KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
PM Oli and PM Modi hold talks in Bangkok
Prime Minister (PM) KP Oli and his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, held a meeting in Bangkok following the conclusion of the 6th Summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). The meeting took place at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, where Indian Prime Minister Modi is staying.
Modi and Oli tweet two minutes apart after Bangkok meeting, call it ‘fruitful and meaningful
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed India’s strong commitment to its relationship with Nepal. Following his meeting with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in Bangkok on Friday, Modi took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his thoughts, writing in Nepali.
“Had a fruitful meeting with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in Bangkok. India places great importance on its relationship with Nepal,” Modi wrote. He also mentioned that their discussions covered various aspects of India-Nepal friendship, particularly focusing on energy, connectivity, culture, and digital technology.
Likewise, Prime Minister Oli also posted on X, writing in Hindi, calling the meeting highly meaningful and positive. “Had a heartfelt meeting with my dear friend, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Our conversation was extremely meaningful and positive. I express my happiness over this cordial interaction,” Oli wrote.
After 45-minute meeting with Modi, Oli says, “The discussion was good”
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli described his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a positive and constructive conversation. Speaking briefly to the press after the meeting, Oli stated, “I had a good and positive dialogue with Prime Minister Modi. For now, that’s all.”
The two leaders held a 45-minute one-on-one meeting at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, following the 6th BIMSTEC Summit on multilateral technical and economic cooperation. Earlier, the two had met during the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York on September, 2024.
BIMSTEC Summit concludes with adoption of Bangkok Vision 2030
The sixth BIMSTEC Summit, held in Bangkok, Thailand, concluded today with the adoption of the Bangkok Vision 2030 document. The Summit endorsed a six-point proposal under the theme “Prosperity, Resilience, and Openness”, focusing on trade expansion, communication networks, and human security in the region. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra held a press conference to present the adopted proposals.
PM Oli addresses BIMSTEC Summit, highlights Nepal’s aspirations
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli highlighted Nepal’s national aspirations of “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali” during his address at the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.
In his speech, PM Oli aligned Nepal’s goals with the summit’s main themes of prosperity, resilience, and openness. He stated that these themes resonate deeply with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and Nepal’s national vision.
High Court orders detention of RSP Chair Rabi Lamichhane
The Butwal bench of the Tulsipur High Court has ordered the detention of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane in connection with the Supreme Cooperative Society fraud case.
He faces charges of fraud and involvement in organized crime. This decision overturns an earlier ruling by the District Court, which had released Lamichhane on a bail of Rs 10 million. A joint bench comprising Justices Ramesh Dhakal and Santhiya Parajuli issued the latest order for his detention.
RSP Chair Rabi Lamichhane arrested from his residence
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has been arrested following the Tulsipur High Court’s order to remand him in custody.
Police officers, some in plain clothes and others in uniform, arrived at Lamichhane’s residence and took him into custody, RSP sources confirmed.
The High Court’s Butwal bench had overturned earlier district court rulings and ordered his detention in connection with the Supreme Cooperative savings misappropriation case.
RSP leaders hold emergency talks following Rabi Lamichhane’s arrest order
Leaders of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) have engaged in an informal discussion after the Tulsipur High Court ordered Chair Rabi Lamichhane to be remanded in custody.
According to sources, the leaders are meeting via Zoom to decide whether to proceed with or postpone Saturday’s scheduled event in Chitwan, which was set to be led by Lamichhane. Some leaders have also gathered at his residence.
Earlier, the Butwal bench of the High Court overturned the Rupandehi District Court’s ruling, ordering Lamichhane’s detention in connection with the Supreme Cooperative embezzlement case.
Two earthquakes jolt Jajarkot within three minutes
Two earthquakes struck Jajarkot within a span of three minutes on Friday evening, prompting residents to rush outdoors in fear.
According to the National Seismological Center, the first tremor, measuring 5.2 magnitude, occurred at 8:07 PM, followed by a 5.5 magnitude quake at 8:10 PM. The epicenter was located around the Paik area of Jajarkot.
The tremors were felt across Sudurpaschim, Karnali, and Lumbini provinces. There have been no immediate reports of casualties or major damage.
89 released, 66 including Mishra and Rana to face charges in Tinkune incident
Following the March 28 royalist protest led by Durga Prasai and Nabaraj Subedi in Tinkune, 89 out of the 148 arrested have been released into family custody.
Speaking at the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of Parliament on Friday, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak informed that those released were taken into custody from various locations, including Tinkune, Koteshwar, Jadibuti, and Sinamangal, following acts of vandalism, arson, and violence.
According to Minister Lekhak, the rally was initially permitted by the local administration as a peaceful demonstration. Among those detained were lawmakers and political figures, including RPP Senior Vice-chair Rabindra Mishra and MP Dhawal Shamsher Rana.
NEA in disarray due to a minister’s wrong intentions: Kulman
Kulman Ghising, former Managing Director of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), has stated that the NEA is in disarray due to the misguided intentions of Energy Minister Deepak Khadka.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday after his removal as Managing Director of the NEA, Ghising said the current state of dysfunction and potential collapse is the result of poor leadership and the minister’s ill intentions.
“We ensured a reliable electricity supply, saved the nation’s finances, and played a vital role in improving the people’s standard of living. I firmly believe that this successful model—built on effective leadership, a clear vision, and transparent practices—can be replicated in other sectors of the country,” he said.
