KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Ram Kumari Jhakri loses to Rai in Unified Socialist Party Vice Chair race
Ram Kumari Jhakri has been defeated in her bid for the position of woman Vice Chair of the Unified Socialist Party. Jhakri lost to leader Jayanthi Rai, who secured 199 votes compared to Jhakri’s 112 votes. According to the final results, Rai was elected as the female vice chair defeating Jhakri. In other election results, Dharmanath Prasad Sah has been elected as the Vice Chair under Madhesi category, while Gangalal Tuladhar, Jaganath Khatiwada, Bhanubhakta Joshi, and Prakash Jwala also emerged victorious as Vice Chair under open category.
Nepali student shot dead in Houston, USA
A Nepali student studying in Houston, Texas, was shot dead in her apartment near Hillcroft. Muna Pandey, 21, originally from Bhojpur, was found with a bullet wound to her chest. Police are currently investigating the incident, local media reports said. Muna, who arrived in the U.S. in 2021 on an F-1 visa, was studying at Houston Community College. On Monday afternoon, apartment staff received an anonymous tip about a deceased individual inside the apartment.
WHO announces Dhulikhel as Nepal’s first ‘healthy city
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced Kavrepalanchowk’s tourism town, Dhulikhel, as the first ‘healthy city’ of Nepal. Meeting the WHO-set criteria, Dhulikhel has been successful in receiving a reward of $ 5,000 being the second healthiest city in Asia. Program Coordinator of WHO Department of Ethics and Social Determinants Dr Suvajee Good on Tuesday announced Nepal’s first healthy city and the second healthy city in Asia. With the announcement, Dhulikhel was entitled to receive a reward of $ 5,000. India’s Pune City Banda is the first healthy city in Asia and Dhulikhel has been declared second with a score of 65.48.
Ashok Raj Sigdel appointed as Chief of Nepal Army
Ashok Raj Sigdel has been appointed as the Chief of the Nepal Army. The appointment was made by President Ram Chandra Paudel under Article 267 (5), according to the Office of the President. Sigdel’s new role will officially begin on Bhadra 24. Prior to this, he was serving as the acting Chief of the Nepal Army.
Doramba landslide: Death toll reaches 8
The death toll from the landslide at Doramba Shailung rural municipality-3 in Ramechhap district has climbed to eight. Of the 11 people that were missing after a landslide on August 25 swept away four houses, the eight dead bodies have been recovered so far, according to District Police Office, Chief Pradeep Kumar Singh. The rain-triggered landslide at Lekharka on last Saturday midnight resulted in 10 people being reported missing at first. One of the missing people was rescued alive and six dead bodies were recovered the same day.
Cricket Australia reveals full list of players for BBL draft, includes two Nepali cricketers
Cricket Australia has unveiled the list of players nominated for the upcoming drafts of the Weber Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) and KFC Big Bash League (BBL). A total of 432 men and 161 women have been nominated for selection in Sunday’s drafts for WBBL|10 and BBL|14, which will take place in Melbourne on September 1. This year marks the third season of the KFC BBL’s overseas player draft and the second for the Weber WBBL. Among the nominees are two Nepali cricketers, spinners Sandeep Lamichhane and Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi.
RSP condemns arrest of youths protesting against PM Oli and NC President Deuba at Tudikhel
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has condemned the government’s decision to arrest youths who chanted slogans against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba at Tudikhel on Monday. RSP lawmaker Hari Dhakal criticized the government’s move, arguing that it was wrong to detain the youths under the pretext of anarchic behavior. He also called for their immediate release. The incident occurred during the Gaura Festival program in Kathmandu, where Prime Minister Oli and NC President Deuba were present to extend their greetings to the people.
ANFA faces backlash for hiking General Secretary’s salary to Rs 270,000 while players receive Rs 30,000
The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) is facing controversy over its decision to increase the monthly salary of General Secretary Kiran Rai to Rs 270,000. The decision has sparked criticism, particularly as the association has only raised players’ salaries from Rs 18,000 to Rs 30,000. In addition to the salary hike, ANFA has announced that the contract of Nepali National Football Coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese will not be extended.
