Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Former Vice President’s son, Deepesh, handed over to CIB
Deepesh Pun, son of former Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun, who was released on bail in the Supreme Savings and Credit Cooperative embezzlement case, has been interrogated by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB). Although on April 19, the District Court of Rupandehi ordered the release of Pun along with six others on bail, Deepesh remained in custody for seven days, until recently. Even though the single bench of Justice Dr. Deepak Upadhyay had granted bail to those involved in the cooperative case, Deepesh was apprehensive about being arrested by the CIB and stayed in jail without posting bail.
Govt advances ‘Sovereign Credit Rating’
The government has taken a step forward in the Sovereign Credit Rating (SCR) process, which had been halted for three years. SCR is a major indicator of the country’s financial status and credit capacity, seen through various bases; the rating provides accurate information about the state of investment risk in the country. Foreign investors take the SCR as a precursor to investment. Without a credit rating, Nepal has not been able to obtain commercial loans from international development partners. With the aim of increasing foreign investment, the government had announced the implementation of the Sovereign Credit Rating in the fiscal year 2075/76. The government had issued public notices inviting companies to conduct SCR. The world’s three major companies, Fitch, Moody’s, and Standard & Poor’s, had submitted applications. Among them, the government had entered into an agreement with Fitch Ratings Agency for credit rating.
Vote rigging inside polling center in Ilam, police seize materials
During the ongoing by-election in Ilam-2, fraudulent voting under the guise of an exit poll has been discovered. The police have seized the fake ballot papers inside the polling center and conducting voting. According to the police, the materials intended to print fake ballots to be distributed to voters inside the Mahendra Ratna Multiple Campus polling center in Ilam were confiscated. It was revealed that four female students residing in the campus hostel were tasked with stamping fake ballots. They were promised Rs 1500 each. The police report indicates that this group operated for up to two hours.
RSP candidate Limbu breaches code of conduct in Ilam-2 by-election
Milan Limbu, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) candidate for the Ilam-2 by-election, has been found violating the election code of conduct. A photograph circulating on social media shows Limbu casting his vote while wearing a badge featuring the election symbol of the party. The Election Commission quickly took notice of the photo, prompting action from the District Election Office, which investigated the incident at the polling station in Dahagaon, Mangsebung-2, where Limbu cast his vote. Following the investigation, Limbu was directed to remove the badge.
Investors take to streets ahead of Investment Summit
In the capital city on Saturday, domestic investors rallied in the streets, voicing their demands for safeguarding their interests. Accusations were leveled against the government, alleging neglect and favoritism towards foreign investors through amendments to laws and provisions. The protestors called for measures to ensure their protection, including the establishment of investment-friendly policies, efforts to stem brain drain, and intervention in the capital market.
Nepal secures victory over West Indies ‘A’ in inaugural T20 match, led by Captain Poudel’s century
Nepal clinched a resounding victory over West Indies ‘A’ by four wickets in the opening match of the T20 series. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Nepal invited West Indies ‘A’ to take the crease. West Indies ‘A’ managed to post a score of 204 runs, losing five wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Nepal clinched a resounding victory over West Indies ‘A’ by four wickets in the opening match of the T20 series. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Nepal invited West Indies ‘A’ to take the crease. West Indies ‘A’ managed to post a score of 204 runs, losing five wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
Vote count for Bajhang-1 by-election expected to be delayed
The commencement of the vote count for the Bajhang-1 by-election is unlikely to take place today due to logistical challenges posed by the region’s geography. Sudarsan Lamichhane, the chief election officer in the area, stated, “Ballot boxes from three polling centers need to be airlifted, but adverse weather conditions are hindering flight operations.” “The ballot boxes from Dhuli, Kanda, and Arangkuridanda are scheduled for airlifting. Although preparations are underway, it is improbable that they will reach the headquarters today,” Lamichhane added. He further mentioned, “As a result, the vote count is unlikely to commence today.”
By-elections witness dip in voter enthusiasm, turnout lower than 2079 election
By-elections for the House of Representatives (HoR) in Ilam-2 and for the Provincial Assembly in Bajhang-1 were conducted peacefully on Saturday. However, the voter turnout indicated a decreased enthusiasm among voters compared to previous elections. In Ilam-2 alone, 19 candidates are competing for a seat in the HoR. The voter turnout in the previous election in Ilam-2 stood at 59.78 percent, which has slightly decreased to around 58 percent in this election. According to the Election Commission (EC), Ilam-2 has a total of 116,889 voters. Similarly, the voter turnout has also declined in Bajhang-1. In the previous election, the turnout percentage was 52.98, which has dropped to around 50 percent this time.
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