KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
12th National Dress and Topi Day being celebrated in Nepal
The 12th National Dress and Topi Day is being celebrated today with a range of programs emphasizing the cultural significance of Nepal’s traditional attire.
Organized by the Aware Youth Campaign Nepal, the day is being observed under the slogan “Nepali Topi: Our Identity.”
Since its inception in 2014, National Dress and Topi Day has aimed to reestablish the cultural identity of traditional Nepali attire, such as the Daura-Suruwal, Topi, and Gunyu-Choli, particularly among the youth.
Bhim Rawal announces formation of an alternative political force
Former CPN-UML Vice-Chair Dr. Bhim Bahadur Rawal, expelled from the party on December 26, announced the creation of a new alternative political force during a press conference in Kathmandu on Wednesday.
Dr. Rawal emphasized the need for a patriotic alternative political movement rooted in the welfare of the nation and its citizens.
“This initiative will address national interests with comprehensive ideas, programs, and policies, advancing our steps towards building a new force,” he said, hinting at possible collaboration with existing organized groups.
Bhim Rawal asks KP Oli 74 questions
Dr. Bhim Bahadur Rawal, a leader expelled from the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-UML), has raised 74 questions to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
Following his expulsion from the party in a secretariat meeting on December 26, Rawal held a press conference in Babarmahal on Wednesday, where he directed these questions to Oli, asserting that Oli must answer to both the party and the people.
Rawal emphasized that Oli’s leadership had led to his expulsion and announced the launch of the “Motherland Awakening Campaign” with full participation from patriots and the public.
Hearing on petition against constitutional appointments deferred again
The Supreme Court has once again postponed the hearing on the petition challenging the appointment of 52 officials to constitutional bodies, made through an ordinance during KP Sharma Oli’s tenure as Prime Minister in 2020.
Although the case was scheduled for a hearing at the constitutional bench headed by Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut on Wednesday, it was deferred due to a lack of time. The petition, originally filed on November 16, 2020, has faced repeated delays.
Stakeholders warn of banking sector challenges as govt prepares financial reforms
As the government moves to amend the Integrated Act on Banks and Financial Institutions, stakeholders in the banking and financial sectors have raised concerns about the potential for a crisis in the banking industry, following issues faced by cooperatives.
Participants at an interaction program held on Tuesday in Durbar Marg stressed the need for immediate reforms to foster a more conducive environment for investment and economic growth.
The program, jointly organized by the Institute for Strategic and Socio-Economic Research (ISSR), Khabarhub.com, and Radio Candid, brought together policymakers, banking experts, and entrepreneurs to discuss challenges in the financial sector.
Debate sparks over criminalization of check bounces in Nepal
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) reports that around 180,000 Nepalis are currently blacklisted, with 70 percent of cases linked to check bounces and the remaining due to non-payment of loans.
Guru Prasad Poudel, head of NRB’s Bank and Financial Institutions Regulatory Department, said more than 70,000 individuals have been blacklisted for issuing checks without sufficient funds in their accounts.
A check bounce occurs when a check is issued but cannot be cashed due to insufficient funds, leading to the issuer’s imprisonment and blacklisting by NRB. This status prevents them from accessing future bank loans.
Five ambassadors take oath of office
President Ram Chandra Paudel administered the oath of office and secrecy to five newly appointed ambassadors at a ceremony held at the President’s Residence, Sheetal Niwas, on Wednesday.
Prakash Mani Poudel has been appointed as the ambassador to Portugal, while Prof Dr Kapilman Shrestha will represent Nepal in South Africa. Sewa Lamsal has been assigned to Belgium, Dr Netra Prasad Timsina to Malaysia, and Sumnima Tuladhar to Denmark.
Shailaja Regmi Bhattarai, spokesperson for the President’s Office, shared details of the appointments.
Five SSPs transferred, Lalitpur gets Adhikari
The Home Ministry, upon the recommendation of the Nepal Police Headquarters, transferred five Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) on Tuesday night.
According to the transfer, Binod Ghimire has been assigned to the Valley Traffic Police Office, while SSP Bhupendra Bahadur Khatri, previously transferred from the Kathmandu District Police Range, has been posted to Bharatpur Police Training Center.
Shekhar Khanal, who was stationed at the Lalitpur Police Range, has been moved to the Kathmandu Valley Police Office in Ranipokhari. SSP Shyam Krishna Adhikari has been transferred to the Lalitpur Police Range, and Somendra Singh Rathore will now serve at Tribhuvan International Airport.
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