KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Lalitpur reports 38 cholera cases out of 50 nationwide
Cholera cases have recently surged, with Lalitpur district alone reporting 38 cases. According to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division under the Ministry of Health and Population, the total number of cholera cases across the country reached 50. The Division reported two cases in Kathmandu district, eight in Kailali, and two more in Pyuthan district. In response, rapid response teams have been deployed in collaboration with provincial and local governments to address the outbreak.
Australian Ambassador pays farewell call on Maoist Centre Chair Dahal
Australia’s Ambassador to Nepal, Felicity Volk, held a farewell meeting with Maoist Centre Chair and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’. In a meeting at Dahal’s residence in Khumaltar on Wednesday, Ambassador Volk congratulated Nepal on the completion of the remaining works of the peace process as well as transitional justice, according to Dahal’s private secretariat. Ambassador Volk said that the dignity of Nepal in the international arena has increased due to this initiative.
Gold traded at Rs 150,500 per tola today
The price of gold has decreased by Rs 300 per tola today. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the fine gold is traded at Rs 150,500 per tola today. It should be noted that gold prices had surged to a new record high on Tuesday (August 13) with fine gold reaching Rs 150,800 per tola. Additionally, the price of silver increased by Rs 5 per tola, with silver trading at 1,735 rupees today.
TRC Bill meets int’l standards, ensures justice for all: Deuba
Sher Bahadur Deuba, President of the Nepali Congress (NC), asserted that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Bill adheres to international standards. Speaking during the House of Representatives (HoR) meeting on Wednesday, Deuba emphasized that the bill complies with the law, the Supreme Court’s verdict, and international criteria. Deuba expressed confidence that the international community and other relevant authorities will welcome the bill.
RSP demands 24-hour explanation from Mukul Dhakal
Mukul Dhakal, who has been expelled from his position as the General Secretary of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has been asked to provide an explanation within 24 hours regarding his status as an ordinary member. This request aims to assess the grounds for his removal from the party’s membership. Acting General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti has questioned why Dhakal, who is reportedly acting against the party’s interests, should not be expelled from the ordinary membership as well. The party has asked Dhakal to submit his response along with evidence and a list of his statements made in various media outlets.
Disarmament and army integration led to party split: Prachanda
Chairman of CPN (Maoist Center) Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ stated that his party split after the conclusion of the 10-year Maoist insurgency and the transition into the peace process. Speaking during the House of Representatives (HoR) meeting on Wednesday, Dahal emphasized that the disarming and integration of the army led to the division and fragmentation of his party. “Some have labeled the Maoist insurgency as destructive, but it was the driving force behind the changes we are experiencing today,” Dahal remarked.
NEPSE index surges 1.17 percent in today’s trading session
The NEPSE index on Wednesday climbed 1.17 percent, closing at 2,957.75 points after gaining 34.29 points. This uptick follows a decline of 8.18 points in the previous session, reflecting ongoing positive momentum in the market. The day started with the index at 2,936.62 points, and throughout the trading session, it experienced fluctuations, hitting a low of 2,883.81 points and a high of 2,959.19 points before ending at its final value. The trading session saw significant activity with 332 stocks traded across 244,019 transactions, totaling a volume of 51,230,340 shares and a turnover of Rs. 23.43 billion.
Monsoon disasters claim 211 lives in Nepal
Monsoon-triggered disasters and other incidents have claimed 211 lives across Nepal in recent months, with 48 people still missing. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), 170 of these deaths were directly linked to monsoon-related disasters, while the remaining fatalities were caused by fires, snakebites, high-altitude sickness, animal attacks, and other incidents. The data covers the period since June 10, marking the onset of this year’s monsoon. NDRRMA Spokesperson Dr. Dijan Bhattarai reported that Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces suffered the most significant losses, with 58 casualties each. These were followed by 39 deaths in Lumbini, 26 in Koshi, 14 in Sudurpaschim, nine in Karnali, and seven in Madhesh.
House of Representatives passes TRC Bill
The House of Representatives (HoR) passed the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Bill on Wednesday. The bill, presented for deliberation by Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya, was endorsed with a majority vote. Only Prem Suwal, a lawmaker from the Nepal Workers and Peasants Party (NWPP), opposed the bill.
CM Acharya to seek vote of confidence on August 20
Chet Narayan Acharya, the Chief Minister of Lumbini Province, is set to seek a vote of confidence on August 20. Acharya was appointed to the position by Province Chief Amik Sherchan on July 22, under Article 168 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal. His appointment came after the resignation of former Chief Minister Jokh Bahadur Mahara on Sunday. Following Mahara’s resignation, Province Chief Sherchan called for the formation of a new government by 6 p.m. on Monday, in accordance with Article 168 (2) of the Constitution. Acharya’s appointment as Chief Minister was based on an agreement between the UML and the Nepali Congress to form a provincial government under UML leadership.
Chief Minister Shah secures vote of confidence in Sudurpaschim Province
Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah of Sudurpaschim Province successfully secured a vote of confidence on Wednesday. In the trust motion, CM Shah received 36 votes in his favor, with eight votes against him and one lawmaker abstaining. Out of the 53 members of the provincial assembly, 45 participated in the vote. To gain confidence, Shah needed the support of at least 27 members. With 18 lawmakers from the Nepali Congress, 11 from the CPN-UML, and seven from the Nagarik Unmukti Party backing him, Shah achieved a two-thirds majority, ensuring his position as Chief Minister.
Ex-DIG Kharel filed corruption case for publicity, claims Ghising
Kulman Ghising, Managing Director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), has alleged that former DIG Ramesh Kharel filed a corruption case against him to gain public attention. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ghising expressed his disappointment, stating that news reports in various media outlets were based on information shared on social media with malicious intent, deliberately targeting him. He further accused Kharel of spreading rumors to garner publicity and misusing the media to defame him and his family.
Q&A Session with the Prime Minister scheduled for August 22
A live question-and-answer session with the Prime Minister is scheduled for the next House of Representatives meeting on August 22. During today’s HoR session, Speaker Devraj Ghimire requested Members of Parliament to submit their questions in writing to the Secretary of the House of Representatives by 2:00 p.m. on August 18 in preparation for the Q&A program. The House of Representatives will reconvene at 1:00 p.m. on August 22.
Supreme Court dismisses writ petitions against PM Oli’s appointment
The Supreme Court of Nepal has dismissed all three writ petitions challenging the appointment of CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli as the Prime Minister of Nepal. A Constitutional Bench comprising Chief Justice Biswambar Prasad Shrestha and Justices Prakash Man Singh Raut, Sapana Pradhan Malla, Prakash Kumar Dhungana, and Kumar Regmi ruled against the petitions. The writ petitions, filed by advocates Khagendra Chapagain, Shailendra Gupta, and Deepak Adhikari, sought to annul Oli’s appointment, claiming it was made in violation of Article 76 (2) of the Constitution.
14 including Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Godawari Municipality acquitted in corruption case
The Special Court has acquitted 14 individuals, including Mayor Gajendra Maharjan and Deputy Mayor Muna Adhikari of Godawari Municipality, in a corruption case. The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) had previously charged these individuals with corruption related to the extraction, distribution, and sale of sand and stone. The case involved eight employees, seven mine operators, and seven companies. The CIAA accused the defendants and companies of failing to properly collect revenue and value-added tax. However, the court’s bench, consisting of Chairman Tek Narayan Kuwar and members Tej Narayan Singh Rai and Ritendra Thapa, delivered the verdict, clearing all 14 individuals of the charges.
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