KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
President Paudel returns from Qatar after attending global social development summit
President Ram Chandra Paudel has returned to Nepal from Doha, Qatar, after attending the Second World Summit for Social Development. President Paudel had left for Qatar on Monday, leading the Nepali delegation at the invitation of Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The summit, which began on Tuesday, was organized in accordance with a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly.
President Paudel’s Qatar visit deemed productive
President Ram Chandra Paudel has returned home after attending the Second World Summit on Social Development held in Doha, Qatar. Briefing the media at Tribhuvan International Airport, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai described the visit as productive and successful, highlighting that it strengthened Nepal’s presence on the international stage. Rai said the visit also helped amplify the voice of developing countries like Nepal in favor of equitable and sustainable development.
PM Karki pledges peaceful election without bloodshed or injuries
Prime Minister Sushila Karki has said she is committed to ensuring that the upcoming election is held peacefully, without a single drop of blood being shed or anyone getting injured. During a meeting with a delegation from the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL), Prime Minister Karki reaffirmed her government’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, and fear-free election in a peaceful environment.
Foreign Ministry says passport shortage temporary, assures full service from February 23
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said that although the number of passport booklets currently in stock is slightly low due to high public demand, the situation is under control and moving toward a resolution. Dismissing widespread rumors of an acute shortage, the Ministry clarified that passport services are still being provided and the issue will soon be resolved as new supplies arrive.
NC leaders oppose special convention, urge focus on elections and party unity
Leaders supporting the regular convention of Nepali Congress have criticized the proposal for a special convention, saying there is no justification for it at a time when the party should focus on strengthening itself and addressing the country’s ongoing challenges. Speaking at a meeting held in Kathmandu on Thursday, the leaders argued that holding a special convention now is unnecessary and politically motivated. They alleged that the proposal for a special convention emerged after positions were already allocated at the central level.
Dhawal Shamsher Rana submits letter to RPP Chair Lingden demanding reforms
Dhawal Shamsher Rana, General Secretary of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), has submitted a detailed letter to party Chair Rajendra Lingden on Thursday, raising concerns over the party’s leadership style, decision-making processes, and current political direction. The letter highlights dissatisfaction with internal decision-making, organizational management, and the party’s role in Nepal’s national political landscape.
RSP to present four reports at extended meeting
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is set to begin its extended meeting from Friday in Sauraha, Chitwan, according to party leader Biraj Bhakta Shrestha. The two-day session will focus on outlining the party’s future strategy and direction, he said. Shrestha informed that four reports will be presented during the meeting. Acting party chair DP Aryal will table the political report, while vice-chair Swarnim Wagle will present the election manifesto. Likewise, general secretary Kabindra Burlakoti will present the organizational report, and deputy general secretary Bipin Acharya will submit the candidate selection procedure report.
UML youth wing files complaint against Mayor Balen Shah over Facebook posts
The National Youth Federation Nepal, affiliated with CPN-UML, has filed a formal complaint with the Cyber Bureau against Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah. The complaint was lodged on Thursday by the union’s central vice-chairman, Maharaj Gurung. According to the complaint, Mayor Shah allegedly used his personal Facebook account, ‘Balen’, to post objectionable content targeting foreign nations, different political parties, and public officials, which the complainants claim could disrupt public peace.
Madhav Nepal expels six leaders from Unified Socialist following party merger
Madhav Kumar Nepal has expelled six leaders, including General Secretary Ghanshyam Bhusal and Ram Kumari Jhankri, from the Unified Socialist Party, now merged into the Nepali Communist Party, following the unification of 10 parties. The expulsions were carried out on Wednesday, just a day after the merger formalized the formation of the new Nepali Communist Party. According to a party statement, the Central Secretariat, exercising powers granted by the third meeting of the Central Committee, expelled the leaders under Article 121(2) of the party statute.
Ram Kumari Jhakri and Kisan Shrestha to rejoin UML on Monday
Following the merger of the CPN (Unified Socialist) led by Madhav Kumar Nepal with the Nepali Communist Party led by the CPN (Maoist Centre), several leaders are preparing to return to the CPN-UML. Former Unified Socialist leaders Ram Kumari Jhakri and Kisan Shrestha, along with more than 50 central committee members, are set to rejoin UML on Monday.
