Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
President to address parliament’s joint meeting on May 14
President Ram Chandra Paudel is scheduled to address a joint sitting of both Houses of the Federal Parliament on Tuesday. The Federal Parliament Secretariat issued a notice, stating that President Paudel would be addressing the joint session of both Houses of the federal parliament at 3:00 pm Tuesday (May 14), calling upon all members for their presence in the meeting. The President, on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers, summoned the members for this purpose on the given date in accordance with Article 95 of the Constitution. The federal parliament members have been asked to maintain a dress code and take their respective seats by 2:45 pm of the meeting day.
Around 4 million pilgrims attend Chataradham Mahakumbha Mela
The month-long grand religious gathering, the Purna Mahakumbha Mela, in Chataradham in Sunsari district concluded on Friday receiving as many as 4 million pilgrims. According to Vice Chair of the fair organizing committee, Kisan Thapa, in the fair that commenced on April 9, pilgrims from home and abroad visited the grand religious fair in Barahkshetra Municipality-1 of Sunsari. The federal government had provided Rs 7 million and Rs 5.5 million from the provincial government to organize the fair. In Barahakshetra, the Kumbha Mela has been organized since 2059 BS, with the Ardha Kumbha Mela held every six years and Purna Maha Kumbha Mela every 12 years. President Ram Chandra Paudel inaugurated the fair.
KMC warns of strict measures against negligent health workers
In a bid to address grievances from the public, Kathmandu Metropolitan Municipality (KMC) has issued a warning to health workers and employees failing to deliver essential health services within hospitals and community schools. The Health Department of the KMC released a notification on Saturday, cautioning teachers, trainers, and staff employed in educational institutions and hospitals across the city area to ensure the regular provision of health services. Failure to comply will result in punitive measures, the KMC said in the notice. The notice highlighted complaints received by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City concerning the unavailability of doctors and health workers during scheduled health service hours in hospitals affiliated with educational institutions operating within KMC.
NC calls parliamentary party meeting to strategize on continuing parliament obstruction
Nepali Congress (NC), the main opposition party, has declared its intention to continue obstructing parliament meetings for the foreseeable future. However, they have also indicated a willingness to allow President Ram Chandra Poudel to deliver the government’s policies and programs during the upcoming parliament session. A decision to this effect was made during a meeting of former and current party officials at President Sher Bahadur Deuba’s residence in Budhanilkantha, as confirmed by Bhadri Prasad Pandey, the deputy general secretary of the party. Additionally, the party has called for a parliamentary party meeting on Monday at 1 pm to discuss further strategies.
Informal talks underway to resolve parliament obstruction
Leaders from major political parties are engaged in internal and informal discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing obstruction of federal parliament sessions. During the inaugural day of the budget session of the federal parliament last Friday, the main opposition Nepali Congress disrupted proceedings, demanding the formation of a parliamentary probe commission to investigate embezzlement in cooperatives. Consequently, both houses of parliament failed to conduct scheduled business. In response, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ reportedly engaged in discussions with leaders, including those from the CPN UML, to explore avenues for consensus and ensure the smooth functioning of parliament. Meanwhile, the Nepali Congress convened a meeting of its office bearers today.
RPP Chairman advocates for probe committee to investigate cooperative fraud case involving Home Minister
Rajendra Lingden, Chairman of Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), has asserted the necessity of forming a parliamentary committee to investigate the alleged involvement of Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane in the cooperative fraud case. Highlighting the precedent of forming probe committees to investigate any illicit activities involving lawmakers, Lingden emphasized the importance of establishing a parliamentary committee specifically to probe the cooperative fraud case. With this statement, the RPP aligns itself with Nepali Congress in calling for an investigation into Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane’s alleged involvement in the fraud.
Dr. Govinda KC initiates 22nd fast-unto-death, calls for Prime Minister’s resignation
Dr. Govinda KC has embarked on his 22nd fast-unto-death strike, this time demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. In a press statement issued prior to commencing his strike, Dr. KC asserted that PM Dahal was implicated in crimes against humanity and war crimes during the ten-year Maoist insurgency. During the Maoist insurgency from Falgun 1, 2052 to 2062/63, approximately 17,000 individuals lost their lives. The insurgency, initiated by the then CPN (Maoist Center), was marked by significant loss of life and was considered a civil war.
Rato Machhindranath Jatra commences in Lalitpur
The much-awaited Rato Machhindranath jatra kicked off today with the ceremonial pulling of the chariot carrying the deity Rato Machindranath, revered as the god of rain and prosperity. The chariot, meticulously crafted at Pulchowk, commenced its journey towards Gahbahal amidst the melodious tunes of traditional musical instruments. Following the completion of the chariot’s construction, the idol of deity Machhindranath was installed atop it. Currently, the chariot of Rato Machhindranath is en route from Pulchowk to Gahbahal. It will traverse through all the toles (local neighborhoods) of Patan before reaching Jawalakhel, where the renowned bhoto jatra exhibition takes place.
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