NEPSE Index edges up 0.13% as investment sector shines
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index experienced a modest gain today, closing at 2,786.40 points, which represents an increase of 3.80 points or 0.13% compared to the previous session. This follows a sharp drop of 111.96 points in the prior session, where the index ended at 2,782.60 points. Today’s trading began with the index at 2,791.09 points and saw considerable volatility, peaking at 2,860.89 points and dipping to 2,761.02 points before closing at the final figure.
Bangladesh crowned SAFF U20 Champions
Bangladesh defeated Nepal 4-1 to win the SAFF U20 Championship on Wednesday. This victory marks Bangladesh’s first title in the tournament, achieved on Nepal’s home ground. In the final match played at ANFA Complex, Bangladesh took the lead with a goal during injury time in the first half and extended their advantage with a second goal in the 55th minute. The team continued their dominance, scoring a third goal in the 71st minute. Nepal managed to score their only goal in the 81st minute, but Bangladesh responded swiftly, sealing their victory with a fourth goal in the 96th minute. Nepal has previously won the SAFF U20 Championship twice, in 2015 and 2017.
Japan pledges Rs 423 million grant to Nepal for human resource development
The Government of Japan has committed Japanese Yen 454 million (approximately Rs 423 million) in grant aid to Nepal for the implementation of the Human Resource Development Project for the fiscal year 2024-25. An agreement formalizing the grant was signed today at the Ministry of Finance, with Dr. Ram Prasad Ghimire, Secretary of the Finance Ministry, and Kikuta Yutaka, Japan’s Ambassador to Nepal, representing their respective sides. The Japanese Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) Programme, which began in Nepal in 2015 with support from the Government of Japan, continues to be implemented in phases, according to a press release from the Ministry.
SC postpones verdict on Agni Sapkota case for fourth time in 12 years
The Supreme Court has once again postponed the verdict date in the case against former Speaker and CPN-Maoist Center Vice Chairman Agni Sapkota, marking the fourth delay in 12 years. The case, which involves murder charges related to the death of Arjun Lama from Kavre during the Maoist Insurgency, has been pending since 2012. The verdict was originally scheduled to be delivered by the Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court on Wednesday. The writ petition was filed in November 2012 by Purnimaya Lama, the wife of the deceased, demanding an investigation into the murder charges against Sapkota and other leaders.
Six-vehicle collision on Prithvi Highway leaves four injured
A six-vehicle collision occurred on the Prithvi Highway in Tanahu district on Wednesday, leaving four people injured. The accident, which took place in the Bandipur Rural Municipality-1 section of the highway, was reportedly caused by a bus (Na 5 Kha 2034) experiencing brake failure while en route from Damauli to Dhumre. The bus first collided with a truck (Ga 3 Kha 1390) and then, after losing control, struck a Bolero jeep (Gha 3 Cha 8390) and another bus (Gha 1 Kha 9561). The out-of-control bus then collided with another Bolero jeep (Na 1 Cha 8434), which in turn hit a Hiace van (Na 2 Kha 3789).
Nepal and UK Sign grant agreements for climate resilience and local empowerment
Nepal and the United Kingdom have signed two separate memorandums of understanding (MoUs) for grant aid to support climate resilience and local empowerment initiatives. One grant, amounting to approximately Rs 6.5 billion, will fund a program focused on resilience, adaptation, and inclusion in Nepal. The second grant, valued at Rs 6.58 billion, will target gender and human development outcomes. Both programs will be implemented in Karnali, Lumbini, and Madhes provinces, aiming to empower local governments and communities vulnerable to climate change by building human capital and improving the delivery of basic services.
Government transfers four DIGs of Armed Police Force
The Ministry of Home Affairs has transferred four Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) of the Armed Police Force (APF), according to an announcement from the APF headquarters. The transfers, made based on a ministerial-level decision, include DIGs Abhi Kumar Khatri, Durga Prasad Bhattarai, Pradip Kumar Pal, and Suresh Kumar Shrestha.
KMC to open Rani Pokhari for public morning walks
Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has announced plans to open Rani Pokhari to the public for morning walks. According to Pradip Pariyar, KMC’s Chief Administrative Officer, the historic site will first undergo decoration and the completion of ongoing reconstruction activities before being accessible to the public. During an inspection of the area on Wednesday, Pariyar stated, “In the evening, Rani Pokhari will be illuminated with decorative lights.” A team from KMC, including the Chief of Metropolis Police and other officials, conducted the inspection and held discussions with Ward 27 Chairman Yogesh Khadki to finalize the plans.
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