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

Govt arrears surge to over Rs 1.18 trillion: OAG Report

The government arrears have reached a staggering Rs 1.18 trillion, comprising amounts owed by government offices, institutional corporations, and provincial and local governments and related bodies. The 61st annual report of the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) stated that the last fiscal year, 2079/80 alone, witnessed arrears amounting to Rs 236 billion.

Nepal ranks 10th among countries at high climate risk

Due to its unique topography and geological characteristics, Nepal is highly vulnerable to climate change. According to a study by the international organization ‘German Watch,’ Nepal ranks 10th among countries at high risk from climate change based on the Long-Term Climate Risk Index (2000–2019) conducted in 2011. The impacts of rising temperatures due to climate change are more pronounced in the Himalayan region.

Budhanilkantha Mayor and three Ward Chairs sentenced to one month in jail

Budhanilkantha Municipality Mayor Mitharam Adhikari and three ward chairs have been sentenced to one month in jail. The Kathmandu District Court issued the ruling on Friday, sentencing Mayor Adhikari and three ward chairs to one month in prison. The verdict, which was delivered by Judge Dr. Rajendra Kumar Acharya, sentenced Mayor Adhikari along with ward chairs Nawaraj Bhattarai, Suman Tamang, and Chandraman Shrestha.

A foreign national arrested with cocaine worth Rs 38.5 million

A foreign woman has been arrested with cocaine valued at Rs 38.5 million. A 49-year-old Congolese national was apprehended with 1 kg and 101 grams of cocaine in Thamel, Kathmandu, on Friday. According to Rameshwor Karki, spokesperson for the Narcotics Control Bureau, the arrestee is a member of an international drug trafficking racket. She was arrested at a hotel in Thamel after traveling to Kathmandu from Dubai.

Anarchic posturing will not be tolerated, cooperative victims will get justice: Gagan Thapa

General Secretary of the Nepali Congress, Gagan Kumar Thapa, asserted that the opposition must warn and stand against the government’s ‘anarchic behavior’. Speaking at an event marking the 33rd anniversary of the Nepal Press Union (NPU), an alliance of democratic journalists, Thapa emphasized that political parties must uphold their integrity and responsibility to citizens, whether in power or opposition. During the event titled ‘Significance of Media in Democracy’, Thapa stressed that addressing the misappropriation of cooperative funds should be a key agenda for the opposition, irrespective of the ruling party.

Economic Survey: Govt projects economic growth of 3.9 percent

The government has projected an economic growth of 3.9 percent for the current fiscal year 2080/81 BS. Finance Minister Barsaman Pun presented the Economic Survey for the fiscal year 2080-81 and the Annual Review of Public Institutions, 2081, in the parliamentary session amid obstructions from the main opposition party, Nepali Congress. Minister Pun stated that total investment is expected to increase by 3.8 percent, and the Per Capita Income (PCI) is projected to reach $1,456.

NC boycotts Sudurpaschim PA demanding parliamentary probe into cooperative fraud

The Nepali Congress (NC) has boycotted the province assembly meeting in Sudurpaschim demanding a parliamentary probe into the cooperative fraud case involving Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane. The first meeting of the budget session, scheduled for Sunday afternoon, was boycotted by NC and the Resham Chaudhary faction of the Nagarik Unmukti Party. Lawmakers from NC and the Nagarik Unmukti party surrounded the well of the house, demanding a probe into the cooperative fraud and chanting slogans against those involved.

PM Dahal assures to end parliament impasse by Monday

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said he is confident of a political development to put an end to the ongoing parliamentary obstructions by Monday, tomorrow. Though today’s political meeting aiming to end the parliament impasse failed to meet the objective, there will be consensus and an agreement in this regard by tomorrow, according to him. He said this during his replies to the concerns over the government policies and programs for the fiscal year 2081-82 (2024-25) in a meeting of the House of Representatives today for a consensus.

Coalition govt is heading towards autocracy: Gagan Thapa

Nepali Congress (NC) General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa has raised concerns over the unchecked behavior exhibited by the coalition government, warning that it indicates a slide towards autocracy. Addressing a program organized by the Press Union in Kathmandu on Sunday, Thapa highlighted the worrisome behavior displayed by the coalition government. He emphasized that such conduct poses a threat to the hard-earned achievements of the nation.