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

Leadership battle brewing in Unified Socialist Party

The upcoming 10th general convention of the Unified Socialist Party is poised to witness a tug-of-war between Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal and esteemed leader Jhalanath Khanal, both vying for the party’s chairmanship. Scheduled in Kathmandu from May 16 to 20, the convention was initially slated for February 16 to 18, but was deferred due to inadequate preparation and the National Assembly (NA) elections. According to Party Vice-Chair Jayanti Rai, this convention will feature elections for both convention proceedings and leadership appointments. The party has convened a central council meeting, affirming that the entire leadership selection process will be conducted through direct elections. An intense competition between Madhav Nepal and Jhalanath Khanal for the party Chairpersonship is inevitable. In a conversation with Khabarhub, Khanal expressed his readiness to contest for the presidency, stating, “This is a necessity for the nation. I am prepared to assume any responsibility to safeguard the country, its people, and the party.”

Nepal Police Headquarters transfers 519 Police Inspectors

In a sweeping reorganization, the Nepal Police Headquarters has executed the transfer of 519 police inspectors. Under the directive of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Basanta Bahadur Kunwar, announced on Wednesday, 519 inspectors have been transferred. The transfers, encompassing personnel stationed across various locations, mark a significant restructuring effort by the police head office. The Human Resource Development Department confirmed that salaries and allowances for the month of Nepali month of Jestha have been duly reallocated to the newly assigned positions.

Gold price down by Rs 800 per tola today

Gold price decreased by Rs 800 in the domestic market today. As reported by the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of fine gold has been fixed at Rs 135,600 per tola, while standard gold is currently traded at Rs 134,950 per tola. The price of fine gold was Rs 136,400 per tola, while standard gold was traded at Rs 135,750 per tola on Wednesday.

Nepali Congress postpones Parliamentary Party meeting

The scheduled meeting of the Nepali Congress (NC) Parliamentary Party has been rescheduled to a later date. Originally slated for today, the Nepali Congress had planned to convene the Parliamentary Party meeting at 2 pm today to be held at the Lhotse Hall of Parliament Building in New Baneshwor. However, owing to the funeral proceedings of former central member of the party and Constituent Assembly member, Suryaman Gurung, who passed away on Tuesday, the Nepali Congress has announced the postponement of the meeting.

Police resort to firing to arrest accused in drugs peddling

Police resorted to gunfire to arrest an accused in drug smuggling at Ganapur of Janakai rural municipality-6 in Banke today. According to the District Police Office, Banke, the accused is Sushil Pariyar, 26, of Chappargaudi, Kohalpur municipality-12. A joint squad from the Narcotics Control Bureau Kathmandu and the District Police Office, Banke had to open fire on him to foil his efforts to evade the arrest, according to Banke’s Deputy Superintendent of Police, Narayan Dangi. In the firing, Pariyar suffered injuries to his left leg and is undergoing treatment at Bheri Hospital, Nepalgunj. In addition to this, police apprehended local Sharan Bahadur Karki, 27, who was accompanying Pariyar. The security squad confiscated brown sugar weighing 114.25 grams from them.

Arrest warrants issued for 20 individuals in Bal Mandir land scam

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has issued arrest warrants against 20 individuals, including Rita Singh Baidya, the former Chairman of Nepal Children’s Association, in connection with the Bal Mandir land scam case. Rita Singh Baidya, who chaired the organization for approximately 27 years, is among those facing warrants issued by the Kathmandu District Court on Thursday. The CIB is probing allegations of fraud related to the case. Baidya, along with members of the working committee and employees, stands accused of involvement in fraudulent activities concerning the Bal Mandir land.

Newly elected Sudurpaschim Provincial Assembly member Bhandari sworn in

Daman Bahadur Bhandari, the recently elected member of the Sudurpaschim Province from Bajhang-1, took the oath of office and secrecy on Thursday. Speaker Bhim Bhandari administered the oath to Bhandari, who won the by-election held in Bajhang-1 following the passing of Nepali Congress lawmaker Prithvi Bahadur Singh on Ashar 5, 2080 BS. Representing the CPN-UML, Bhandari secured victory in the by-election with 11,612 votes, defeating Abhishek Singh, the son of the late lawmaker Prithvi Bahadur Singh.

Corruption case filed against Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and 10 others in Jaleshwar Municipality

The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a corruption case against 12 individuals, including the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Chief Administrative Officer of Jaleshwar Municipality in Mahottari District. The case, lodged on Thursday, involves Mayor Suresh Sah Senar, Deputy Mayor Raushan Khatun, and former Chief Administrative Officer Mitra Lal Dhakal, among others. They are accused of corruption related to a construction project in Jaleshwar Municipality-1. The allegations state that these individuals issued payments exceeding the actual project cost by Rs 584,637.

Hikmat Karki appointed as Chief Minister of Koshi Province for the third term

Hikmat Karki, the parliamentary party leader of CPN-UML, has been reappointed as the Chief Minister of Koshi Province, marking his third term in office. On Thursday, Province Chief Parshuram Khapung announced Karki’s appointment to the post. This decision comes after Karki presented his claim for Chief Minister to Khapung, backed by 52 MPs, including 39 from UML and 13 from the Maoist Center. In accordance with Article 168 of the constitution, which allows any parliamentarian capable of securing a vote of confidence in the provincial assembly to stake their claim, Khapung invited eligible candidates to come forward. Karki, having garnered support from 52 MPs in the 93-member provincial assembly, emerged as the leading contender.

MCA-Nepal signs contract to construct 400 kV New Butwal Substation at Nawalparasi

Millennium Challenge Account Nepal (MCA-Nepal) has awarded and signed a contract with Linxon India Pvt. Ltd. for the construction of the 400 kV New Butwal Substation in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West) district in Lumbini Province. The 400 kV Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) substation will be constructed within the contract duration of 39 months. Kul Man Ghising, the Managing Director for Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and His Excellency Dean R. Thompson, the U.S. Ambassador to Nepal, local authorities and elected representatives were also present at the signing ceremony in Bhumahi, Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West) today.

Outgoing CM Kedar Karki challenges appointment of new CM in Koshi Province with writ petition

Outgoing Chief Minister (CM) Kedar Karki of Koshi Province has lodged a writ petition at the Supreme Court (SC) challenging the appointment of a new CM on Thursday. Hikmat Karki, the parliamentary party leader of CPN-UML, has been appointed as the Chief Minister of Koshi Province for the third time. Earlier, Kedar Karki had presented his claim for Chief Minister to Parshuram Khapung, backed by 52 MPs, including 39 from UML and 13 from the Maoist Center, and was subsequently appointed to the post. In his writ petition, Kedar Karki has demanded the annulment of the Speaker’s decision to initiate the formation of a new government in the province, as well as the appointment of a new CM.

Government set to disburse Rs 29.7 million in awards to players

The government has approved the distribution of Rs 29.7 million in prize money to players from various sports disciplines. During a Cabinet meeting held on Thursday, a proposal submitted by the Ministry of Youth and Sports was endorsed, paving the way for awarding medal winners of the 19th Asian Games, the Nepali Cricket Team, Para-Taekwondo players, and coaches. Out of the total allocation, Rs 20,475,000 will be awarded to the Nepal Men’s National Cricket Team for their outstanding performance in the ACC Men’s T-20 World Cup.

Government to unveil policies and programs on May 14

The government has finalized its decision to unveil its policies and programs on May 14. Following a Cabinet meeting held on Thursday afternoon, it was agreed that the policies and programs would be revealed at 3 PM during the parliament meeting on the designated date. There is a provision for the President to deliver the government’s policies and programs during the meeting.