KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Govt plans to submit Ordinances for Parliamentary approval by March 6
The government intends to present the ordinance to Parliament for approval by March 6.
Coalition party leaders announced that discussions will begin today (Saturday) with the leaders of Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) Nepal, which has strongly opposed the land ordinance and the other five ordinances unless they are withdrawn.
Ruling party Chief Whip, Mahesh Bartaula, confirmed that the plan is to present all six ordinances for a decision in Parliament on either March 5 or 6, provided that JSP Nepal agrees by March 3.
Prachanda pledges justice for Rinku Kumari Sada
Maoist Center Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has pledged full support in seeking justice for Rinku Kumari Sada, 17, who was found dead after an attempted local reconciliation instead of legal action against her alleged rapists.
Dahal visited Rinku’s home in Nawarajpur Rural Municipality-1, Siraha, as part of the Maoist Tarai-Madhes Jagran campaign.
Accompanied by Maoist Center leaders, he assured the victim’s family that his party is raising the issue in Parliament and will take every possible initiative to ensure justice.
AFC disapproves Dasharath Stadium again, Nepal’s Asian Cup Qualifier to be held in Malaysia
Nepal’s first match in the third round of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers 2027, originally scheduled to be held at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu, will now be played in Malaysia due to the continued disapproval of the venue by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
The match, scheduled for March 25, was initially intended to be Nepal’s home fixture against Malaysia. However, despite earlier assurances, the AFC’s inspection of Dasharath Stadium revealed that the facility still does not meet the necessary international standards to host Asian Cup qualifiers.
This marks the second consecutive time Nepal will play its home match abroad in World Cup and Asian Cup qualifiers. The AFC cited issues with the condition of the stadium, particularly the pitch, security arrangements, training facilities and floodlights, as key reasons for the venue’s disqualification.
Experts call for revisions in Social Media Bill
As the government claims the Social Media Bill aims to systematize digital platforms, human rights defenders and cyber law experts have raised concerns, urging significant revisions to protect freedom of expression.
The bill, registered in the Upper House of the Federal Parliament, has faced criticism from media professionals and digital rights advocates, despite the government maintaining that its purpose is to curb online anarchy rather than restrict free speech.
Government Spokesperson and Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, reassured that the bill does not intend to curtail freedom of expression but seeks to enforce accountability among social media users and platforms.
Trump-Zelenskyy White House meeting on mineral deal devolves into heated exchange
A White House meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy aimed at securing a deal that would allow the U.S. access to Ukrainian rare mineral rights turned into a heated exchange with the two leaders talking over each other and Trump telling Zelenskyy, “You’re either going to make a deal or we’re out.”
In a statement on social media after the meeting, Trump indicated the proposed deal is off.
“I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations,” Trump wrote.
“He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”
Madhav Narayan Municipality ward chair passes away
Ramdeni Mukhiya, the ward chairperson of Madhav Narayan Municipality-4, has passed away at the age of 60.
Mukhiya, who had been battling lung cancer, breathed his last at his residence this morning, according to Madhav Narayan Municipality Mayor Baijnath Yadav.
Elected from the CPN-Maoist in the 2022 local elections, he was serving his second consecutive term as ward chairperson.
KMC toughens stance on littering in public, introduces hefty fines
Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has announced a crackdown on littering in public spaces, with fines ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000 for offenders.
The decision comes as part of an effort to address the increasing concerns over public health and environmental cleanliness.
According to Sarita Rai, Head of the KMC Environment Department, the new policy will target individuals who dispose of waste improperly, including dumping garbage from households and compounds onto roads, footpaths, and other public places.
“Littering indiscriminately creates foul smells and significantly impacts the public health of citizens,” Rai said.
One arrested on charges of raping a minor
A young man has been arrested on charges of raping a 14-year-old girl in Bajhang.
The District Police Office, Bajhang, has said that 22-year-old Bivek Upadhyaya, a resident of Masta Rural Municipality-4, was arrested on Thursday evening on charges of raping a girl.
According to the police, Upadhyaya was living in a tent in Jayaprithi Municipality-10, Chainpur.
The police said that necessary investigation is being conducted into the incident.
NEA accelerates construction of six substations to strengthen Kathmandu Valley’s power supply
The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is constructing six 132-11 kV substations in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur to enhance the reliability, quality, and safety of electricity supply within the Kathmandu Valley.
Among these, the Teku substation has already been brought into operation, while the Phutung and Mulpani substations are in the final stages and expected to be operational within two months.
The Changunarayan substation in Bhaktapur has been completed and is awaiting activation. The Chobhar substation is set to be operational by July, while the Thimi substation in Bhaktapur is projected to be completed in eight months.
HPV vaccination resumes in mountainous districts from Sunday
The HPV vaccination campaign against cervical cancer, which was delayed in mountainous districts due to adverse weather, is set to resume from Sunday.
Heavy snowfall in districts such as Manang, Mustang, Dolpa, and Humla had temporarily halted the drive.
According to Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, vaccinations will take place in Manang, Mustang, and Humla on Monday, while Dolpa will conduct the drive on March 6.
JSP Nepal calls central committee meeting
The Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) Nepal has called a central committee meeting to be held at Jyapu Pragya Bhavan in Bholdhoka, Lalitpur, on March 2, 3, and 4.
According to Purna Basnet, Chief of the party’s Publicity and Publication Department, the meeting will review the “JSP Nepal with the People, Basic Organization Building Campaign,” which has been ongoing since August.
The party has stated that central activists responsible for municipal committees will present reports on their progress.
Home Minister calls for nationwide anti-drug campaign
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has stressed the need to expand the anti-drug campaign nationwide to build a drug-free society.
Speaking at the launch of the anti-drug campaign initiated by the Valley Police Office in Kathmandu, he highlighted the growing threat posed by drugs to individuals, families, and society as a whole.
He stated that the issue is not limited to the government and the police but is a matter of concern for the entire society.
Water Supply Minister Pradeep Yadav leaves for India
Minister for Water Supply Pradeep Yadav has left for an official visit to India to participate in the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation in the drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene sectors.
According to Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Water Supply, Meena Shrestha, Minister Yadav departed for New Delhi at 2 pm on Saturday.
Bagmati Province pledges transport sector reforms
Bagmati Province Chief Minister Bahadur Singh Lama Tamang has assured transport entrepreneurs that the provincial government is committed to addressing all transport-related issues through regulatory amendments.
Speaking at the 36th annual general meeting and 16th convention of the Narayani Transport Entrepreneurs Association in Hetauda, Lama highlighted the vital role transport entrepreneurs play in providing services that the state should ideally be handling.
He also pledged to introduce technology-friendly vehicle inspection and renewal systems, drawing inspiration from international practices. Additionally, he affirmed the government’s support in amending the Accident and Insurance Act to improve transport sector policies.
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