KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
HoR endorses Ordinance on Economic Procedures and Financial Responsibility
The House of Representatives (HoR) today passed the Economic Procedures and Financial Responsibility (First Amendment) Ordinance, 2081.
The proposal, tabled by Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel, was approved by a majority vote in the HoR.
Meanwhile, a proposal tabled by Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Dr. Swornim Wagle, seeking the HoR’s disapproval of the ordinance, was rejected.
U.S. deportation flight brings eight Nepalis back
A U.S. charter flight carrying eight Nepali citizens who violated U.S. immigration laws landed at Tribhuvan International Airport at 10:00 am today.
The aircraft transported individuals who were either residing in the U.S. illegally or deported for specific immigration violations.
Nepalis deported from the US reluctant to file cases against brokers
Nepal Police interrogated eight Nepalis who were deported from the United States and returned to Nepal on Wednesday.
The group, which arrived on a US chartered flight Wednesday morning, was taken to the Human Trafficking Investigation Bureau for questioning.
Superintendent of Police Narendra Kunwar, spokesperson for the Bureau, stated that the interrogation focused on the details of their journey to the US.
Foreign Minister Rana to visit India, meeting with PM Modi uncertain
Foreign Minister Dr. Arju Rana Deuba is scheduled to visit New Delhi, India, to attend the Raisina Dialogue from March 17 to 19.
While in India, there are indications that she may seek meetings with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
She also intends to extend an invitation for the Sagarmatha Sambad. However, her press advisor Ekraj Pathak has not confirmed any high-level political meetings at this time.
“Her program to attend the Raisina Dialogue has been scheduled,” Pathak said, “but no decision has been made regarding political meetings. It cannot be confirmed at the moment that an initiative is being taken to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
Opp’n parties protest repeated clarifications demanded from Kulman
The opposition parties, including the main opposition Maoist Centre, have protested against the Ministry of Energy for repeatedly demanding clarifications from Kulman Ghising, the Executive Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).
As soon as the House of Representatives meeting began on Wednesday, opposition lawmakers stood up from their seats to protest.
RSP warns govt against removing Kulman Ghising
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) MP Manish Jha has issued a stern warning to the government, cautioning against the removal of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Managing Director Kulman Ghising.
Speaking during the House of Representatives meeting on Wednesday, Jha criticized the government’s alleged efforts to oust Ghising from his position.
Jha expressed concerns over what he described as political interference in public institutions. He highlighted Ghising’s contributions to the NEA and accused the government of creating excuses to remove him.
RSP’s Khanal questions PM Oli: “Are you becoming Hitler?”
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) MP Shishir Khanal has criticized the House of Representatives for becoming a mere shadow of the government.
Speaking during a session of the House, he expressed dissatisfaction over the suspension of passes for two YouTubers by the Parliament Secretariat.
He said, “Can an elected person also become Hitler? Today, we have heard the news of the suspension.”
RPP holds motorcycle rally calling for restoration of monarchy
The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) organized a large-scale motorcycle rally in Kathmandu on Wednesday, with participants displaying national flags as they took to the streets.
The rally saw significant participation from party leaders, cadres, and supporters, showcasing the party’s unity and strength.
RPP Chairman Rajendra Lingden and MP Bikram Pandey were among the prominent figures leading the rally. The event aimed to demonstrate the party’s commitment to national pride and its ongoing efforts to connect with the public.
Maoist Center leaders meet to discuss ordinances and party campaign
The office bearers of the Maoist Center met today at 9 am at the residence of party chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ in Khumaltar.
The meeting focussed on the ordinance that the government presented in the parliament for approval, the party’s ongoing Tarai-Madhesh campaign, and other contemporary political issues.
Party leaders also discussed strategies regarding the ordinances and review the progress of their outreach efforts in Madhesh.
Melamchi pipeline in Thapathali repaired, water supply restored
The drinking water pipeline from the Melamchi Drinking Water Project, which ruptured in Thapathali on Tuesday morning, has been successfully repaired, restoring water supply to the affected areas.
