KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Joint efforts essential for a secure and prosperous future: PM Oli
Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli, addressing a program at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand on Thursday, emphasized the necessity of collective efforts to ensure a secure and prosperous future for humanity.
During his official visit to Thailand and participation in the sixth BIMSTEC summit, Prime Minister Oli highlighted Nepal’s commitment to human happiness, prosperity, security, and self-respect.
Referring to the national aspiration of “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepalis,” he stated that nothing is more significant than happiness alongside human desires.
PM Oli meets Sri Lankan counterpart at BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is currently in Bangkok for the 6th Summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), held a productive meeting with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed a range of issues concerning bilateral relations and mutual interests between Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Prime Minister Oli, after completing his official visit to Thailand, has been actively engaged in a series of sideline meetings with heads of state and government from other BIMSTEC member countries.
PM Oli meets Sri Lankan counterpart at BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is currently in Bangkok for the 6th Summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), held a productive meeting with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed a range of issues concerning bilateral relations and mutual interests between Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Prime Minister Oli, after completing his official visit to Thailand, has been actively engaged in a series of sideline meetings with heads of state and government from other BIMSTEC member countries.
Foreign Minister advocates for regional unity and cooperation at BIMSTEC ministerial meeting
Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana highlighted the importance of regional unity and collective cooperation in advancing the goals of BIMSTEC.
Addressing the 20th ministerial meeting held in Bangkok today, Minister Rana said BIMSTEC must move forward with a shared spirit of cooperation, reflecting the common aspirations of the people of the Bay of Bengal region.
She described BIMSTEC as a bright rainbow representing the dynamic regions of South Asia and Southeast Asia, with each color symbolizing the rich civilization, culture, history, and ecological diversity of the region.
Environment Ministry suggests two-day public holiday to curb pollution
The Ministry of Forests and Environment has proposed a two-day public holiday per week to help reduce air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley.
During a discussion at the Ministry of Urban Development on Thursday, Acting Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh consulted with stakeholders and experts on ways to control rising pollution levels.
Ministry Secretary Deepak Kharal suggested the two-day holiday policy as a measure to curb pollution.
No interim order in Kulman’s petition, Hitendra Dev cleared to work
The Supreme Court has refused to issue an interim order on the petition filed by former Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Managing Director Kulman Ghising challenging the appointment of new MD Hitendra Dev Shakya.
With this decision, Shakya can continue his work as NEA’s managing director without legal hindrance, while the case proceeds in court.
Acting PM Singh calls for collective action to reduce air pollution
Acting Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh has urged all stakeholders to play their part in tackling rising air pollution, which has increasingly affected public life.
During a discussion with experts at the Ministry of Urban Development on Thursday, Singh pointed out that wildfires are a major cause of the current pollution crisis.
He assured that the government would take necessary decisions soon.
Seven Madhesh-based parties form separate alliance with rotational leadership
Seven Madhesh-based political parties have formed a new alliance named the Federal Democratic Front to coordinate their efforts on constitutional amendments and other shared agendas.
The alliance includes Janamat Party, Janata Samajbadi Party (Nepal), Janata Pragatisheel Party, Loktantrik Samajbadi Party, Tarai-Madhesh Loktantrik Party, Nagarik Unmukti Party, and Rastriya Mukti Party.
The decision follows previous discussions among these parties, during which a task force was formed to draft the alliance’s policy document. Similar to the Socialist Front, the alliance will have a rotational leadership system.
World Bank Forecast: Nepal’s economy on a recovery path, poverty declining
The World Bank has projected that Nepal’s economy will expand by 4.5% in the current fiscal year 2081/82.
In its latest Nepal Development Update, the bank noted an improvement from last year’s estimated 3.9% growth. The forecast suggests further economic recovery, with 5.2% growth expected next year and 5.5% in the following year.
Alongside economic growth, poverty levels in Nepal are also projected to decline. According to the World Bank, poverty is expected to drop to 5.5% in 2025, 4.8% in 2026, and 4% in 2027.
Teachers continue protest demanding Education Act implementation
Teachers across Kathmandu have continued their protest for the second consecutive day, demanding the implementation of the Education Act and the fulfillment of previous agreements.
The Nepal Teachers Federation initiated the Kathmandu-centric protest on Wednesday, aiming to draw attention to their grievances.
Today, the protesting teachers gathered at Maitighar Mandala before marching to Naya Baneshwor, where they held a formal program.
Guragain returns to duty at KMC, to release salaries from Friday onwards
Chief Administrative Officer Saroj Guragain has resumed his duties at Kathmandu Metropolitan City after successfully breaking the lock imposed by Mayor Balen Shah.