Gold price drops by Rs 3,900 per tola
After reaching a record high, the price of gold fell on Friday. The price decreased by Rs 3,900 per tola, with the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association setting the new price at Rs 176,400 per tola. The price on Thursday had been Rs 180,300 per tola.
Time to seek solution within constitutional bounds: Dr Shekhar Koirala
Nepali Congress leader Dr Shekhar Koirala has stressed the need to resolve the country’s challenges through constitutional means. Speaking at a foundation stone-laying ceremony for Budhiganga Park in Budhiganga Rural Municipality-1, Morang, on Thursday, Koirala stated that while everyone has the right to peaceful protest, it must be carried out within the boundaries set by the Constitution.
He strongly condemned violent activities such as vandalism and arson, asserting that such actions are not acceptable and do not help in addressing problems.
Police recover Durga Prasai’s vehicle in Jhapa; suspect he fled to India
While there is no official confirmation that Durga Prasai fled to India via the Kakadbhitta border in Jhapa, police suspect he did. Authorities have traced the vehicle that transported him from Tinkune, Kathmandu, to Jhapa.
The Scorpio SUV, registered under Bagmati Province with the number Ba B 4208, is now in police custody. Prasai reportedly hid inside a shuttered building after allegedly inciting violence during a rally in Tinkune, Kathmandu, on March 28. As chaos erupted, police responded with tear gas and warning shots.
Why are Kathmanduites suffering from burning eyes and breathing difficulties?
In recent weeks, air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley has worsened significantly, becoming both visible and physically noticeable. Reports say hospitals are seeing a rise in patients with symptoms such as burning eyes, sore throats, headaches, and respiratory problems.
Typically, by March, cases of colds and respiratory illnesses begin to decline. However, 50% of the patients visiting hospitals now report symptoms directly linked to air pollution, such as nasal congestion, persistent cough, and difficulty breathing.
PM Oli to address Madhesh Provincial Assembly on April 8
Prime Minister (PM) KP Oli is scheduled to address the Madhesh Provincial Assembly on April 8. The decision was made during an all-party meeting held at the Provincial Assembly earlier today.
“It has been agreed that Prime Minister Oli will address the House on March 8,” confirmed Yubaraj Bhattarai, a provincial assembly member from the CPN-Maoist Centre and former minister.
Governor Maha Prasad’s final address as Nepal Rastra Bank Governor: Thanks Oli, blames COVID-19
On his final day as the Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, Maha Prasad Adhikari held a press conference to mark the completion of his five-year term. Facing accusations of plunging the economy into further crisis and weakening the country’s economic standing internationally, Adhikari defended his tenure at the conference.
He also took the opportunity to thank Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, without naming him, for appointing him to the position. Adhikari stated that during his tenure, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted economic activities, causing contraction in Nepal’s economy and globally.
Collective initiative essential for promoting entrepreneurship: Minister Bhandari
Minister for Labour, Employment, and Social Security, Sharat Singh Bhandari, announced that the government is actively working to create employment opportunities and promote entrepreneurship through the expansion of information systems related to the labour market.
In his address at the inauguration of an employment-focused web portal at the Lord Buddha Education Foundation in Maitidevi, Kathmandu, Minister Bhandari urged the private sector to take collective action in creating internal jobs and fostering entrepreneurship.
Air pollution in Kathmandu decreases with increased wind speed
Air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley has decreased following an increase in wind speed, which has helped to reduce the concentration of pollutants in the air. The Valley, which had been ranked as the world’s most-polluted city earlier this week, is now listed at number seven in terms of air quality.
On Thursday afternoon, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Kathmandu reached 348, making it the most-polluted city globally. However, by the time of this report, the AQI had dropped to 147.
Speaker Ghimire leads Nepali delegation to Uzbekistan
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Devraj Ghimire, departed for Uzbekistan today, leading a Nepali delegation to participate in the 150th annual assembly of the Inter-Legislative Assembly and the fourth summit of the Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network.
The delegation includes MPs Shyam Kumar Ghimire, Anjan Shakya, Suryaman Dong Tamang, Sobita Gautam, along with key officials such as the General Secretary of the Federal Parliament, Padma Prasad Pandey, and the Secretary of the House of Representatives, Harkaraj Rai.
Law reform underway to boost collaboration in energy sector: Minister Khadka
Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Dipak Khadka, has said that new legislation is being prepared to create a favorable environment for both government and private sector involvement in Nepal’s energy development.
Speaking at a signing ceremony between the government and China Railway Engineering Company for the deployment of tunnel boring machine (TBM) technology in the 285-MW Tamor Hydropower Project in Taplejung, Minister Khadka emphasized the need for joint efforts to achieve national energy goals. The project is being developed by Tamor Energy Pvt. Ltd.
Acting Prime Minister Singh meets President Paudel
Acting Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh held a meeting with President Ram Chandra Poudel at the President’s residence, Sheetal Niwas, on Friday. The meeting focused on current national issues, as confirmed by the President’s Secretariat.
20 injured as bus overturns on Dumre-Besisahar road, four in critical condition
A bus accident on the Dumre-Besisahar road section left 20 passengers injured on Friday.
The bus (Ga 1 Kha 6498) was traveling from Dumre Bazaar to Besisahar when it lost control and overturned at Mohariya, Bhanu Municipality-1.
According to police, four passengers are in critical condition and are receiving treatment at Chitwan Medical College. The remaining 16 injured are being treated at Laxmi Hospital and Moti Medical in Dumre.
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