KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
PM Oli arrives in Thailand for BIMSTEC Summit
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has arrived in Bangkok, Thailand, for an official visit and to participate in the sixth BIMSTEC Summit.
He landed at Suvarnabhumi International Airport at 6:15 PM local time on Tuesday, where he was received by Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Minister of Culture and Sports Sorawong Thainbong, Nepal’s Ambassador to Thailand Dhan Bahadur Oli, and Thailand’s Ambassador to Nepal Suwapong Sirisorn.
This marks the first official visit of a Nepali prime minister to Thailand, following an invitation from Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
RPP leader and lawmaker Deepak Bohara passes away
Deepak Bohara, senior leader of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) and former minister, has passed away. He died at Om Hospital in Kathmandu while receiving medical treatment, as confirmed by his personal secretary, Taramani Chand.
Bohara was elected to Parliament from Rupandehi in the recent federal election. He won Rupandehi Constituency No. 1 by defeating the Nepali Congress candidate and then Home Minister, Bal Krishna Khand, in the 2079 election.
Speaker rejects Rabi Lamichhane’s request to restore MP post
Speaker Devraj Ghimire has stated that the Member of Parliament (MP) position of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane cannot be restored immediately.
Lamichhane’s MP post has been suspended following his involvement in a cooperative case.
Lamichhane met with Speaker Ghimire earlier today, requesting the suspension of his MP post to be lifted. However, the Speaker responded that the suspension was carried out according to the law, and it could not be revoked unless there were changes in the legal provisions.
Hearing on Kulman and Hitendra Dev’s case adjourned to later date
The Supreme Court has postponed the hearing on the dispute over the appointment of Nepal Electricity Authority’s Managing Director, deferring the case for a later date.
A division bench of Justices Kumar Chudal and Nityananda Pandey conducted the hearing on Tuesday, reviewing petitions from former Managing Director Kulman Ghising—who was removed from his position—and newly appointed Managing Director Hitendra Dev Shakya.
However, as the hearing remained inconclusive, the case has been placed under pending review.
24 more people apprehended over Tinkune incident
More 24 people have been arrested over their alleged involvement in the violence took place in Tinkune of Kathmandu during the March 28 demonstration.
District Police Range Kathmandu’s Spokesperson and Superintendent of Police, Apil Raj Bohara, confirmed the arrests of this number of people for their alleged roles in the violent demonstration including arson and vandalism that ended in two casualties.
They are apprehended from different parts of Kathmandu.
Body of Maharjan, killed in Tinkune protest, handed over to family
The body of Sabin Maharjan, who was killed during the pro-monarchy protest on March 28, has been handed over to his family.
Maharjan, a resident of Kirtipur-4, lost his life after being shot during the violent demonstration.
His family had previously refused to claim his body, demanding action against those responsible and appropriate compensation.
Gold prices continue upward surge, up by Rs 1,800
The price of gold in Nepal has continued its upward trend, reaching Rs 179,700 per tola today, reflecting the global market surge.
According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the yellow metal saw an increase of Rs 1,800 from Monday’s price of Rs 177,900 per tola. This marks the fourth consecutive day of price hikes.
The rise in domestic gold prices is attributed to the steady appreciation of the US dollar and increased internal demand management. Meanwhile, silver prices remain unchanged at Rs 2,035 per tola.
Call to make Birgunj the economic capital
Prabhu Sah, Chair of the Aam Janata Party, has advocated for the development of Birgunj, an industrial and trade hub, into the country’s economic capital.
According to Sah, the town’s thriving economic activities demonstrate its potential to be developed as the nation’s economic center.
President Paudel prorogues Winter Session of Parliament
President Ram Chandra Paudel on Tuesday prorogued the current session of both Houses of the Federal Parliament, effective from midnight on Tuesday.
This decision was made by the President upon the recommendation of the Council of Ministers, in line with Clause (2) of Article 93 of the Constitution of Nepal.
Chudamani Chapagain appointed NEPSE CEO
Chudamani Chapagain has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE). A cabinet meeting held on Monday announced Chapagain’s appointment.
