KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Education Minister calls for enhanced security at TU
Education Minister Bidya Bhattarai has urged the Home Minister to implement enhanced security measures at Tribhuvan University (TU) following recent threats and attacks targeting university officials and professors. In a post on Facebook, Minister Bhattarai highlighted the growing insecurity at the university, reporting attempts to assault officials and threats against faculty members. She expressed her concern that the situation has rendered the university unsafe and strongly requested that the Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak take immediate action to ensure security. Minister Bhattarai’s decision to address the issue publicly on social media, rather than through official channels, has faced criticism.
Landslides block Karnali Highway
The Karnali Highway has been blocked due to incessant rain. Bir Bahadur JT, Information Officer at the Road Division Office in Jumla, reported that the highway has been completely obstructed since Wednesday morning due to landslides along the Surkhet-Jumla road section. Efforts are underway to clear the road, which was impacted by floods and landslides. JT stated that work is being carried out to restore the road as quickly as possible. The heavy rain has led to frequent landslides in areas such as Dahikhola, Gagnekhola, Ismode, and Hulme within the Kalikot section of the Karnali Highway.
Flood warning: Bagmati river levels surge past alert threshold
The Flood Forecasting Division has issued an urgent warning due to severe flooding in the Bagmati River in Kathmandu. The Division’s notice has reported that the water level at the Gaurighat Water Measuring Center has surpassed the alert threshold. The notification states, “As the water level at the Gaurighat water measuring station in Kathmandu has exceeded the alert level and continues to rise, residents in the affected areas and those traveling through the Bagmati Corridor should exercise heightened vigilance.”
Gold price reaches all-time high
The price of gold in the Nepali market has reached an all-time high on Wednesday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Traders, the price of gold has surged by 800 rupees per tola today. Currently, the price of gold stands at Rs 153,000 per tola, marking the highest price ever recorded. This new record follows a previous high set on Sunday, when gold was trading at Rs 152,600 per tola. On Tuesday, the fine gold was priced at Rs 152,200 per tola.
Buddha Air flight diverted to Bhairahawa due to bad weather
A Buddha Air aircraft en route from Pokhara to Kathmandu was diverted to Bhairahawa on Wednesday morning. The diversion occurred due to adverse weather conditions at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. The plane circled in the air for approximately 20 minutes before landing at Gautam Buddha Airport in Bhairahawa. Jasoda Regmi, Information Officer at Pokhara Airport, explained that low visibility necessitated the diversion to ensure passenger safety.
RSP to contest in upcoming local-level by-elections
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by Rabi Lamichhane, has decided to participate in the upcoming local-level by-elections. This decision was made during a Central Committee meeting held on Wednesday. The Election Commission has recommended the government to conduct by-elections in Mangsir for the vacant local-level posts.
RSP demands clarification from Mukul Dhakal within 24 hours once again
Mukul Dhakal, who was recently expelled from his position as the General Secretary of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has once again been asked to provide an explanation within 24 hours regarding his status as an ordinary member. “The party has decided to seek clarification from Dhakal within 24 hours on why disciplinary action should not be taken against him,” stated Manish Jha, the party spokesperson. This decision was made during the Central Committee meeting held on Wednesday. Earlier, the party had sought a similar response from Dhakal on August 14.
Landslide blocks road at Nagdhunga, disrupts traffic
Vehicular traffic has been disrupted in the Nagdhunga area of Chandragiri Municipality-2 due to a landslide, according to police. Superintendent of Police Nawaraj Adhikari, spokesperson for the District Police Range Kathmandu, stated that the landslide occurred near Nagmandir, just a few meters from Nagdhunga Chowk. As a result, all incoming and outgoing vehicles have been halted.
Two injured after boulder strikes moving vehicle on Narayangadh-Muglin road
Two people were injured when a boulder struck a moving micro-bus on the Narayangadh-Muglin road section in Chitwan. The micro-bus, with registration number Province 01006 Kha 6414, was hit by the boulder in Bharatpur Metropolitan-29. The injured passengers have been identified as Kalpana Pariyar, 30, and her eight-year-old daughter, Kanchan Pariyar, of Devchuli Municipality-13.
Government prepares to open Dharahara to public despite delayed reconstruction
The government is preparing to open Dharahara to the public, even though its reconstruction remains incomplete. Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development, Prakash Man Singh, stated that despite ongoing construction, special arrangements are being made to open Dharahara soon. “Dharahara will soon be opened to the public,” said Minister Singh. The iconic landmark, located in the heart of Kathmandu, was destroyed by the massive earthquake on Baisakh 21, 2072 BS.
Palpa local government recognizes same-sex marriage
A same-sex marriage has been officially registered at Rampur Municipality in Palpa district. China Kumari Nepali, 31, and Jyoti Sarki, 36, registered their marriage at the Municipality’s Ward No. 9 Office, making their union legally recognized. Rampur-9 Local Civil Registration Officer and Ward Secretary, Md Yunus Khan, confirmed that the marriage registration certificate was issued in Nepali and Sarki’s names, in accordance with a circular from the Department of National ID and Civil Registration.
Annapurna Conservation Area reports 21 deaths from altitude sickness last year
The Annapurna Conservation Area, a world-renowned trekking destination, reported 21 deaths due to altitude sickness during the fiscal year 2080-81 BS (2023-24). Among the deceased, six were Nepali. According to Dr. Rabin Kadariya, Chief of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the victims included 11 Indians, two Malaysians, one Ukrainian, and one Briton. The majority of the fatalities occurred in the Muktinath area of Mustang.
SAFF U-20 Championship: Bhutan defeats Maldives
Bhutan emerged victorious over the Maldives in today’s SAFF U-20 Football Championship match, held in Kathmandu. The match, played at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato, saw Bhutan defeat the Maldives 2-1. With this win, both Bhutan and India, in Group ‘B’, have accumulated three points each, while the Maldives remains without any points.
MCA-Nepal marks year of progress with $126 million in contracts
The Millennium Challenge Account Nepal (MCA-Nepal) project has made what it describes as “real momentum” in its implementation over the past year. According to MCA-Nepal, it has completed major contract procurements and made “significant progress” in preparing sites for contractors. Khadga Bahadur Bisht, Executive Director of MCA-Nepal said MCA-Nepal has awarded and signed contracts worth approximately US$ 126 million for the construction of three 400 kV GIS substations in Nawalparasi West, Nuwakot, and Tanahun from May to July 2024.
Raj Kumar Timilsina arrested in fake audio scam
Police have arrested Raj Kumar Timilsina, a fugitive accused in a fake audio scam, on Wednesday evening. A team from the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office apprehended Timilsina in Pepsicola. Timilsina had allegedly created a fake audio recording involving Supreme Court judges, legal experts, media personnel, and journalists. This fabricated audio was then published as part of the “Dark File” series by Siddhakura.com. The Cyber Bureau later confirmed the audio to be fake.
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