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

Budget session of the Parliament begins today

The annual budget session of the House of Representatives (HoR) and the National Assembly (NA) commenced today. The budget session commenced today after President Ram Chandra Paudel, in accordance with the Article 93 (1) of the Constitution of Nepal, summoned the joint session of the federal parliament on May 2 on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers. The Federal Parliament Secretariat issued a public notice to all Members of Parliament (MPs) to meet at 2 pm on Friday at the Parliament Building, New Baneswor. According to the constitutional provision, an estimated details of income and expenditure (budget) for the upcoming year has to be presented in the parliament on coming May 28 (Jestha 15).

Forest fire destroys 4,500 hectares of forest area in Ramechhap

Forest fires broke out in 155 places of eight municipalities and rural municipalities in the district have destroyed almost 4,500 hectares of forest area in the past one month. According to the Division Forest Office, Doramba Shailung rural municipality had faced maximum loss and damage. Forest Officer Om Sagar Bhandari said fire incidents have so far caused damage to 155 community and leasehold forests. Bio-diversity including wildlife species has been severely affected due to fire in many forests. Two persons have lost their lives to forest fire in the district this year.

21 rhinos perish in 10 months in Chitwan National Park

Wildlife conservation efforts are facing a severe setback in Chitwan National Park (CNP), with the loss of 21 rhinos within a mere span of 10 months. Among these casualties, two fell victim to poachers, while 19 succumbed to various other causes, ranging from natural to human-induced. Ganesh Prasad Tiwari, the park’s Information Officer, revealed a distressing breakdown: seven males, seven females, and seven unidentified rhinos met their demise. The reasons behind these deaths paint a grim picture—entrapment in swamps, conflicts with other wildlife, advanced age, tiger attacks, poaching incidents, human encroachment, and fatal encounters with electrified barriers.

Gold price up by Rs 2,300 per tola today

Gold price increased by Rs 2,300 per tola 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 137,900 per tola, while standard gold is currently traded at Rs 137,250 per tola. The price of fine gold was Rs 135,600 per tola, while standard gold was traded at Rs 134,950 per tola on Thursday.

UML Chair Oli rebuffs calls for Rabi Lamichhane resignation

Chairman of CPN-UML, KP Oli, staunchly defended Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane amid mounting pressure for a parliamentary inquiry from the Nepali Congress. During a UML parliamentary party meeting on Friday, Oli rebuffed calls for Lamichhane’s resignation, arguing against the necessity of a parliamentary committee instigated by opposition parties. Oli lambasted the opposition, particularly the Nepali Congress, for their insistence on a committee probing Lamichhane. He added that the Nepali Congress will start demanding Lamichhane’s resignation the moment the investigation committee is formed. Addressing concerns regarding potential bias in investigations, Oli emphasized that any inquiry should encompass all relevant parties.

Newly appointed CM Hikmat Karki to seek vote of confidence amid legal challenge in Koshi Province

The Chief Minister of Koshi Province, Hikmat Karki, is set to seek a vote of confidence during the provincial assembly meeting scheduled for May 13, following his appointment. The province’s Chief, Parshuram Khapung, has convened the assembly meeting based on the government’s recommendation. In a concurrent development, the former Chief Minister of Koshi Province, Kedar Karki, has filed a writ petition at the Supreme Court challenging the appointment of the new Chief Minister.

Two arrested with Rs 9.8 million in illicit money, suspected of hundi transactions and gold smuggling

The Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office has announced the apprehension of two individuals found in possession of Rs 9.8 million in illicit funds on Friday. The detainees have been identified as Samir Sunar, aged 28, and Milan BK, aged 29, hailing from Siyari Rural Municipality-7 in Rupandehi. The duo was intercepted while traveling in a vehicle carrying the money, near Jay Nepal Hall at Durbarmarg on Thursday. Preliminary police investigations suggest their involvement in illicit hundi transactions and gold smuggling activities.

Loktantrik Samajbadi Party joins call for probe into cooperative fraud

The Loktantrik Samajbadi Party has joined the chorus in calling for a parliamentary committee to investigate cooperative fraud cases. In a decision made during a parliamentary party meeting on Friday, the party resolved to push for the formation of the committee to delve into the matter, as confirmed by Ram Prakash Chaudhary, the party’s chief whip. Additionally, the party has pledged to advocate for assistance and support to the victims of the devastating wildfire in Madhesh Province, among other pertinent issues.

Nepali Congress vows to block parliament over fraud probe committee demand

In Kathmandu, the Nepali Congress, along with other opposition parties, is obstructing the budget session of parliament. They pledge to continue this obstruction until a parliamentary committee is formed to investigate the cooperative fraud case. Gagan Thapa, the Nepali Congress’s general secretary, emphasized during the meeting that they would halt all further proceedings until such a committee is established. The Nepali Congress has been adamant about probing the case, suspecting the involvement of Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane.

SC denies interim order in writ petition challenging appointment of Koshi Province CM

The Supreme Court (SC) has declined to issue an interim order in response to a writ petition challenging the appointment of Hikmat Karki as the new Chief Minister (CM) of Koshi Province. The petition was filed by outgoing CM Kedar Karki. A bench headed by Judge Hari Phyual refrain from issuing an interim order, citing the constitutional implications of the matter, which will be deliberated upon by the full court. Previously, Kedar Karki, supported by 52 MPs, including 39 from UML and 13 from the Maoist Center, had submitted his claim for the Chief Minister position to Parshuram Khapung, the Province Chief, and was subsequently appointed to the post. However, in his writ petition, Karki seeks 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.

Parliament session postponed till May 14 amid opposition obstruction

The budget session of the parliament has been postponed until May 14, in response to obstruction from opposition parties. Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire made the decision amidst the ongoing deadlock. The next session is scheduled for 6 PM on May 14. The obstruction stems from the Nepali Congress, the main opposition party, along with other opposition factions, vowing to continue obstructing parliamentary proceedings until a committee is formed to investigate the cooperative fraud case.

Government to disburse start-up loans starting second week of Jestha

Start-up businesses in Nepal are set to receive start-up loans beginning from the second week of Jestha. The Industrial Enterprise Development Institute has announced that selected businesses, chosen based on their presentations, will commence receiving loans during this period. Currently, the Institute is in the process of evaluating 394 shortlisted applicants, with the final list of loan recipients expected to be publicized by May 28. Out of the 1,658 applicants, 394 have been shortlisted for the loan process. The government plans to provide loans of up to Rs 2.5 million to these start-ups, with commercial banks offering an annual interest rate of three percent. The disbursement will occur in one installment for loans up to Rs 500,000, two installments for Rs 1,500,000, and three installments for Rs 2,500,000.