A technical team from Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL) worked through the night to repair the broken pipeline, completing the work at 4:00 am this morning, according to KUKL engineer Prakash Baral.
Parliament suspends entry passes of two YouTubers
The Federal Parliament Secretariat has suspended the entry passes of two YouTubers.
The suspension follows their use of inappropriate language directed towards Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and ruling party Members of Parliament.
The Parliament Secretariat’s action is reportedly in response to a recent incident where Prime Minister Oli was referred to as Hitler.
Wildlife attacks claim 10 lives in Chitwan National Park
A surge in human-wildlife conflict has resulted in the deaths of ten individuals within and around Nepal’s Chitwan National Park in the first six months of the fiscal year, park officials confirmed Tuesday.
The fatalities, which occurred since mid-July, are attributed to attacks by rhinos, elephants, and tigers, according to Abinash Thapa Magar, the park’s information officer.
Rhinos were responsible for the majority of deaths, with eight fatal attacks recorded. One death each was caused by an elephant and a tiger.
Initiative launched to conserve endangered red panda in Ilam
An initiative has been launched in Ilam to conserve the endangered red panda by planting trees and fencing government-owned land at the Potato Development Center in Sandakpur and Maijogmai rural municipalities.
Most of the 8,424 ropanis of land under the Ministry of Agriculture remains unused, and efforts are now being made to utilize it for developing an organic route to support wildlife movement.
A technical team from the Ministry of Forest and Environment has conducted a study and monitoring in the area, also engaging in discussions with locals and representatives.
Prabhu Sah raises allegations of MP ‘trading’ in Parliament
Aam Janata Party MP Prabhu Sah has brought to the government’s notice reports of MPs being traded.
Speaking during an emergency session of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Sah urged Speaker Devraj Ghimire to take the matter seriously. “We are hearing reports that the government is ‘trading’ Members of Parliament,” Sah said.
Finance Minister pledges pragmatic approach in budget formulation
The Ministry of Finance has begun formulating the budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2082/83 BS (2025-26).
Today, the Ministry held consultations with the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, along with relevant departments and agencies, regarding the budget.
During the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Bishnu Prasad Paudel, emphasized the importance of fiscal discipline and committed to ensuring the budget is realistic.
Murder suspect arrested in Kathmandu
Kanchanpur police have arrested Uddhav Bohara, 34, of Bedkot Municipality-1, who was wanted in connection with a murder case. SP Chakraraj Joshi confirmed Bohara’s arrest in Kathmandu and subsequent transfer to Kanchanpur.
Bohara, a former member of the Nepali Congress Kanchanpur District Working Committee and general convention representative, is accused of the murder of Harka Bahadur Khadayat of Bedkot.
According to SP Joshi, Khadayat was assaulted by a group, including Bohara, on November 14, 2023, while returning from a Deusibhailo event in Hattithala, Bedkot Municipality-1.
Two Nuwakot hospitals shut down for operating illegally
Two hospitals in the eastern Nuwakot district have been closed and one fined after a joint market monitoring team discovered they were operating without proper registration, officials confirmed Tuesday.
The Office of Industry and Commerce, Nuwakot, led the operation, which resulted in the immediate sealing of Dupcheshwor Nepal Hospital. The hospital was also fined Rs 20,000 for its illegal operation, according to Chief Kishor Sapkota.
Similarly, Mailak Diagnostic Hospital was also found to be operating without registration and was subsequently shut down.
KMC monitoring teams report coordination problems
Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s monitoring teams voiced concerns about weak interdepartmental coordination to Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol during an interaction on Tuesday.
At a program organized by the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, team coordinators highlighted various challenges hindering project implementation and oversight.
Architect Baburam Bhattarai, head of the heritage and physical infrastructure monitoring team, reported delays in heritage and infrastructure projects due to poor communication and coordination.
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