KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Gold price drops in Nepali market
The prices of gold and silver on Friday have decreased in the Nepalese market. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Traders, the price of gold fell by 300 rupees per tola, bringing it down to 152,900 rupees today. This is a decrease from Thursday’s trading price of 153,200 rupees. Similarly, the price of silver has also dropped, decreasing by 10 rupees per tola, with the current trading price at 1,820 rupees, according to the Federation.
ANFA commits USD 300,000 for Dashrath Stadium repairs
The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has committed USD 300,000 for the repair and maintenance of Dashrath Stadium. This decision was made during a two-day meeting held at the ANFA Complex. In addition to the stadium repairs, ANFA plans to request the Minister of Youth and Sports and the member secretary of the National Sports Council to take responsibility for the stadium’s ongoing maintenance and operation. ANFA has emphasized the need for a modern, international-standard football stadium with a capacity of 25,000 to 40,000 spectators.
Two children killed in grenade explosion in Panchthar
Two children from the same family died, and two others were injured following a grenade explosion in Nepal’s Panchthar district. According to the District Police Office Panchthar, the incident occurred on Thursday afternoon in Falelung Rural Municipality, Dandagaon in the district. The explosion took place in the courtyard near the house of local resident Aitaraj Kerung. Police said that four children were affected by the explosion of a suspicious object. The deceased have been identified as 2-year-old Prinsa and 11-year-old Dipshan, children of Dilip Sanwa.
51-year-old Bobby Singh Shah arrested in Muna Pandey’s murder case
The Houston Police Department has identified 51-year-old Bobby Singh Shah as the individual arrested in connection with the murder of 21-year-old Nepali student Muna Pandey. Shah was apprehended on Thursday night and is facing murder charges. Earlier, the police had released CCTV footage showing a person leaving Muna Pandey’s apartment. The Houston Police have confirmed that the individual in the footage is Shah, although the motive behind the murder has not yet been disclosed.
I will not hold the top spot forever: Prachanda
Chairman of Maoist Center Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” has downplayed the significance of his party leadership role, stating it is not a big deal for him. Speaking to journalists at Surkhet Airport on Friday, Prachanda emphasized that his identity and legacy extend beyond his current position. He noted, “I am turning 70 years old and don’t need to stay in leadership all the time. The position of party Chairman is not a significant concern for me; I am already beyond the role of Prachanda the Chairman. The world recognizes the country’s progress as a result of revolutionary changes.” Prachanda, who was in Surkhet for a training program, also addressed the issue of leadership transition.
MCA-Nepal signs contract for 18-km cross border transmission line
The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Nepal Compact signed a contract for the critical 18 km cross-border electricity transmission line, a critical component of the broader Electricity Transmission Project funded by the Government of Nepal and the U.S. Government. As MCA-Nepal marks the one-year anniversary of the Compact’s Entry-Into-Force, this new milestone reflects the unwavering commitment from all stakeholders to enhancing regional energy trade between Nepal and India, according to MCA-Nepal. The contract, valued at USD 12.36 million, has been awarded to Transrail Lighting Ltd., which will construct the transmission line from the 400 kV New Butwal Substation in Nawalparasi Bardhaghat Susta West to the Nepal-India border within the contract duration of 21 months.
President Paudel launches ‘President at Public Places Once a Month’ Campaign with visit to Bhaktapur Durbar Square
President Ram Chandra Paudel inaugurated the ‘President at Public Places Once a Month’ campaign on Friday. As part of this initiative, President Paudel visited the historic and iconic Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Arriving at the Durbar Square at 10 a.m., President Paudel toured various temples and monuments, engaging with the local community.
PM Oli and lawmakers participate in Yoga session
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, along with lawmakers from both the lower and upper houses of parliament, took part in a Yoga session on Friday. The self-awakening program was organized by the Jeevan Vigyan Sanstha (Life Science Institute) in coordination with the parliament secretariat. In addition to PM Oli, Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire, Chairman of the National Assembly Narayan Prasad Dahal, and all members of the Cabinet attended the session, along with other lawmakers.
