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

Grade 12 board exams commence across Nepal

Today marks the commencement of Grade 12 examinations across the nation, as students gear up to put their knowledge to the test. A staggering total of 390,847 students, comprising 196,914 female and 193,933 male students, are participating in the examinations, scheduled from 8:00 am to 11:00 am. Additionally, 100,650 students are set to appear for grade increment exams, as confirmed by Dr. Mahashram Sharma, Chairperson of the National Examinations Board. Students hailing from 5,542 schools nationwide are engaged in the Grade 12 exam, reflecting the widespread participation in this crucial academic milestone. The examinations are slated to run until May 8th, with a total of 1526 exam centers established, including an unprecedented one located in Japan.

Home Ministry orders recall of security personnel deployed for personal security

The Home Ministry of Nepal has issued directives to the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force to promptly recall security personnel currently deployed for personal security duties, excluding those deployed in accordance with regulations, within the next 24 hours. In a significant move aimed at streamlining security operations, the Ministry has instructed security agencies to immediately withdraw personnel deployed for personal security, with the exception of those assigned to protect distinguished individuals. Furthermore, the Ministry has mandated the provision of detailed information regarding the recalled personnel.

Kathmandu takes lead as world’s most polluted city

 In a stark revelation, Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, has been identified as the most polluted city globally in terms of air quality, based on Friday morning’s data. As of 9:45 am, Kathmandu’s air quality has been classified as “very unhealthy,” with PM2.5 levels reaching a concerning 198 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3). PM2.5, the primary airborne pollutant comprising solid or liquid droplets with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, poses severe health risks. Data from IQ AirVisual, a Swiss organization specializing in global air-quality information, indicates that Kathmandu’s PM2.5 concentration surpasses the annual air quality guideline value set by the World Health Organization (WHO) by a staggering 29.8 times.

DDC settles Rs 480 million dues, eases financial strain on farmers

The Dairy Development Corporation (DDC) has successfully disbursed dues amounting to Rs 480 million to farmers, providing much-needed relief amidst financial challenges. In an impressive feat, the DDC accomplished this task within a span of 13 days, coinciding with a surge in the sale of milk products during the month of Baisakh. Providing insights into the distribution of payments, sources revealed that Rs 100 million was disbursed in Biratnagar, Rs 10 million in Janakpur, Rs 80 million in Hetauda, Rs 42.5 million in Lumbini, Rs 27.5 million in Nepalgunj, Rs 15 million in Dhangadhi, and Rs 130 million in the Kathmandu region.

Gold prices surge by Rs 1,400 today

Gold prices experienced a notable uptick in the domestic market today, rising by Rs 1,400 per tola. As reported by the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of fine gold has been revised to Rs 137,200 per tola, while standard gold is currently trading at Rs 136,550 per tola. In contrast, the price of silver has remained relatively stable, maintaining its position at Rs 1,675 per tola.

Police seize over a kilo of illegal gold and 14.3 million rupees cash in Kathmandu bust

Police in Kathmandu have apprehended seven individuals in possession of over a kilogram of illicit gold and more than 14.3 million rupees in cash. A team from the Kathmandu Valley Crime Division made the arrests, seizing 1.8 kilograms of gold and 14.3 million rupees in cash. Authorities intend to disclose further details during a press conference scheduled for Friday in Kathmandu.

Madhav Nepal warns fragility in ruling coalition as Oli and Prachanda take center stage

Unified Socialist Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal, who initially aligned with Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda following the dissolution of the parliament by CPN UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, found himself betrayed twice by Prachanda. The two leaders joined forces to sideline Oli during the intra-party rift in the then Nepal Communist Party (NCP). However, Nepal, after breaking away from UML to form a new party, faced betrayal on two occasions by Prachanda — first on December 25, 2022, and then on March 4, 2024. Nepal, who had lent support to Prachanda in the struggle against Oli, was deeply shocked by these betrayals. Prachanda didn’t consult leader Nepal when shifting alliances, notably when he switched from leading the Nepali Congress to joining CPN-UML. In a surprising turn of events last year on December 26, 2023, Nepal was taken aback when Prachanda reconciled with Oli, shaking hands in Balkot.

