Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.

World Peace Puja organized in Lumbini today

The World Buddhist Religious Association organized the World Peace Puja in Lumbini today. The prayer ceremony was complemented by a mass exhibition of Buddha idols. This event, featuring one thousand idols of Gautam Buddha, aims to propagate a message of peace amidst the escalating conflicts among powerful nations in recent times. Ani (Yogini) Bhim Suwa Gurung, Chairperson of the Association, stated that the commencement of the event will coincide with the 2568th BuddhaJayanti celebrated this year. As the Ani said, the event further promotes Buddhist literature and philosophy on the international stage, bridging emotional gaps among individuals, discouraging conflicts among powerful nations, and minimizing their impacts on people’s lives. Previously, the Association organized similar events in around 20 nations.

2568th Buddha Jayanti observed today

The 2568th birth anniversary of Siddhartha Gautam popular around the world as Buddha, the harbinger of peace was celebrated today. Buddha Jayanti is celebrated every year on the full moon day of the month of Baisakh in the Lunar calendar. As Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death falls on the full moon day of Baishakh, Buddhists around the world, including in Nepal, celebrate the day with reverence and devotion to Buddha. Likewise, Buddhist monks and religious leaders sit in chaityas, monasteries, vihars etc., and perform traditional rituals. Special events are held in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha and in Kapilvastu, Swayambhu and Boudha. Siddhartha Gautam was born to King Suddhodhan and Queen Mayadevi in Lumbini of present Rupandehi district in 563 BC i.e. 2568 years ago.

Ubhauli festival celebrated today

The Ubhauli festival was celebrated especially by the Kirant Rai community across the country. During the festival, there is a tradition of worshiping nature before planting the crops to ensure that the land gives good output. Chandi dance is also performed on the occasion of this festival. Sakela dance is also performed among different sects of the Kirant community. Meanwhile, in Kathmandu, the Kirant Rai Yayokkha hosted a special event including prayers and worshipping Sakelasthan in Hattiban of Lalitpur. However, the people of Ainselukharka Rural Municipality of Khotang celebrate this festival after the 22nd of the month of Jetha (the first week of June) in the Lunar calendar.

Oli, Prachanda, and Lamichhane dismiss press freedom fears over Sirohiya’s arrest

Prime Minister and Chairman of Maoist Center Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, CPN-UML Chairman KP Oli, and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) have all voiced similar perspectives on Kantipur Media Group (KMG) Kailash Sirohiya’s arrest. All these three leaders have stated that it is not appropriate to claim that press freedom is under threat. UML Chairman Oli, speaking at a program in Jhapa, responded to local media inquiries about Sirohiya’s arrest, saying, “There is a lot of hue and cry going on. I don’t think that should be done.” Prime Minister Dahal echoed this sentiment in Kathmandu. Speaking briefly to journalists at Chandragiri after the ‘International Dialogue of Experts on Mountains, People, and Climate’, he said, “I merely gave a nod to the court’s orders after it asked to proceed with the process. I don’t think it is necessary to make more noise.” Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Mukul Dhakal, the Spokesperson for the RSP led by Home Minister Lamichhane, issued a statement saying that the police arrested businessman Kailash Sirohiya to investigate the accusation of forged citizenship with the permission of the Dhanusha District Court, asserting that no one is above the law.

Gold price down by Rs 1,800 per tola today

Gold price decreased by Rs 1,800 per tola in the domestic market today. As reported by the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of fine gold has been fixed at Rs 140,500 per tola, while standard gold is currently traded at Rs 139,800 per tola. The price of fine gold was Rs 140,500 per tola, while standard gold was traded at Rs 139,800 per tola on Wednesday.

I remain steadfast in my pursuit of consensus: PM Dahal

Prime Minister (PM) Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has reiterated his commitment to fostering consensus with the Nepali Congress. Speaking to journalists at a meeting, he expressed readiness to form a parliamentary investigation committee to address cooperative fraud allegations. However, he lamented that efforts toward consensus were undermined by external influences just as they were nearing fruition. “I am dedicated to consensus-building,” affirmed Prime Minister Dahal. “Though I am unsure who initiated discord within the Nepali Congress, I remain steadfast in my pursuit of consensus.” In light of recent events, Prime Minister Dahal emphasized the importance of collaborative governance.

Ministry of Sports pushes for Sandeep Lamichhane’s visa

The Ministry of Youth and Sports has initiated efforts to address the visa rejection of national cricket player Sandeep Lamichhane by the US Embassy in Kathmandu. Following discussions between Youth and Sports Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha and Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) Secretary Paras Khadka on Thursday, the Ministry forwarded a formal request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urging assistance in securing Sandeep’s visa. Minister Shrestha affirmed, “We’ve taken all necessary steps from the ministry’s end for Sandeep’s visa,” pledging continued support. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is now tasked with advancing Sandeep’s visa application, crucial as the T-20 Cricket World Cup looms, set to kick off in America and the West Indies on June 1. Nepal, captained by Paras Khadka a decade ago in their maiden World Cup appearance, has since dispatched a 15-member squad led by Rohit Paudel.

Advertisement board warns of legal action against misleading advertisements

The Advertisement Board has issued a warning regarding the recent surge in misleading advertisements published and disseminated across various media, including social platforms. The Board has appealed to everyone to refrain from such practices. During its monitoring of various media, the Board discovered advertisements promoting goods at exorbitant prices, including several types of tea, oil, shampoo, and drugs claiming to cure any health issues. These advertisements often fail to mention the names of the persons or companies producing these goods or services. Board spokesperson Nishan Raj Gautam stated that they have received complaints about such misleading advertisements. According to Clause 15 (b) of the Advertisement (Regulation) Act, 2076 BS, any audio, visual, or audio-visual advertisement material must be vetted by the Board before dissemination.

NC mobilizes representatives in all 15 constituencies in the Valley for upcoming protests

The Nepali Congress (NC), the main opposition party demanding a parliamentary probe committee to investigate Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane in the cooperative fraud case, has mobilized representatives across all 15 constituencies in the Kathmandu Valley in preparation for a protest starting Sunday.A meeting of the central committee and parliamentary party held on Wednesday decided to commence street protests against the government starting Sunday.

Task force fails to reach agreement; NC insists on including Home Minister Lamichhane in TOR

A meeting of the task force formed to prepare the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the parliamentary investigation committee ended without agreement on Thursday afternoon at Singha Durbar. The failure to reach a consensus was due to the Nepali Congress (NC), the main opposition party, insisting on including Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane’s name in the TOR. Chief Whip of CPN-UML Mahesh Bartaula and Chief Whip of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Santosh Pariyar stated that the NC is likely to reconsider its demand to include Home Minister Lamichhane in the TOR. They informed that the next meeting of the task force is scheduled for 7 AM on Friday, where they aim to finalize the TOR. However, Jeevan Pariyar, the Deputy General Secretary of the NC, maintained that the party is firm on including Home Minister Lamichhane in the TOR and will not back down from this demand.

Preliminary squad for ACC Women’s Asia Cup announced

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced a 28-member preliminary squad for the ACC Women’s Asia Cup, with Indu Varma as captain. The Asian Cricket Council will organize the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka from July 19-28. Nepal is in Group ‘A’ of the championship, along with India, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates. Group ‘B’ includes Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Thailand.