Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Remains of Swedish national missing 6 months ago found at Mardi Base Camp
Human remains discovered at the Mardi Himal base camp of Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality in Kaski have been identified as belonging to 22-year-old Michael Liu. Liu had been out of contact since December 30, 2023. Kaski Police Chief Superintendent Mohan Kumar Thapa confirmed that the remains have been identified through personal items found at the site, including clothing and a mobile phone. “The family in Sweden has confirmed the identity through the brand of clothing and other personal items found,” Thapa said. “A police team has already departed for the location.” The remains, along with bones, an iPhone, and some clothing, were found on Lam Hill within the base camp area.
25 cholera cases detected across Nepal
The number of confirmed cholera cases in the country has reached 25, as reported by the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD). The latest update indicates that two new cases were identified in the past 24 hours. Among the reported cases, 16 have been in Godawari municipality of Lalitpur district, 8 in Tokha municipality of Kathmandu district, and one in Dhangadi sub-metropolitan city in Kailali district. Cholera, a bacterial disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, spreads through contaminated food and water.
Gold traded at Rs 149,700 per tola today
The price of gold decreased by Rs 200 per tola in the domestic market today. According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, fine gold is now priced at Rs 149,700 per tola, while standard gold is trading at Rs 137,725 per tola. On Tuesday, the price of fine gold was Rs 149,900 per tola while standard gold was traded at Rs 148,200 per tola. In addition, the price of silver today is Rs 1,785 per tola.
Imports of cooking gas and jet fuel via Birgunj decline in last fiscal year
The import of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) through the Birgunj border point witnessed a significant decline in the last fiscal year compared to the previous one. According to Raghulal Karna, information officer at Birgunj Customs Office, imports of cooking gas decreased by 4%, and jet fuel imports plummeted by 71%. During the fiscal year 2079-80 BS (2022-23), 290,287 metric tons of cooking gas worth Rs 33.13 billion were imported, compared to 267,048 metric tons valued at Rs 30 billion the previous fiscal year. This marks a decrease of 11,238 metric tons. Jet fuel imports also saw a drastic reduction. In the fiscal year 2078-79 BS (2021-22), 597,144 kiloliters (KL) of jet fuel worth Rs 17.31 billion were imported, whereas last fiscal year, only 173,484 KL were imported.
Four new Ministers of Karnali Province sworn in
Four new ministers were sworn in on Sunday in Karnali Province. The ministers, representing the Nepali Congress (NC), took the oath of office and secrecy from Province Chief Yagya Raj Joshi. The NC in Karnali recommended four individuals for induction into Chief Minister Yamlal Kandel’s government. Rajib Bikram Shah was sworn in as Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning, Ghanashyam Bhandari as Minister for Social Development, Bijaya Budha as Minister for Energy and Water Resources, and Suresh Adhikari as Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forest, and Environment, according to NC Chief Whip for the province, Hikmat Bahadur Bist.
Two NEA operators relieved from their posts
The government has relieved two operators of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) from their posts. Kapil Acharya and Bhakta Bahadur Pun were dismissed by the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation. The Ministry had previously sought clarification from Acharya and Pun, alleging that they failed to support the implementation of government and Electricity Regulatory Commission directives regarding dedicated and trunk line disputes. After reviewing their submitted clarifications, the government found them unsatisfactory and decided to relieve them from their positions.
Five die along Annapurna Circuit Trek last year
Five people lost their lives on the Annapurna Trekking route last fiscal year. Known for its stunning beauty, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is also one of the world’s most hazardous treks, ranking as the 10th most risky globally. The deceased included one US citizen, one Indian national, one Briton, and two Nepalis. According to Dhak Bahadur Bhujel, chief of the Annapurna Area Conservation Project (ACAP) unit, the majority of fatalities were attributed to high-altitude sickness.
Kamal Bahadur Shah appointed Chief Minister of Sudurpaschim
Kamal Bahadur Shah of the Nepali Congress (NC) was appointed Chief Minister of Sudurpaschim Province on Sunday. With backing from the CPN-UML, Shah had presented his claim for the Chief Minister role to Provincial Chief Najir Miya earlier today. Following his claim, Provincial Chief Miya officially appointed Shah to the post. This marks Shah’s second term as Chief Minister of Sudurpaschim.
Bhoto Jatra celebrated with vibrant spectacle in Kathmandu Valley
The Kathmandu Valley was alive with excitement this Sunday as the annual Bhoto Jatra unfolded with grandiosity. This traditional festival, marking the culmination of the month-long chariot-pulling celebration for Rato Machhindranath, reached its zenith with the revered display of the bhoto—a jewel-encrusted vest. The grand procession, which culminates at Jawalakhel in Lalitpur, is a highlight of the Rato Machhindranath festival. This event, deeply rooted in cultural and religious significance, showcases a magnificent black vest adorned with glittering jewels, believed to have belonged to the mythical Nagraj, the serpent king.
Gurung and Karki appointed to NEA operating committee
Mahendra Bahadur Gurung and Devendra Karki have been appointed as members of the operating committee of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). The Ministry of Energy, Water Resource, and Irrigation made the appointments on Sunday. Earlier in the day, the government relieved Kapil Acharya and Bhakta Bahadur Pun from their positions on the committee.
Earthquake hits Taplejung
An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.2 on the Richter scale struck Taplejung this afternoon. The tremor, which had its epicenter near Ankhop, was recorded by the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Centre in Lainchaur at 4:04 PM. This follows a previous quake of magnitude 4.1, which occurred on July 28 near Khejenim in the same district.
CAVA Women’s Volleyball: Iran defeats Nepal in close match
Nepal faced a narrow defeat against Iran in the CAVA Women’s National Volleyball League on Sunday. In a highly competitive match, Iran triumphed over Nepal with a score of 3-2 in sets. Iran secured victory by winning the first set 25-16, the third set 25-23, and the fifth set 15-13. Nepal claimed the second set 25-16 and the fourth set 25-15.
Youth murdered in Kalopul; Wife and another suspect arrested
A 20-year-old man was murdered in Kalopul, Kathmandu Metropolitan City-7. The victim has been identified as Prem Magar Darji. Police have arrested his wife and another individual in connection with the murder. According to police reports, Darji was likely murdered this morning. The suspects are Usha Nepali, 24, and Madan Ramtel, 27, both from Manebhanjan Rural Municipality-9 in Okhaldhunga, as confirmed by Navraj Adhikari, spokesperson for the District Police Range, Kathmandu.
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