Govt removes five-year statute of limitations for corruption investigations following widespread criticism
The government has decided to remove the five-year statute of limitations on corruption investigations from the bill drafted to amend the Corruption Control Act, 2059 BS. This decision was made during a meeting of the State Management Committee under the House of Representatives on Friday. “The proposal to exclude the statute of limitations from corruption investigations has been unanimously approved,” said Ram Hari Kathiwada, Chair of the Committee. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak informed the committee that the government is prepared to remove the five-year limitation provision from the bill.
PM Oli inaugurates Green Hydrogen Production and Refueling Center at KU
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli inaugurated the Green Hydrogen Production and Refueling Center at Kathmandu University (KU) in Dhulikhel today. As part of the 29th Convocation Ceremony of KU, he also unveiled a green hydrogen-fueled car, with registration number Ba 1 Jha 1111, and rode in it to the convocation venue. During the event, PM Oli praised KU’s construction of the green hydrogen production and refueling station as exemplary. He emphasized the importance of expanding such innovative projects to other locations, with a particular focus on hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Mainali’s ‘Mukam Ranamaidan’ wins Madan Puraskar; Yadav receives Jagadamba Shree Award
Renowned journalist and writer Mohan Mainali has been awarded the Madan Puraskar 2080 BS for his book Mukam Ranamaidan. This marks Mainali’s fifth book, following Mantha Harako Jug, Upallo Thalo, Dekheko Desh, and Aakash Muki. In addition, the Jagadamba Shree Award 2080 will be presented to Prof. Dr. Yogendra Prasad Yadav for his exceptional contributions to the identification, preservation, and study of various languages in Nepal.
CPN (Maoist Center) withdraws support from Koshi government
The CPN (Maoist Center), the main opposition party, has withdrawn its support from the Koshi provincial government. The decision was made during a parliamentary party meeting of the province held on Friday. The government in Koshi Province is currently led by the CPN UML, following an alliance with the Nepali Congress at the central level. However, the Nepali Congress has not yet joined the government in the Koshi Province.
Supreme Court reinstates 30-year service term for Nepal Police
The Supreme Court has reinstated the 30-year service term for Nepal Police, overturning a previous interim order that had suspended the rule. A bench comprising Judges Saranga Subedi and Binod Sharma nullified the earlier decision to remove the 30-year service term limit, thereby reactivating the policy. As a result, 94 police personnel will now be retired under this rule. The controversy began when police officers scheduled to retire on September 1 due to the 30-year service term filed a writ petition with the Supreme Court.
Three workers die from suffocation inside safety tank in Nawalparasi
Three workers died from suffocation while working inside an under-construction safety tank in Binayi-Triveni Rural Municipality-7, Raninagar, Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East). The workers, who lost consciousness while inside the safety tank at the under-construction house of Bhola Singh Chhetri, were rescued but died during treatment. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Bed Bahadur Poudel from the District Police Office, Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East), the deceased were identified as Prakash Singh Chhetri, 38, Ganesh Bogati, 19, and Mohammad Raja, 28, all from Binayi-Triveni Rural Municipality-7.
Youths arrested for protesting against PM Oli and Deuba released on bail
The three youths arrested for chanting slogans against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba during the Gaura Festival program on August 26 in Kathmandu have been released on bail. The arrestees—Gopi Ram Jaisi, 34, of Surkhet, Ram Bahadur Buda, also known as Rembo Buda, 24, of Accham, and Deepak Singh Thagunna of Kanchanpur—were released on Friday after posting bail of Rs 9,000 each.
FDI inflow exceeds Rs 295 billion; Three provinces receive less than one percent
By the end of the fiscal year 2079-80 BS (2022-23), Nepal’s foreign direct investment (FDI) had exceeded Rs 295.5 billion, marking an 11.8 percent increase from the previous year. This data was released in the Survey Report on Foreign Direct Investment, 2022-23, published by the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) on Friday. The survey sampled 238 companies to assess the FDI inflow. Of the total foreign investment, 52.8 percent was in paid-up capital, 33.7 percent in reserves, and 13.5 percent in loans. As of mid-July 2023, Nepal had received FDI from 58 countries, with the highest contribution of Rs 103.45 billion (35%) from India, followed by Rs 35.46 billion (12%) from China, Rs 22.62 billion (7.7%) from Ireland, Rs 19.06 billion (6.4%) from Australia, and Rs 18.81 billion (6.4%) from Singapore.
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