrivals in Nepal for 2024, with July seeing only 64,599 visitors, according to the Nepal Tourism Board. The monsoon season typically results in a drop in tourism, compounded by natural disasters like floods, landslides, and road accidents, which deter travelers. Despite the low numbers, this year’s July tourist count shows a slight increase compared to July 2023, which recorded 57,726 visitors. Overall, Nepal welcomed almost 650,000 tourists in the first seven months of 2024.
Guru Baral nominated as Vice Chairman of CPN-UML
Guru Baral has been nominated as the Vice Chairman of the CPN-UML, filling the vacancy left by the late Subhash Nembang. The decision was made during a party secretariat meeting held on Thursday. In addition to Baral’s nomination, the party also announced the addition of two new members to its Standing Committee: Mukunda Neupane and Lilanath Shrestha. Furthermore, 17 individuals have been nominated to serve as members of the Central Committee.
NEPSE index experiences minor decline of 0.19% with volume at Rs. 21.71 billion
The NEPSE Index concluded today at 2,755.62 points, reflecting a slight decrease of 5.29 points, or 0.19%, from the previous session. This comes after a gain of 64.25 points in the last trading day, which had pushed the index above the 2,700 threshold. The trading session commenced with the index at 2,772.24 points. During the day, it reached a low of 2,742.53 points and a high of 2,805.57 points before closing at 2,755.62 points. Today’s trading involved 332 stocks through 229,813 transactions, generating a volume of 51,321,629 shares. This activity resulted in a notable turnover of Rs. 21.71 billion.
Home Minister defends DIG KC’s transfer, cites better position in National Police Academy
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has defended the government’s decision to transfer DIG Dr. Manoj KC, stating that the officer has been given a better position. Speaking at a meeting of the Parliamentary Development, Economic Affairs, and Good Governance Committee at Singh Durbar, Minister Lekhak described the transfer and promotion of government employees as routine processes. The government has faced criticism for moving DIG KC, who had been effectively leading investigations into a high-profile fake Bhutanese refugee case.
Cooperative victims take to streets with masks and tape over their mouths
Victims of cooperative fraud from across the country on Thursday staged a protest in Kathmandu, highlighting their frustration with the government’s lack of action. The protesters, who were expressing their dissatisfaction with the slow implementation of a resolution agreement that has been pending for 65 days, formed a human chain and marched through the city streets. The demonstration, organized by the Cooperative Savings Protection National Campaign, began at Ratnapark in Kathmandu. The group then proceeded to Tundikhel, passing through Maitighar, to increase visibility and pressure on the government.
Victim approval key to amnesty for Maoist insurgency crimes
The three main political parties in Nepal have reached an agreement to classify incidents of murder during the ten-year Maoist insurgency as intentional and voluntary. The task force formed to finalize the bill amending the Act of the Investigation, Truth, and Reconciliation Commission of Disappeared Persons 2071 has reached a consensus on Thursday. According to Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, the new agreement mandates that amnesty for cases of murder and serious human rights violations will require the consent of the victims. “In cases where victims do not give their consent, legal proceedings will commence against the perpetrators,” Minister Lekhak stated.
Gold price up by Rs 1,600 per tola today
The price of gold increased by Rs 1,600 per tola in the domestic market today. According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, fine gold is now priced at Rs 149,400 per tola, while standard gold is trading at Rs 148,700 per tola. On Tuesday, the price of fine gold was Rs 147,800 per tola while standard gold was traded at Rs 147,100 per tola. In addition, the price of silver today is Rs 1,800 per tola.
Task force on TRC reaches consensus
The task force formed to finalize the bill amending the Act of the Investigation, Truth, and Reconciliation Commission of Disappeared Persons 2071 has reached a consensus. Janardan Sharma, leader of the Maoist Center and a member of the task force, announced that the meeting held at Singha Durbar on Thursday morning concluded with an agreement. Sharma reported that all pending issues were resolved during discussions at the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the report is now ready to be submitted to the top leaders. The task force, which includes Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, CPN-UML Chief Whip Mahesh Bartaula, and Sharma, plans to hand over the report to the three top leaders by tomorrow evening.
Kathmandu Mayor Balen says no construction within 20 meters of riverbanks
Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), Balen Shah has said that no physical structures, including government and private buildings, will be permitted within 20 meters of the river banks of Kathmandu. This decision aligns with the directives of the Council of Ministers and the Supreme Court. Mayor Balen stated, “Permission will not be granted for the construction of physical structures, including government or private buildings, within the additional 20 meters of the river banks.” Following significant flood damage in Kathmandu’s river bank areas, he emphasized via social media that efforts to keep the rivers and streams’ coastal areas clear would be intensified. He warned that the metropolis would take appropriate action if the standards are not adhered to.
PM Oli says no party meetings at official residence
CPN-UML Chairman and Prime Minister KP Oli stated that he will not hold the party meeting at the government residence until his health permits. He shared this information through social media on Thursday morning. In a Facebook post, he stated, “Based on the suggestions received through social media, I would like to inform the people that I will not hold party meetings at the government residence, Baluwatar, until my health permits.” The UML’s secretariat meeting, originally scheduled for 11 am on Thursday, will be held at a different location due to flooding at the party office caused by the Manohara river.
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