Today’s national news in a nutshell

Bansbari Land Case: CIB collects Basanta Chaudhary’s statement

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has taken a statement from Basanta Chaudhary regarding the case involving the disputed ten-ropani land formerly registered under Bansbari Shoe Factory Limited. According to CIB sources, Chaudhary was summoned by the CIB and his statement was recorded on paper. “He has been asked to clarify whether he was involved in the government land embezzlement or not,” the source said.

NSP has not united with Maoist Center: Chairman Bhattarai

Nepal Samajbadi Party (NSP) Chairman Dr. Baburam Bhattarai has clarified that his party has not entered into any agreement for unity with the ruling CPN-Maoist Center. Addressing a press conference in Kathmandu on Wednesday, Dr. Bhattarai refuted claims of unity with the Maoist Center, stating that some individuals within the party have spread misinformation about such unity merely because a few members have joined the Maoist Center. While acknowledging that it’s common for individuals to switch parties during their political journey, Dr. Bhattarai expressed surprise at the notion that such actions constitute a merger with the Maoist Center.

Bansbari land scam: CIB informs Speaker Ghimire about ongoing probe against lawmaker Binod Chaudhary

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has written to the Speaker, Devraj Ghimire, informing him about the investigation into Nepali Congress lawmaker Binod Chaudhary for allegedly privatizing land belonging to the Bansbari Shoe Factory. On Wednesday, the CIB’s SP Hobindra Bogati registered a letter at the Parliament Secretariat to inform Speaker Ghimire about the investigation against lawmaker Chaudhary for his alleged involvement in the land embezzlement case.

High Court rejects interim order against Itahari’s directives for same uniform in all schools

The High Court Biratnagar has declined to issue an interim order against the decision of Itahari Sub-Metropolitan City directing all schools within its jurisdiction to enforce a uniform dress code. With this decision, Itahari’s directive to implement uniform attire across all schools in the sub-metropolis will proceed as planned. On February 8, the Education Committee of Itahari mandated all schools in the sub-metropolitan area to require students to wear traditional Bhadgaule topi along with a uniform.

Budget principles and priorities will be revised on need basis: Finance Minister Pun

Finance Minister Barshaman Pun has said the principles and priorities of the Appropriation Bill for the upcoming fiscal year 2024/25 shall be revised on the basis of necessity and also taking the Common Minimum Resolve adopted by the present ruling alliance into consideration. He also said the good policies contained in the Appropriation Bill for fiscal year 2024/25 presented in parliament by the immediate past Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat would be continued.

HoR meeting postponed as Speaker and Chief Whips head to Switzerland

The House of Representatives meeting has been postponed for 10 days. The postponement comes following the participation of the Speaker and Chief Whips from various parties in a meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Switzerland. Speaker Devraj Ghimire, along with the Chief Whip of Nepali Congress Ramesh Lekhak, Chief Whip of CPN-UML Mahesh Bartaula, Chief Whip of CPN-Maoist Center Hitraj Pandey, Chief Whip of Rastriya Swatantra Party Santosh Pariyar, and National Assembly member Ganga Belbase are scheduled to visit Switzerland.

Budget principles and priorities will be revised on need basis: Finance Minister Pun

Finance Minister Barshaman Pun has said the principles and priorities of the Appropriation Bill for the upcoming fiscal year 2024/25 shall be revised on the basis of necessity and also taking the Common Minimum Resolve adopted by the present ruling alliance into consideration. He also said the good policies contained in the Appropriation Bill for fiscal year 2024/25 presented in parliament by the immediate past Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat would be continued.

All set for Secondary Education Examination (SEE): NEB

The National Examinations Board (NEB) has finalized all arrangements for the Secondary Education Examination (SEE), scheduled to commence on March 28. Dr. Mahashram Sharma, the Chairperson of NEB, stated that 2,057 examination centers have been designated across the country for this year’s SEE. In addition to the domestic centers, an examination center has been established in Japan this year. The SEE will take place from March 28 to April 9.

UML focused on realizing mission of nation-building: KP Oli

CPN-UML Chairman KP Oli reiterated the party’s dedication to the vision of creating a Happy Nepali and Prosperous Nepal. Addressing the party leaders of the Kathmandu District Committee on Wednesday, Chairman Oli emphasized that despite the ongoing political loyalty crisis in the country, the UML remains steadfast in its commitment to fulfilling the mission of nation-building. He urged both party leaders and supporters to prioritize the mission over internal positions within the party.

Russia ‘not interested’ in repatriating Nepalis in Russian Army

Despite the government’s assertion that Russia is cooperating in repatriating Nepalis involved in the Russia-Ukraine conflict from the Russian side, the response from Russian authorities suggests otherwise. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, recently reached out to Russian Ambassador Aleksei Novikov to request assistance in repatriating Nepali workers engaged in unauthorized activities within the Russian military.

Nepal preparing to sign implementation agreement of BRI projects

The government of Nepal is making preparations to sign the implementation agreement of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects. Following the appointment of a new minister to the Ministry of Finance, the BRI implementation agreement is set to be executed within a few weeks, highly-placed government sources said. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Narayankaji Shrestha is slated to sign the BRI implementation agreement during his upcoming visit to China next week.

NEPSE index drops by 3.34 points on Wednesday

The NEPSE index has experienced a decline of 3.34 points. On Wednesday, the share market closed at 2063.95 points, witnessing a decrease of 3.34 points. A total of 305 companies traded 9,445,697 shares, resulting in a transaction worth Rs 3,496,284,036. While the share prices of 94 companies increased, 147 companies saw a decrease in their share prices.

Misuse of state resources in Chandra Dhakal’s cable car venture in Taplejung sparks controversy

Businessman Chandra Dhakal’s pursuit of constructing a cable car in Pathibhara in Nepal’s Taplejung district, stands in stark contrast to the wishes of the local community and shows disregard for their religious sentiments. With the backing of government agencies, Dhakal, also the President of the Federation of Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), has pressed ahead with the project despite opposition from locals and concerns about its impact on the sacred site and surrounding forests.