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

By-election silence period comes into effect

The silence period of the by-election to the member of House of Representatives in Ilam-2 and the member of Sudurpaschim Province Assembly in Bajhang-1 (A) has come into effect from today. The by-election is taking place in Ilam-2 and Bajhang-1, on April 27. The Election Code of Conduct, 2079, issued by the Election Commission, has made provision for the silence period from 48 hours before the voting day until the voting is closed in order to hold the election in a free, fair and fear-free manner. Election campaigning and any type of discussion, interaction, assemblies, workshops and gatherings are prohibited during the silence period.

Gold price down by Rs 200 per tola today

Gold price decreased by Rs 200 per tola in the domestic market today. According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of fine gold has been fixed at Rs 135,800 per tola, while standard gold is being traded at Rs 135,150 per tola. The fine gold was traded at Rs 136,000 per tola, and standard gold was traded at Rs 135,350 per tola on Wednesday.

Video of elephants bound for Qatar is fake

Upon the return of the Emir (King) of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bil Hamad Al Thani, from his visit to Nepal, a video circulating on social media purportedly shows two elephants being loaded onto a truck, presumed to be en route to Qatar. In the viral footage, the elephants are depicted using a tool to climb onto the truck’s platform, allegedly named Rudrakali and Khagendra Prasad, supposedly gifted by Nepal to Qatar. This scene has stirred emotions among many Nepalis witnessing the video. However, it has been confirmed that the elephants in question are not the ones designated as gifts to Qatar by Nepal.

Draft of 16th plan unveiled

The government has unveiled the draft of the 16th plan, marking a significant step towards national development. Presented for deliberation in the National Development Council on Thursday, the draft reflects the collective vision for Nepal’s progress. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal articulated the plan’s key focuses during the Council’s inaugural session. He underscored the imperative of integrated infrastructure development and the strategic leveraging of information technology.

16th Plan: Government unveils 40 goals for prosperity

The government has outlined 40 goals in the 16th plan, spanning from fiscal year 2081/82 to 2085/86, aimed at fostering prosperity. Scheduled for implementation from the upcoming Shrawan, the plan is set to guide Nepal’s development over the next five years. Among the key targets, the government aims for an economic growth rate of 7.1 percent by the conclusion of fiscal year 2085/86, with a GDP reaching 2381 and a per capita income (PCI) of 2413 US dollars. Over the course of these five years, the plan envisions an average economic growth rate of 6.6 percent.

Love affair dispute sparks clashes in Dhanusha, police deploy tear gas

Tensions flared in Aurahi Rural Municipality-1 of Dhanusha district on Thursday afternoon as police clashed with locals amid a dispute over love affairs between youths from different villages. The confrontation erupted when police attempted to intervene in a disagreement involving youths from neighboring communities. Reports indicate that a group of youths had barricaded roads and initiated a protest. In response, law enforcement personnel intervened to clear the blockades, leading to a confrontation between the youths and police officers. The clash resulted in injuries to two police personnel and one member of the Armed Police Force.

Education Ministry requests EC details on political parties’ work execution committees

The Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology has called upon the Election Commission (EC) to furnish details regarding the work execution committees of political parties. As per the Ministry’s directive, a formal request has been made to the EC seeking comprehensive information on the office-bearers of all central, provincial, and district-level work execution committees affiliated with political parties. Sumana Shrestha, representing the Secretariat of the Minister for Education, Science, and Technology, affirmed that the purpose of obtaining these details from the EC is to initiate action against educators affiliated with political parties. Upon receiving the records from the EC, the Ministry plans to cross-verify the information with its existing database of teachers and employees.

Karnali CM Kandel wins vote of confidence

Yam Lal Kandel, the Chief Minister (CM) of Karnali Province, successfully secured a vote of confidence today, solidifying his position in office. CM Kandel garnered the support of 23 lawmakers in the Provincial Assembly during the confidence vote held on Thursday. Among the 40-member Provincial Assembly, two were absent, and one lawmaker was earlier suspended from participating. Out of the 38 lawmakers, including the Speaker, 35 took part in the confidence vote for CM Kandel. Of these, 23 voted in favor of him, while 12 voted against.

Mohan Baidya and Santa Bahadur agree to merge their parties

Mohan Baidya’s Krantikari Communist Party Nepal and Santa Bahadur Nepali’s CPN (Mashal) have reached a consensus to unite their parties. In a joint statement, Baidya and Nepali announced the merger of their respective parties, scheduled to take place on May 1, coinciding with International Labor Day. Baidya’s party had previously splintered from the Dahal-led Communist Party, while Ram Bahadur Thapa (Badal) had returned to Dahal’s faction.

Supreme Court rejects bail for seven, including Top Bahadur Rayamajhi

The Supreme Court (SC) has declined to grant bail to seven individuals, including UML leader Top Bahadur Rayamajhi. A joint bench comprising Justice Kumar Regmi and Tek Prasad Dhungana has ordered that they remain in custody. This decision was made during a hearing on a writ petition filed by Rayamajhi and others regarding the fake Bhutanese refugee case. The apex court’s order denies bail to Rayamajhi, Tek Narayan Pandey, Keshav Prasad Dhulal, Sandesh Sharma, Sagar Rai, Dr. Indra Jeet Rai, and Sanu Bhandari.

Bail granted to Sherpa and Chaudhary in fake Bhutanese refugee case

The Supreme Court has granted bail to Ang Dawa Sherpa and Govinda Kumar Chaudhary, who were accused in the fake Bhutanese refugee case. A joint bench comprising Justice Kumar Regmi and Tek Prasad Dhungana issued the order for their release on bail. Both individuals had been in custody following a remand order from the Patan High Court. The apex court has stipulated a bail amount of Rs 3,000,000 for Sherpa and Rs 1,000,000 for Chaudhary. Sherpa and Chaudhary filed a writ petition at the Supreme Court after being remanded in custody by the Patan High Court.

Former Minister Aftab Alam receives life imprisonment for Rajapur bomb incident

Former Minister Mohammad Aftab Alam has been sentenced to life imprisonment in connection with the Rajapur bomb incident. The District Court of Rautahat issued the order for Alam’s life imprisonment, following a conviction in the murder case. Presiding over the case, a bench led by Justice Matrika Prasad Acharya of the District Court found Alam guilty of the charges. The District Attorney’s Office in Rautahat filed the case against Alam on November 4, seeking life imprisonment on three counts of crime. Alam was accused of involvement in the production of explosives and offenses related to murder, allegations which he has consistently denied.