Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Nepal Army to collect 10 tons trash from the Everest region
The Nepali Army is to collect waste from Mt Everest, Mt Lhotse and Mt Nuptse under the Clean Himalaya Campaign-2024 this year. The Army plans to collect 10 tons of waste and as many as five dead bodies from the mountains, the Army informed the media through a news conference on Sunday. It said trained army personnel will collect trash from the Base Camp up to the Fourth Camp on Mt Everest. Director of the Clean Himalaya Campaign, Brigadier General Sanjaya Deuja said that 12 trained army persons will be mobilized for this campaign. Of them, 10 will mobilize above the Base Camp while two will coordinate remaining in Namche.
Special Court convicts Lambodar Neupane on Money Laundering case
Lambodar Neupane, the former president of Nepal Engineering College, has been convicted of money laundering. The Special Court found him guilty of unlawfully retaining property in his account. Furthermore, the court determined that he had unlawfully transferred the college’s assets to his personal account. According to the ruling by the Special Judge, Lambodar had unlawfully embezzled Rs. 12,848,700. The division bench of the special court, chaired by Teknarayan Kunwar and judged by Ram Bahadur Thapa, pronounced him guilty.
Air pollution in Kathmandu: Ratna Park’s air quality among the worst
The air pollution levels in Kathmandu have reached a critical stage. According to the Swiss organization IQ Air, which measures air pollution globally, Kathmandu’s air quality ranks third among the most unhealthy cities in the world. New Delhi, India, holds the top position, followed by Chiang Mai, Thailand, in second place. Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, occupy the fourth and fifth positions, respectively. On Monday morning, Kathmandu’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 171, falling under the ‘unhealthy’ category for public health. AQI readings between 151 and 200 are considered unhealthy. The air quality at Ratna Park in Kathmandu is extremely unhealthy, with the AQI standing at 167 as of Monday morning (information provided until 9:00 AM).
Gold prices hit new all-time high: Reaches Rs 136,200 per tola
Gold prices have reached unprecedented levels, with fine gold hitting a new high of Rs 136,200 per tola on Monday. This surge of Rs 600 per tola builds upon an already record-breaking increase in recent times. As reported by the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of fine gold has now been set at Rs 136,200 per tola, while standard gold is being traded at Rs 135,550 per tola.
Curfew extended in two local levels in Sunsari amid ongoing disputes
With ongoing disputes between two local communities showing no signs of resolution, authorities have extended the curfew in two local levels within Sunsari district until further notice. According to a statement from the District Administration Office, the curfew, initially enforced from Friday, remains in effect in Hari Nagar Rural Municipality and Dewanganj Rural Municipality. The local administration has imposed restrictions on social, religious, and political gatherings, rallies, and demonstrations in the area as part of the curfew measures.
Former Minister Khan injured in road accident, undergoing treatment at Trauma Center
Abdul Khan, the former Minister and Vice Chairman of Janamat Party, has been injured in a road accident. The incident occurred when the vehicle carrying Khan and three others was en route to Bardiya from Kathmandu and met with an accident at Krishna Bhir in Dhading district.
Meeting convened by Speaker Ghimire ends in stalemate as ruling alliance rejects to form parliamentary committee
The meeting of four key political parties, convened by Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire, has concluded without reaching a consensus. The meeting was called following the Nepali Congress (NC)’s insistence on establishing a parliamentary probe committee to investigate the alleged involvement of Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane in a cooperative scam, considering it a ‘non-negotiable’ condition. Despite the NC’s steadfast stance during the meeting, advocating for the formation of the committee, the ruling alliance remained resolute in their refusal to comply.
Sudurpaschim Province lawmaker Indira Giri dismissed from position
Indira Giri, a lawmaker representing the Nagarik Unmukti Party in Sudurpaschim Province, has been dismissed from her position. Ranjita Shrestha, the party’s Chairperson, initiated action against Giri and recalled her earlier. Subsequently, Speaker Bhim Bhandari issued a statement confirming Giri’s removal from her post.
MD and doctor arrested in police raid at National Medical College
A police raid was conducted at the Birgunj-based National Medical College on Monday. Acting on a tip-off suggesting the use of expired chemicals in the laboratory, authorities conducted the raid today. Following the seizure of expired chemicals, Sadanwaj Husen, the Managing Director, and Dr. Sanjay Shah was arrested, as confirmed by DPS Keshar Kumar Neupane of the District Police Office, Parsa.
CPN (Maoist Center) ministers in Koshi Province tender resignations
Ministers representing the CPN (Maoist Center) in Koshi Province have submitted their resignations from their respective posts. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Kedar Karki of the Nepali Congress, Narayan Burja Magar served as the Minister for Drinking Water, Irrigation, and Energy, Rajendra Kumar Karki as the Minister for Social Development, and Ganesh Upreti as the Tourism Minister. These ministers officially resigned from their positions today, following the CPN (Maoist Center)’s decision to withdraw its support from the provincial government.
Major fire engulfs APF’s central store in Kathmandu
A massive blaze erupted at the Armed Police Force’s central store located in Balambu, Kathmandu. Numerous properties have been reportedly consumed by the fire, causing extensive damage. Efforts to contain the fire are underway, with police personnel working alongside firefighters and local residents to bring the situation under control. The cause of the fire remains unidentified at this time.
UML and Maoist Center assert claim to form new govt in Koshi Province
The CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Center) have jointly staked their claim to form a new government in Koshi Province. With the backing of 52 lawmakers, the two parties made their bid to establish a new administration on Monday. Prior to this, both parties had withdrawn their support from the government led by Chief Minister Kedar Karki.
Investigation committee formed to probe APF central store fire incident
In response to the recent fire incident at the Armed Police Force (APF)’s central store, a specialized committee has been formed to conduct a thorough investigation. Led by AIG Bangshi Raj Dahal, the committee will delve into the circumstances surrounding the fire. Preliminary findings suggest that an electric short circuit triggered the incident, prompting swift action to ascertain the root cause.
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