KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Kaski District Court extends Rabi Lamichhane’s custody for 4 more days
The Kaski District Court has granted an additional four-day remand for Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane and Chhabilal Joshi, following the expiration of their previous five-day extension for investigation in the cooperative fraud case.
Rajan Khanal of Kaki District Court confirmed that the court approved the extension, allowing authorities more time to prepare a charge sheet against Lamichhane, Joshi and 49 others. The charge sheet is expected to be filed in the Kaski District Court by Friday.
The police submitted their report to the Public Prosecutor’s Office on Monday, with the District Police Office, Kaski, recommending charges against Lamichhane on three counts.
Rabi Lamichhane asks court: “What evidence would I have destroyed?”
Rabi Lamichhane, Chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), questioned in court on Tuesday, “What evidence would I have destroyed if I had been released?”
He made this remark during his appearance before the Kaski District Court, where a decision was being made on the extension of his detention.
Kaski Police presented Lamichhane to the district court on Tuesday, requesting a final extension of his detention.
Rabi raises media trial concerns in court, judge responds: ‘We will see’
It has been 60 days since Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane was arrested.
On Tuesday, he was presented at the Kaski District Court for the eighth time, while his associate, former DIG Chhabilal Joshi, appeared for the ninth time.
Lamichhane, arrested on October 18 from RSP’s central office in Banasthali, faces allegations related to embezzlement of cooperative savings across five districts.
Unified Socialist to contest upcoming elections alone
The CPN-Unified Socialist, led by Madhav Kumar Nepal, has decided to contest all upcoming elections independently.
A Standing Committee meeting held in Kathmandu concluded that candidates with the party’s “Pen” election symbol will compete alone, according to Vice Chair and spokesperson Jagannath Khatiwada.
The meeting also decided to focus on strengthening the party rather than seeking unification with others.
ACC Women’s U-19: Nepal ties with India due to rain, finishes group runner-up
Nepal and India shared points after Tuesday’s match in the ACC Women’s U-19 Cricket Tournament was abandoned due to rain.
Chasing Nepal’s target of 95 runs, India had scored 28 runs without losing a wicket in 3.1 overs when the match was interrupted by rain at Malaysia’s Biomass Cricket Ground.
With the match unable to resume, both teams were awarded one point each. Despite tying on 3 points in Group ‘B’, India topped the group on net run rate while Nepal finished as the runner-up.
NEA to cut power to industries amid Upper Tamakoshi shutdown
The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has announced power cuts for the industrial sector during peak hours until the 456-megawatt Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project resumes operation.
The decision comes in response to increased electricity demand during winter and reduced production from hydropower plants.
As winter sets in, water levels in rivers and streams, which power run-of-river hydropower plants, are expected to decrease by one-third. Additionally, NEA cannot import electricity from India during peak hours (5 pm to 9 pm), leading to supply challenges.
Thousands of Nepalis ignore crypto ban by trading digital currencies daily
Despite a blanket ban on cryptocurrency trading in Nepal, thousands of Nepalis are actively engaged in crypto transactions, sidestepping regulations through creative loopholes and digital wallets.
The country’s central bank, Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), has repeatedly declared that crypto trading and mining are illegal. Yet, the crypto craze continues to thrive.
Nepal does not have any specific laws governing cryptocurrency. The NRB has issued several public notices prohibiting crypto trading and has even blocked access to popular exchange platforms.
Government urges public to stop burning plastic and farm waste
The Ministry of Forests and Environment has asked people to stop burning plastic and farm waste to help reduce air pollution.
In a notice issued today, the ministry said that pollution levels in the Terai region and Kathmandu Valley have been getting worse over the past few weeks.
The main causes of this pollution are smoke from vehicles, factories, and forest fires. Dust from roads and construction work also adds to the problem.
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