Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Landslide sweeps away two buses in Chitwan
Two passenger buses were swept away by a landslide in Chitwan’s Simaltal within Bharatpur Metropolitan Municipality-29. According to police reports, the landslide carried away the buses towards Trishuli River, trapping approximately 50 passengers inside. Chitwan’s Chief District Officer, Indradev Yadav, stated that initial information indicated the landslide occurred around 3:30 am this morning, affecting buses traveling on the Kathmandu-Birgunj and Kathmandu-Gour routes. Police teams are currently at the scene where landslides have blocked both sides of the road.
Landslide claims 10 lives in Kaski, including 7 from the same family
Ten people, including seven members of the same family, lost their lives in Kaski due to a landslide, police said. The house of Kul Bahadur Pariyar in Purunchaur Thanti, Pokhara Metropolitan City-19, was swept away by a landslide last night, resulting in the immediate deaths of seven individuals. The deceased are identified as Kul Bahadur Pariyar, Mankumari Pariyar, Laxmi Pariyar, Prashana Pariyar, Prabhav Pariyar, Amit Pariyar, and Radhika Pariyar. Two other family members were rescued from the rubble and are currently receiving treatment at Manipal Teaching Hospital, according to the Kaski Police. Additionally, three more individuals lost their lives in separate landslide incidents: two in Pokhara-32 Chainpur and one in Madi-11.
Govt approves agreement to connect Nepal with China by rail
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, facing a crucial vote of confidence in Parliament on Friday amid withdrawing support from parties like CPN-UML, has made a move before departing his post. At the Council of Ministers meeting on Thursday, PM Dahal decided to endorse an agreement with China, a crucial component of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aimed at enhancing connectivity between Nepal and China through rail. “The Cabinet meeting held on Thursday decided to approve the ‘Strengthening the Development Cooperation in Building the Trans-Himalayan Multidimensional Connectivity Network’ agreement between Nepal and China,” announced Communication Minister Rekha Sharma, highlighting the government’s decision.
Gold price up by Rs 1,800 per tola today
The price of gold increased by Rs 1,800 per tola in the domestic market on Friday. According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, fine gold is now priced at Rs 146,700 per tola, while standard gold is trading at Rs 146,000 per tola. The fine gold was traded at Rs 144,900 per tola on Thursday, while standard gold was traded at Rs 144,200 per tola. The price of silver also saw an increase of Rs 15 per tola, bringing it to Rs 1,885 per tola.
NC and UML united by fear, not principles: Prachanda
Prime Minister (PM) Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has strongly criticized the new alliance formed between the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML. Addressing a meeting of the Parliament on Friday before seeking a vote of confidence, he made pointed remarks about the coalition. Prime Minister Dahal alleged that the two largest parties — NC and UML — are united not by shared faith and ideals, but by a fear of good governance. He stated, “If the first and second largest parties were connected by faith and ideals or a common purpose, it wouldn’t concern me. Instead, you are bound by fear—fear of good governance. For whatever reason UML and Nepali Congress are trying to come together, have the people approved your cooperation or not?” He also expressed his concerns about regression and autocracy. The Prime Minister also stated that the NC and CPN-UML came together following the establishment of good governance in the country.
Naubise-Malekhu road section to remain closed at night from 10 pm to 3 am
The Department of Roads has announced the nighttime closure of the Naubise-Malekhu road section on the Prithvi Highway. The road will be closed from 10 PM to 3 AM to facilitate the construction of bridges at Ganesh Khola, Dhangdung Khola, Kheste Khola, and Pokhare Khola. This closure will be in effect until July 24. During the closure hours, only emergency vehicles, including ambulances and security vehicles, will be permitted to use the road.
PM Dahal fails to secure confidence vote
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has failed to secure a vote of confidence after the CPN-UML withdrew its support from his government. They have joined forces with the Nepali Congress to form a new government. PM Dahal sought the vote of confidence on Friday. Out of 258 lawmakers present in parliament, 63 lawmakers from the CPN (Maoist Center), CPN (Unified Socialist), and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) supported him, while 194 voted against him. One lawmaker opted to remain neutral. PM Dahal needed 138 votes in his favor to win the confidence vote.
KMC fines Burger House Rs 200,000 for delivering unhealthy food
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has imposed a fine of Rs 200,000 on Kalanki-based Burger House and Crunchy Fried Chicken for delivering unhealthy food items to its customers. The penalty was issued after the local authorities confirmed that stinky pickles were delivered with an online order of Mo:Mo. Previously, the metropolis had also fined Rs 200,000 to the canteen operating within its own office building for similar violations.
President Paudel calls for parties to stake claim for new government as per Article 76 (2)
President Ram Chandra Paudel has summoned political parties to stake a claim to form a new government in accordance with Article 76 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal. Beginning Friday evening, interested parties have until 5 PM Sunday to submit their claims. The need for a new government arose after Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal failed to secure a vote of confidence on Friday.
Trishuli Bus Accident: Buses and passengers missing, search and rescue operations postponed
The whereabouts of two buses and their passengers, swept into the Trishuli River by a landslide, remain unknown. Teams from the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police were mobilized in the area for search and rescue operations. One bus from Ganapati Deluxe, carrying 27 passengers en route to Gaur in Rautahat from Kathmandu, and another bus with 24 passengers heading to Kathmandu from Birgunj, were swept into the Trishuli River by a landslide on Friday morning. However, after failing to locate the buses and passengers, the search and rescue operations have been postponed.
UML Chair Oli stakes claim for Prime Minister post with Nepali Congress support
Following Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s failure to secure a vote of confidence on Friday, an alliance between the CPN-UML and the Nepali Congress has staked its claim to form a new government. President Ram Chandra Paudel had previously summoned political parties to stake a claim for forming a new government in accordance with Article 76 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal. Submitting the signatures of their lawmakers to demonstrate a majority in parliament, the new alliance has proposed CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli as the new Prime Minister.
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