Ram Kumari Jhakri draws backlash for belittling PM Sushila Karki
Former minister and CPN (Unified Socialist) leader Ram Kumari Jhakri has stirred controversy after making a disparaging remark against Prime Minister Sushila Karki, saying the PM ‘does not have the status’ to talk with former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. In an interview with journalist Tikaram Yatri, Jhakri was responding to a question about reports that Oli had symbolically invited Karki to visit Balkot.
High court orders district court to submit case files of Rabi Lamichhane and Chhabi Raj Joshi
The Butwal bench of the Tulsipur High Court has ordered the Rupandehi District Court to submit the case files related to the cooperative fraud case involving Rastriya Swatantra Party chair Rabi Lamichhane and his business partner, former DIG Chhabi Raj Joshi, who are both currently in custody at Nakkhu Prison. A joint bench of Justices Basudev Acharya and Om Prakash Aryal issued the order on Thursday, instructing the district court to forward all documents and orders related to the case.
NEPSE drops by 11.29 points to close at 2,596 as turnover rises above Rs 5 billion
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index fell by 11.29 points on Thursday, closing at 2,596,12 points. The turnover rose to Rs 5.41 billion, up from Rs 4.68 billion on Wednesday. According to NEPSE, the prices of 77 companies rose, while 165 declined and 9 remained unchanged.
Task force studying nurses’ pay parity given one-month extension
The government has extended by one month the deadline for the task force formed to recommend benefits for nurses equivalent to those of government employees. According to Health Ministry Spokesperson Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, the decision to extend the task force’s tenure follows the agreement reached between the government and protesting nurses earlier this year.
Biplav-led Communist Party of Nepal stages rally in Kathmandu demanding all-party interim government
The Netra Bikram Chand ‘Biplav’-led Communist Party of Nepal staged a demonstration in Kathmandu on Thursday, demanding the formation of an all-party interim government. The rally, which began at Shanti Batika, marched through major thoroughfares before converging into a mass assembly at Bhrikutimandap. According to the party, the demonstration was organized to make public its position on the recent political developments following the Gen-Z movement and to press for broader political restructuring through consensus.
Nepali Congress holds gathering to press for regular general convention
Nepali Congress supporters advocating for a regular general convention have begun a gathering at Anupam Foodland in Battisputali on Thursday. The event, organized by the party’s institutional wing, aims to generate pressure from the ward level to the central committee for holding the regular convention on time.
Home of former President Bhandari inspected by Home Minister Aryal
Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal on Thursday visited the damaged residence of former President Bidya Devi Bhandari in Chapali, Kathmandu, to assess the extent of the destruction. The house was damaged during the Gen-Z movement on September 8 and 9, when fires broke out in several locations across the capital.
Nepali football players hang medals on ANFA gate in symbolic protest
Football players in Nepal staged a dramatic protest outside the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) headquarters in Satdobato on Thursday, expressing anger over the association’s decision to skip this year’s A-Division League. As a symbolic gesture, players hung the medals they had won on ANFA’s gate, saying their hard-earned achievements had effectively been gifted to the association. The act was meant to highlight their frustration over the lack of opportunities for competition and recognition due to the absence of a regular league.
Sudan Gurung demands immediate resignation of Home Minister Aryal
Sudan Gurung, a leader of the Gen-Z movement, has demanded the immediate resignation of Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, criticizing the government’s inaction, weak anti-corruption measures, and delays in delivering justice. In a strong message shared on social media, Gurung sharply condemned the minister, saying, “While the nation demands action against murderers and corrupt officials, the Home Minister remains deaf to these calls and instead targets the Gen-Z movement; this is an insult to the country.”
CPN-UML releases representation details for 11th general convention
The CPN-UML has clarified the representation structure for its 11th general convention, scheduled to take place from December 13 to 15 in Kathmandu. A total of 2,127 delegates will participate, with the party issuing an internal party directive (IPD) to outline how representatives from various sectors and regions will be selected.
Gold price rises by Rs 600
The price of gold in the local market increased on Thursday, rising by Rs 600 per tola. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, gold is being traded at Rs 237,800 per tola today. On Wednesday, the price of gold stood at Rs 237,200 per tola.
Guru Prasad Paudel appointed as NRB spokesperson
Guru Prasad Paudel has been appointed as the Spokesperson of Nepal Rastra Bank, effective from Wednesday. Paudel, who joined the bank in 2002, has held several important positions within the bank, including in the Department of Banking and Financial Institution Regulation, Payment Systems Department, Foreign Exchange Management Department, and the Banking Supervision Department.
Comment