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

Gandaki province records 15 percent paddy plantation

Gandaki Province has so far recorded 15 percent paddy plantation. With the onset of the active monsoon, farmers are fully engaged in rice planting. The Province Agriculture Development Directorate estimates that 98,000 hectares of land are cultivable this year, according to Directorate Chief Basudev Regmi. Last week alone saw an increase of eight percent in rice planting. “Most areas are expected to complete rice plantation by the end of Asar (mid-July). Irrigation and fertilizers are available this time,” Regmi added. Out of the total 479,617 hectares of arable land, nearly 100,000 hectares are used for rice cultivation during the rainy season in the province each year, Regmi shared.

CPN (US) braces for election if Chairman consensus falters

CPN (Unified Socialist) senior leader Jhalanath Khanal stated that if the party fails to reach a consensus on electing a Chairman, an election will be held. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Khanal expressed confidence that the party would select its leader through mutual agreement. He clarified that there are no divisions among the party leaders and emphasized that if consensus cannot be achieved, the party will opt for a democratic process, namely an election. The CPN (Unified Socialist) has completed preparations for its 10th national convention, scheduled to commence tomorrow at City Hall in Kathmandu. The convention will feature discussions on the party’s political report, socialist programs, and reports on statutes and organizations. A total of 1,849 representatives will participate, with plans to elect a 299-member working committee and 21 office-bearers.

CPN (Unified Socialist) to hold 10th General Convention starting Sunday

The CPN (Unified Socialist) has finalized preparations for its 10th national convention, set to begin tomorrow at City Hall in Kathmandu. The convention will include deliberations on the party’s political report, socialist programs, and reports on statutes and organizations. At a press conference held to announce the convention, party Chairperson and former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal confirmed that all documents to be presented at the convention are ready.

Only one student passes SEE from Rajpur Rural Municipality

Only one student passed the Secondary Education Exam (SEE) from Rajpur Rural Municipality in the Dang district. Out of 250 students from eight secondary schools who appeared for the SEE, only one managed to pass. The SEE is a nationwide examination held after Grade 10. Vice Chair of the rural municipality, Dhanpati Devi Yadav, informed that Gehendra Yadav, a student from Sadharan Namuna Secondary School, was the sole passer. He secured a B+ grade. A total of 85 students from his school took the exam.

Fake Bhutanese Refugees Scam: Bechan Jha arrested from Kanchanpur

Bechan Jha, who had been on the run in connection with the fake Bhutanese refugee scam, has been arrested. Police reported that he was apprehended last night in Kanchanpur. Jha is accused of acting as a mediator, facilitating meetings between brokers and high-ranking officials, including the Home Minister and the Secretary. Earlier, police had also arrested Prateek Thapa, son of former Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal. Prateek was arrested in Boudha, Kathmandu, and was also a fugitive in the fake Bhutanese refugee case.

President Paudel participates in rice planting ceremony on National Paddy Day

In celebration of Asar 15, National Paddy Day, a rice planting event was organized at the President’s residence, Sheetal Niwas on Saturday. The event, organized by the President’s Office, saw the participation of President Ramchandra Paudel and First Lady Sabita Paudel among others. Inaugurating the event, President Paudel highlighted the significance of agriculture, the culture of honoring labor, and the encouragement of rice production. He emphasized that his symbolic participation in the rice planting was to promote these values.

10 more Nepalis killed in Russia-Ukraine conflict, Nepalis’ death toll reaches 35

Ten more Nepali youths recruited in the Russian army have died in the ongoing war with Ukraine, raising the total confirmed death toll to 35, according to the Nepali Embassy in Moscow. The latest fatalities include Lal Bahadur Budha from Rupandehi, Phurba Sherpa from Dolakha, Suraj BK from Syangja, Netra Bahadur Gharti from Dhading, Shankar Damai from Gulmi, Sajan Gurung from Lamjung, Tej Bahadur Shahi from Dailekh, Shanta Bahadur Bholan from Sindhuli, and Raju Tharu and Ghanshyam Pariyar, whose districts of origin were not specified. The embassy also reported that six Nepalis are currently receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the conflict. Since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war on February 24, 2022, 128 Nepalis have returned home. Despite repeated requests and correspondences from the Nepal government, the Russian Foreign Ministry has not provided detailed information about the Nepalis in the Russian army, deferring the matter to the Ministry of Defense.

Gulmi landslide claims three lives, two missing

A landslide triggered by heavy rainfall last night has buried a house in Gulmi, resulting in the deaths of three family members and leaving two others missing. The landslide buried Bhesh Bahadur BK’s house in Malika-6, Kandelpata. According to SP Rajan Bhujel, the victims include 56-year-old Bhesh Bahadur BK, his 47-year-old wife Suntali, their 30-year-old daughter-in-law Sita, and two granddaughters, seven-year-old Sapana and two-year-old Bipana. The bodies of Bhesh Bahadur, Sita, and Sapana have been recovered. However, Suntali and Bipana remain missing. A rescue team from the Isma Police Post has reached the site and has intensified the search for the missing in collaboration with the locals.

Husband and wife buried in landslide in Baglung

A couple has been buried in a landslide along with their house in Galkot-8, Bisauna, Baglung. Prem BK, 55, and his wife, Basanti BK, 50, were buried by a landslide late last night, according to Superintendent of Police Rishiram Kandel from the District Police Office. Rescue efforts are currently underway by police and local residents. The area has been experiencing continuous rainfall since Friday.

President Paudel urges action on climate change impact on rice production

President Ramchandra Paudel emphasized the urgent need for coordinated efforts among the government, farmers, and stakeholders to enhance rice production and productivity. In his message on the occasion of the 21st National Paddy Day, President Paudel highlighted the critical need to minimize the impact of climate change on rice farming. He called for the implementation of climate-friendly technologies to boost rice production, reduce rice imports, and ensure food security and sufficiency. “May this Day inspire all of us to advance towards this end,” he stated.