Chapagain has extensive experience in the banking and insurance sectors, having worked at Sanima Bank and Sanima Reliance Life Insurance. Chapagain’s appointment comes after the previous CEO, Narad Kumar Luintel, was not confirmed by the Chief Secretary.
TIA operating 18 hours a day starting today
Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) has begun operating for 18 hours a day starting today. Previously, the airport had been closed for 10 hours a day for five months, from November 8 to March 31, to facilitate physical infrastructure construction as part of the airport’s capacity expansion. The airport will now be open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM, according to General Manager Jagannath Niraula.
Nepali Ambassador to Portugal presents credentials
Nepal’s newly appointed Ambassador to Portugal, Prakash Mani Paudel, officially presented his credentials to Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa during a ceremony at Belem Palace in Lisbon.
Following the presentation, Ambassador Paudel held a courtesy meeting with President Sousa, where they discussed strengthening bilateral relations between Nepal and Portugal.
Alternative road opens on BP Highway after flood damage
Vehicles are now operating on an alternative route along the BP Highway, which was severely damaged by floods and landslides in September 26 and 27, 2024.
The temporary road, constructed over the river, has allowed traffic to resume between Chowkidanda in Namobuddha Municipality-5, Kavrepalanchok, and Barkhekhola, the border of Sindhuli.
The BP Highway, a crucial route connecting Kathmandu to the Eastern Tarai, has been severely affected by seasonal monsoons.
Foreign trips at govt expense undermine Oli govt’s good governance claims
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s government has consistently emphasized good governance, but recent revelations about foreign trips by ministers and bureaucrats under his government have raised serious concerns.
The Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Security, led by Minister Sharat Singh Bhandari, has come under scrutiny for alleged misuse of government funds to cover personal travel expenses.
Spring climbing season kicks off at Annapurna
Climbers have started arriving at the Annapurna Base Camp in Myagdi district to begin their ascent of the 8,091-meter-high Annapurna mountain. The base camp, located in Annapurna Rural Municipality-4, Narchyang, is bustling with activity as mountaineers, Sherpas, guides, and workers set up their tents.
Ward member Shyam Purja said that the area now looks like a small village with climbers and tourists arriving daily. Some have already reached an altitude of 4,100 meters above sea level.
Gandaki Province moves forward with Domestic Liquor Management Bill
The Gandaki Provincial Government has renewed its efforts to grant legal recognition to domestic liquor by introducing the Domestic Liquor Management Bill in the Provincial Assembly.
After failing to pass the bill in the last fiscal year 2023/24, discussions have now resumed in the current fiscal year 2024/25.
Captured tiger to be released in Shuklaphanta National Park
A male tiger captured from Tedhuwa village in Belauri Municipality-2, Kanchanpur, will soon be released into the core area of Shuklaphanta National Park, authorities confirmed.
The fully grown tiger was found in a wheat field on Sunday. A team of forest technicians, assisted by two elephants and a drone camera, safely tranquilized the animal before transferring it to the Division Forest Office in Kanchanpur.
Dasharath Municipality to launch public bus service
Dasharath Municipality has announced plans to introduce a municipal bus service starting April 5. According to Rajendra Bista, the municipality’s information officer, this will be the first local-level public transport service in the district.
“The municipality has already procured the bus, and it will officially commence regular operations from April 5,” he stated.
Govt pledges $100,000 financial aid to AIT
The government has decided to provide financial assistance of $100,000 to the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand.
The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting, considering AIT’s financial difficulties and Nepal’s role as a founding member of the institution, according to government spokesperson and Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung.
Taxpayers foot the bill as ministers send wives on foreign trips
The KP Sharma Oli-led government, which has long championed the cause of “good governance,” now finds itself facing intense scrutiny after a shocking series of revelations. Questions were already raised when Prime Minister Oli appointed Sharat Singh Bhandari—a figure with a tarnished reputation—as Minister of Labor, Employment, and Social Security.
But now, the public is left questioning the integrity of the government entirely, as a list of foreign trips taken by Bhandari’s ministry has emerged, painting a disturbing picture of lavish wastefulness at a time of national financial crisis.
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