Joint Secretary Gaire dismissed from post

Dr. Kamalraj Gaire, the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, has been dismissed from his position. The ministry, in a statement released on Friday, announced that Gaire has been dismissed from service for not being in contact since April 15, 2023. Gaire has been removed from service as per the decision of the Council of Ministers in accordance with Section 6 of Clause 61 (1) of the Civil Service Act, 2049. The Civil Service Act provisions state that if an individual remains absent from government service for more than 90 consecutive days, they can be removed.

Home Ministry transfers six SSPs when IGP Kunwar is abroad

The Ministry of Home Affairs has transferred six Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) while Inspector General Basanta Kunwar is abroad. Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane has opted to transfer the senior police officials at the time when the IGP is away from home. IGP Kunwar has gone to France to attend a program organized by INTERPOL. SSP Bhupendra Khatri of Kathmandu District Police Office has been transferred to the Crime Investigation Department. Basant Rajurel has been appointed as the new Chief of Kathmandu.

CIAA files corruption case against 10 persons, including Land Revenue Office staff in Solukhumbu

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has taken legal action against ten individuals, among them former Kharidar of the Land Revenue Office in Solukhumbu, Tej Nath Paudel. According to CIAA spokesperson Narhari Ghimire, the anti-corruption body has filed a case against these individuals, including staff from Solukhumbu’s Land Revenue Office and Survey Office, for allegedly facilitating the unauthorized transfer of public land to private individuals. “CIAA has filed a case against 10 individuals for their involvement in transferring Plot numbers 579 and 581 of Jubhing-5, Solukhumbu, to private individuals through fraudulent means,” stated the spokesperson, adding,” The case has been filed at the Special Court on Friday.”

Nagarik Unmukti Party Chair dispute: SC directs submission of original documents

The Supreme Court has ordered the submission of documents in the case filed by Nagarik Unmukti Party leader Resham Chaudhary against party Chair Ranjita Shrestha and the Election Commission (EC). During the hearing on the writ filed by leader Chaudhary, a division bench comprising Justices Balkrishna Dhakal and Binod Sharma ordered the detailed documents to be presented in the case. Chaudhary, who was elected as president during the first general convention held in Tikapur, had his legitimacy rejected by the Commission due to a criminal offense case filed against him.

Dipesh Pun released after bail payment in cooperative fraud case

Dipesh Pun, the son of former Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun, has been released after posting a bail of Rs. 400,000 on Friday in Kathmandu. Pun was initially detained in relation to the Supreme Cooperative Fraud case in Butwal and had been held since March 15. The Rupandehi District Court had granted his release on bail of Rs. 400,000 last week; however, he was able to secure his release today after fulfilling the bail requirements.

9,428 EPS exam passouts eligible to switch to service sector in Korea

In a significant development, 9,428 individuals who had successfully passed the EPS Korean Language Exam are now eligible to transition their roster from the agriculture and manufacturing sectors to the service sector. The EPS Korea Section issued a press statement confirming this opportunity, emphasizing that candidates who previously qualified for roles in agriculture and manufacturing can now opt for positions in the service industry. A detailed list comprising the names of these 9,428 individuals has been published by the Section. Interested candidates are encouraged to initiate their sector change process between April 26 and April 30.

Nepal introduces four new players for five T20 matches against west Indies ‘A’

Nepal gears up for an exciting series of five T20 matches against West Indies ‘A’ starting this Saturday, serving as crucial preparation ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup. The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has unveiled the Nepali squad for this series, welcoming four new faces to the team. Joining the lineup are Binod Bhandari, Sagar Dhakal, Lokesh Bam and Kamal Singh Airee. The action-packed series commences with the opening match on April 27, followed by subsequent clashes on April 28, May 1, May 2, and concluding on May 4.