Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Public holiday announced in Kathmandu Valley to mourn Kirtipur Mayor’s death
The Kathmandu Valley Mayors’ Forum has declared a public holiday on Sunday to mourn the death of Kirtipur municipality mayor, Raj Kumar Nakarmi. The Forum announced that the holiday will be observed at all local levels in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur districts. The decision was made to honor Nakarmi, who passed away recently.
32 kgs of Yarsagumba exported from Manang
The collection of Yarsagumba, also known as Cordyceps sinensis, has been completed in the lower regions of Manang. This season, a total of 32.5 kgs of Yarsagumba has been exported from the area. Dhak Bahadur Bhujel, Head of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) unit in Manang, reported that revenue amounting to Rs 1.65 million was collected from the export. A fee of Rs 51,000 per kg was charged for the export of Yarsagumba. Around 200 people acquired permits to collect Yarsagumba from the Namke area in the district. Namke is the primary collection site for Yarsagumba in Manang.
Two children diagnosed with Measles in Shuklaphanta Municipality
Two children in Shuklaphanta Municipality have been diagnosed with measles. The infected include an eight-year-old and a 22-month-old child from ward no. 11 of the municipality. Additionally, 19 other suspected cases are being tested for measles. The Ministry of Social Development of Sudurpaschim Province has dispatched human resources to conduct further studies and tests in the area. A vaccination program will be implemented in regions where measles cases have been detected.
Four new ministers sworn in Bagmati Province
Four newly appointed ministers of Bagmati Province were sworn in on Saturday. Province Chief Yadav Chandra Sharma administered the oath of office and secrecy to Hari Prabha Khadki, Suraj Chandra Lamichhane, Min Krishna Maharjan, and Bimal Thakuri. Chief Minister Bahadur Singh Lama of Bagmati Province expanded his Cabinet on Thursday by appointing four new ministers from his party, the Nepali Congress. Hari Prabha Khadki has been appointed as the Minister for Social Development, while Suraj Chandra Lamichhane will serve as the Minister of Internal Affairs and Law. Min Krishna Maharjan has been named Minister for Youths and Sports, and Bimal Thakuri will take on the role of Tourism Minister.
236 industries shut down in Parbat due to economic recession
The economic recession following the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the industrial sector in Parbat. The number of business closures has surpassed new registrations in the last financial year. In the fiscal year 2023/24, a total of 195 industries and business firms were registered in the district, while 236 businesses shut down during the same period. According to the Office of Tourism and Industry, there were 3,426 industries and 3,275 commercial firms operating in Parbat in the fiscal year 2022/23. By the end of 2023/24, only 3,413 industries and 3,247 commercial firms remained, with 47 industries closing in just one year.
Nepal imports goods worth Rs 65 billion from China
In the last fiscal year, Nepal imported goods worth Rs 65.22 billion from China through the Rasuwagadhi customs point. The imported goods included vehicles, ready-made garments, rubber products, shoes, sandals, handbags, hosiery, raw materials for footwear, apples, garlic, and more. Chief of Rasuwa Customs Office in Timure, Ram Prasad Pathak, reported that a significant number of electric vehicles were also imported through this customs point. Nepal imported a total of 7,377 Chinese vehicles, including buses, cars, tricycles, vans, and others, with the total value exceeding Rs 19.57 billion in the fiscal year 2080/081 BS. In contrast, Nepal’s exports through the Rasuwagadhi customs point were significantly lower, amounting to just Rs 1.96 billion, highlighting a substantial trade deficit between Nepal and China.
Road accidents in Kathmandu Valley decrease by 16%
While road accidents and fatalities in various parts of the country have raised concerns among the public and policymakers, the Kathmandu Valley has seen a decline in road incidents in recent years. According to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, road accidents have decreased by 16.8% and human fatalities have dropped by 6% compared to the previous fiscal year. Office Spokesperson SP Bishwaraj Khadka reported that 177 people died in 8,881 road accidents in the fiscal year 2023/24, down from 187 deaths in 10,675 accidents in the previous fiscal year. In 2022/23, 191 people lost their lives in 10,733 road accidents.
Saurya Airlines Plane Crash: 17 victims’ bodies handed over to families
The bodies of 17 out of the 18 people who died in the Saurya Airlines plane crash at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) on Wednesday have been handed over to their families. The handovers occurred after post-mortem examinations were conducted on the deceased. According to police officials, 12 bodies were handed over on Saturday, while the remaining five were released to families on Friday. The crash claimed the lives of 18 out of the 19 people on board, with only the Captain surviving the accident.
Nepal exports plywood and veneer worth Rs 3 billion to India in FY 2023/24
In the fiscal year 2023/24, Nepal exported 99,801 metric tons of wooden goods, including plywood and veneer, worth Rs 2.96 billion to India. Plywood production primarily involves fast-growing trees like the uttis (Alder tree) planted in the farmlands of the eastern hills in Nepal. Veneer wood, which is produced from wooden boards, is processed to make plywood used for furniture and other wooden items.
UML and NC to lead Koshi government in turns
The CPN-UML and Nepali Congress (NC) have reached an agreement to alternately lead the Koshi provincial government. As part of the deal, the Nepali Congress will take over leadership of the Koshi government after President Sher Bahadur Deuba is appointed as the Prime Minister in the central level. Currently, the government of Koshi Province is led by UML, with the Nepali Congress allotted four ministries. NC leader and provincial assembly member Bhim Parajuli confirmed the arrangement. The agreement was finalized during a meeting between Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki and NC’s parliamentary party leader Uddav Thapa. Each party has been allocated four ministries.
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