Today’s national news in a nutshell

Govt forms new probe commission to investigate usury issues

The government has established a new commission to address issues related to usury victims. According to government sources, the commission will be led by former Justice Tej Bahadur Karki. Former AIG Pushkar Karki and Sanjeev Mishra have been appointed as members of the commission. Despite earlier calls from the Ministry of Home Affairs for the establishment of such a commission, the decision was made during Thursday’s Cabinet meeting.

Bansbari Land Embezzlement: Govt to reclaim 10 ropanis land registered under Bansbari Shoes Company

The 10 ropanis of public land, previously registered under Bansbari Shoes Company and encroached upon by various parties including CG Chandbagh Residency, is set to be reclaimed under government ownership. During a press conference organized by the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, and Poverty Alleviation on Friday, Chief Land Revenue Officer of the Land Reform and Land Revenue Office, based in Dilli Bazaar, Chhabiram Nepali, informed about the decision to transfer the encroached 10 ropanis of land to government ownership.

Parliament at Standstill: Speaker flies to Switzerland with Party Chief Whips, Deputy Speaker uninformed

The session of the House of Representatives has come to a halt due to Speaker Devraj Ghimire’s failure to delegate power to Deputy Speaker Indira Rana Magar. Speaker Ghimire, accompanied by the Chief Whips and lawmakers from major political parties, has departed for Switzerland, leaving the House unattended despite the presence of Deputy Speaker Indira Rana Magar in Kathmandu.

NC withdraws support from Madhes govt

The Nepali Congress (NC) has announced the withdrawal of its support from the government of Madhes province. In a letter addressed to the provincial chief on Friday, the NC stated that it is retracting its support from the government.

Gold smuggling suspect Mahara released without bail

Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Former Speaker and Vice Chairman of CPN (Maoist Center), has been released without bail on a condition that he be present at the Crime Investigation Bureau when needed. Mahara was earlier arrested from Bhairahawa after the Gold Smuggling Probe Commission recommended legal actions against him. The Kathmandu District Court had previously granted permission for a four-day remand of Mahara to facilitate further investigation.

Chairman Oli denies UML’s inclusion in Socialist Front after meeting with PM Dahal

KP Sharma Oli, Chairman of CPN-UML, has dismissed speculations regarding UML’s potential entry into the Socialist Front following a discussion with Prime Minister and Chairman of CPN (Maoist Center), Pushpa Kamal Dahal. Contrary to earlier reports suggesting UML’s integration into the Socialist Front, Chairman Oli clarified the party’s stance, refuting any such plans. The decision came after a meeting between PM Dahal and Chairman Oli, where the matter was deliberated upon.

World Water Day 2024: When will Kathmanduites witness clean rivers in the Capital?

Water is essential for human survival, with early civilizations flourishing along riverbanks. However, rapid population growth, industrialization, and unregulated urban expansion have severely impacted freshwater sources, particularly the rivers flowing through the Kathmandu Valley such as Bagmati, Bishnumati, Dhobi Khola, and Tukucha, which have now been reduced to drainage channels. Urgent action from both authorities and the public is necessary to preserve and restore these vital water bodies.

Gold price down by Rs 1,300 per tola today

The price of gold decreased by Rs 1,300 per tola in the Nepali gold market today. According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of fine gold has been fixed at Rs 126,500 per tola and standard gold is traded at Rs 125,900 per tola.