KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Monsoon disaster: Death toll climbs to 190
Eight people have lost their lives in monsoon-induced disasters across Nepal in the past 24 hours, raising the total death toll to 190 since June 10. According to Nepal Police, the fatalities resulted from landslides, floods, and various other natural disasters. The breakdown of deaths by region is as follows: 3 in Kathmandu Valley, 27 in Koshi Province, and 8 in Madhesh Province. Bagmati Province reported 32 fatalities, Gandaki Province 36, Karnali Province 13, and Sudurpaschim Province 15. Nepal Police Spokesperson and DIG Dan Bahadur Karki reported that a total of 114 people have been rescued from disaster-affected areas since the monsoon began.
Gaijatra festival observed today
The traditional festival of Gaijatra or the ‘cow festival’ was observed starting today in three cities of Kathmandu Valley and some other places in the country amidst much fun, gaiety, humor, satire, and entertainment. The festival, beginning on the first day of the waning moon in the month of Bhadra (Bhadra Pratiprada) as per the lunar calendar, lasts for a week. During this time-honored tradition, people of all ages in the guise of cows and lunatics go around the city, wearing odd costumes to commemorate those who died during the past one year. The bereaved families offer fruits, bread, beaten rice, curd, and money to those participating in the procession including the cows.
Gold being traded at Rs. Rs 152,200 per tola today
The price of gold in the Nepalese market decreased by Rs 100 per tola today. The price of gold reached Rs 152,200 per tola today, according to the Nepal Gold and Silver Traders Federation. On Monday, gold was traded at Rs 152,300. It should be noted that the gold price reached its highest level ever on Sunday. In addition, the price of silver remained unchanged today.
Domestic flights affected by inclement weather
Domestic air flights are experiencing disruptions due to inclement weather today. The Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) has reported that flights to Pokhara and Bharatpur are being impacted by poor weather and low visibility. Jagannath Niraula, General Manager of the TIA, stated that while domestic flights are affected, international flights continue to operate as usual. “Due to poor visibility, flights to Pokhara and Bharatpur have been suspended,” Niraula explained. “Normal flight operations have also been disrupted at airports in other hilly regions.”
Four Nepali athletes set to compete in Wado Ryu Karate Do International Championship in Japan
Four Nepali athletes will participate in the ninth Wado Ryu Karate Do International Championship 2024, scheduled to take place in Tokyo, Japan, from August 24. The six-member team includes players Alen Shrestha, Susmita Waiba, Anil Uparkoti, and Aron Sherchan, who will be representing Nepal in the two-day championship. In a program held at Khumaltar, former Prime Minister and Chairperson of the CPN (Maoist Centre), Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, bade farewell to the athletes.
Low revenue and rising public debt hinder development financing, says Finance Minister Paudel
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Bishnu Prasad Paudel, highlighted the challenges of mobilizing resources for development due to the weakening revenue-generating capacity of developing and least-developed countries. Speaking at the ‘Finance for Development Dialogue’ organized by the United Nations in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Minister Paudel emphasized the issues faced by Nepal. He noted that low revenue collection and increasing public debt obligations are creating significant obstacles. “The government’s investment in development activities is shrinking as a substantial portion of revenue is now allocated to servicing public debt. This situation poses a risk to our goal of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” Minister Paudel remarked.
Lumbini Province Chief Minister Acharya wins vote of confidence
Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya of Lumbini Province secured a vote of confidence on Tuesday. In the provincial assembly meeting held today, 70 lawmakers voted in favor of CM Acharya’s trust motion, while 11 voted against it. Acharya was appointed as Chief Minister following the formation of a new government at the central level, after an alliance was forged between the CPN-UML and the Nepali Congress.
539 of 753 local levels fully electrified; 99% of citizens now have access to power: NEA
A total of 539 out of 753 local levels in Nepal have been fully electrified, while 196 have partial electrification, according to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). To date, 18 local levels have not been connected to the national grid but have access to electricity through micro hydropower projects and solar plants. As per the NEA’s 2081 BS electrification data, 99 percent of Nepal’s population now has access to electricity. The data, which covers all levels down to individual wards, reveals that the country currently has 5.935 million electricity consumers. Of these, 97 percent receive electricity from the national grid, while the remaining 2 percent use alternative sources.
Seven sections of national highway blocked due to landslides
Seven sections of the national highway have been blocked by landslides across the country, while 244 road sections remain operational with one-way traffic, according to the Department of Roads. The affected sections include: NH09 of Madan Bhandari Highway in Pyuthan, Bhaluwang-Liwang-Rolpa-Madichour-Darbot section in Garjeni, Chatara-Mulghat-Majhitar-Amapu Danda-Ganeshchowk Highway in Morang, from Chatara Bridge to Barahkshetra, Galje section of Dhungeshwar-Manma-Nagma-Jumla Highway in Kalikot, Yalambar road section of Pushpalal Mid-Hill Highway in Panchthar, Tansen-Ridi-Korala Highway near Achcheswar Cave in Gulmi, Chorkhola road section in Salyan of Rapti Highway.
Government prepares to lift TikTok ban
After an eight-month ban on TikTok, the government has begun preparations to lift the restriction on the short-form video hosting service owned by Chinese internet company ByteDance. This move follows a letter from TikTok’s Singapore-based office, in which the company committed to adhering to Nepalese laws and legal processes. Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has initiated consultations with relevant authorities to move forward with lifting the ban.
Cholera cases in Nepal rise to 58 as three new infections reported
Three new cases of cholera have been confirmed in Kathmandu, bringing the total number of infections nationwide to 58, according to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division. Lalitpur remains the most affected area, with 41 cases reported. Meanwhile, seven cases have been detected in Kathmandu, eight in Kailali, and two in Pyuthan. Out of the total 58 cases, 56 individuals have recovered, while two are currently undergoing treatment, the division reported.
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