The lock was removed with the support of Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol, ward chairpersons, and the working employees.
Despite efforts by the Metropolitan Police, led by Police Chief Raju Pandey, to prevent his entry into the office, Guragain was able to overcome the obstacles with the backing of people’s representatives and employees. After a three-and-a-half-month hiatus, he officially returned to duty.
RPP demands independent investigation into Tinkune incident
The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has called for the formation of an independent investigation commission to probe the March 28 Tinkune incident.
The proposed commission would include representatives from the Human Rights Commission and civil society, under the leadership of a former Supreme Court judge.
A delegation led by RPP Chairman Rajendra Lingden submitted a letter of appeal to Acting Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh today, urging immediate action.
Health Ministry urges high precautions amid rising air pollution
The Ministry of Health and Population has urged the public to take strict precautions as air pollution levels in the Kathmandu Valley continue to rise. In a press release issued today, the Ministry highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that Nepal has been ranked among the most polluted countries in the world in recent days, according to the Air Quality Index (AQI).
As per AQI standards, air quality is categorized into different levels, ranging from ‘good’ (0-50) to ‘hazardous’ (above 301). The AQI in Kathmandu has now reached 348, placing it in the ‘hazardous’ category. Given this alarming situation, Ministry Spokesperson Dr. Prakash Budhathoki advised vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with respiratory illnesses, to take extra precautions.
KMC Chief Administrative Officer Guragain returns amid Mayor Balen’s opposition
A political deadlock unfolded in Kathmandu Metropolitan City as employees and ward chairpersons defied Mayor Balen Shah’s attempts to prevent Chief Administrative Officer Saroj Guragain from resuming his role.
Despite intervention by city police, they successfully escorted him into the office.
Mayor Shah had deployed municipal police, led by Rajunath Pandey, to block Guragain’s entry. However, employees and ward officials, who had been advocating for his return for months, managed to bring him inside.
Come here and find a solution: Sunita Dangol tells Mayor Balen Shah
Kathmandu Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol openly challenged Mayor Balen Shah, urging him to step forward and resolve the crisis instead of issuing orders from behind closed doors.
Dangol’s strong remarks came after Chief Administrative Officer Saroj Guragain entered the KMC office after more than three months, defying a blockade set by municipal police on Mayor Shah’s orders.
Despite being allowed inside the building, Guragain was unable to enter his office as Shah had personally locked it and disappeared with the key.
In an informal municipal meeting held in response to the incident, Dangol delivered a direct message to Mayor Shah, questioning his leadership approach.
Gold price hits record high
The price of gold in Nepal’s local market has soared to an all-time high, crossing the Rs 180,000 per tola mark for the first time.
According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association, the price of gold surged by Rs 1,200 compared to Wednesday, reaching Rs 180,300 per tola.
This sharp increase reflects ongoing global market trends and fluctuations in the international bullion market.
Meanwhile, silver prices also declined. The federation reported a decrease of Rs 25 per tola, bringing the price of silver down to Rs 1,995 per tola.
Two members of Gandaki Province Policy and Planning Commission resign
Two members of the Gandaki Province Policy and Planning Commission, Maya Timsina and Deepak Bhandari, have resigned from their positions.
Timsina, appointed from the Nepal Samajwadi Party quota led by Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, and Bhandari, appointed from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) quota, submitted their resignations on March 30.
Home Minister vows tough action against attackers on journalists and media
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has assured strict action against those responsible for the violent attacks on journalists and media houses during the March 28 demonstration at Tinkune, Kathmandu.
He emphasized that a fair investigation would identify the perpetrators behind these assaults.
Minister Lekhak reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring justice. The FNJ delegation submitted a memorandum urging a thorough probe into the incidents.
Kathmandu’s air pollution reaches hazardous levels
Air pollution in Kathmandu Valley is increasing at an alarming rate. According to the Air Quality Index (AQI) measurement taken at 7 AM on Thursday, air pollution levels in Kathmandu Valley have exceeded dangerous levels.
Kathmandu currently ranks second in the world in terms of air pollution. At present, Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, holds the top position, while New Delhi, the capital of India, is ranked third.
Experts attribute the high levels of pollution in Kathmandu Valley to the prolonged absence of rainfall, which has allowed dust to accumulate in the atmosphere.
Karnali produces 258,000 metric tonnes of maize
Maize remains the most widely produced food grain in Karnali Province, surpassing all other crops in terms of yield.
According to the Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture, and Cooperatives, Karnali recorded a maize production of 258,876 metric tonnes this year. The Directorate of Agriculture under the Ministry reported that maize is cultivated across 82,808 hectares of land in the province.
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