KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
CIAA files case against former ministers Rajkumar Gupta and Ranjita Shrestha along with five others in bribe deal audio case
The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a case at the Special Court against former Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration Rajkumar Gupta, former minister and Nagarik Unmukti Party chair Ranjita Shrestha, and five others in connection with a bribe deal audio case. According to the CIAA, the case was filed based on evidence that they attempted to arrange a bribe deal to transfer Ram Chandra Adhikari, the then Chief of the Kaski Land Revenue Office, and appoint him as a member of the Land Commission.
CIAA reveals details of ‘Litchi Bagaicha’ bribe deal involving former ministers Gupta and Shrestha
The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a case at the Special Court against former minister Rajkumar Gupta, former minister and Nagarik Unmukti Party chair Ranjita Shrestha, and five others in connection with the ‘Litchi Bagaicha’ land transfer bribe deal in Pokhara’s Batulechour, Deep Birta area. According to the CIAA’s charge sheet, Gupta, while serving as Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration, had accepted bribes from a real estate agent in exchange for halting the transfer of Ram Chandra Adhikari, then Chief of the Kaski Land Revenue Office. The audio recording of their conversation, verified through forensic testing, confirmed the bribe negotiation, the CIAA stated.
Oli tells UML district chairs: I’m ready to step down only if the situation truly demands it
CPN-UML Chair and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli held a virtual meeting on Monday with all UML district chairpersons across the country.
During the discussion, Oli said that this is not an appropriate time for leadership change, emphasizing that the Central Committee’s decision would be final on any such matter.
Israeli intelligence obtains new video of abducted Nepali national Bipin Joshi
Israeli intelligence agencies have obtained a new video of Bipin Joshi, the Nepali student abducted by Hamas during the October 7 attacks in 2023, according to Israeli media reports. His family has confirmed that the video will be made public on Wednesday evening.
The Hostage Families Forum of Israel said that the video was recently recovered by Israeli intelligence units and shows Joshi, who was abducted from Kibbutz Alumim during the Hamas assault.
Mahesh Basnet slams govt, challenges arrest of KP Oli
CPN-UML politburo member Mahesh Basnet has issued a strong challenge to the government, daring it to arrest former Prime Minister and UML Chairman KP Oli. Speaking at a press conference held at the UML party office in Chyasal on Wednesday, Basnet lashed out at the government in response to recent developments involving allegations and investigations against party leaders.
Mahesh Basnet : I have never seen anyone as corrupt as Kulman
UML leader Mahesh Basnet has claimed that he has never seen anyone as corrupt as Kulman Ghising. He made the remarks during a press conference in Kathmandu on Wednesday. Answering a journalist’s question, Basnet said that investigations into corruption should begin with Kulman Ghising.
Mahesh Basnet alleges administrative pressure to arrest him and others under Balen’s plan
CPN-UML leader Mahesh Basnet has alleged that administration officials were pressured under KMC Mayor Balen Shah’s plan to arrest him, KP Sharma Oli, and Ramesh Lekhak. Speaking at a press conference at the UML party central office in Chyasal on Wednesday, Basnet claimed that individuals like Sudan Gurung were used to pressure the administration into executing the arrests.
Gold price reaches Rs 238,000 per tola
The price of gold in the Nepali market has reached Rs 238,000 per tola on Wednesday.
According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price increased by Rs 2,600 compared to Tuesday, when it was traded at Rs 235,400 per tola.
Cyber Bureau records UML leader Mahesh Basnet’s statement
CPN-UML Politburo member Mahesh Basnet, who has been accused of cybercrime, appeared at the Cyber Bureau of the Nepal Police on Wednesday to provide a statement.
According to a source at the Bureau, Basnet arrived at the office in the morning, and his statement was subsequently recorded.
EC sends letters to political parties for discussion
The Election Commission has summoned political parties on October 16 for discussions related to the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5. Commissioner Dr. Janaki Kumari Tuladhar said the invitation was sent to parties that had representation in the dissolved House of Representatives and those that won at least one ward member in the last election, to discuss preparations for the upcoming polls.
Nepal clinch T20 series against Malaysia with home-ground victory
Nepal defeated Malaysia on home soil to win the five-match T20 series 3–2. In the final match, Nepal successfully chased Malaysia’s target of 104 runs, winning by five wickets.
Puja Mahato and Rubi Podar played key roles in Nepal’s victory. Mahato scored 23 runs off 24 balls, while Podar made 26 runs off 24 balls. Samjhana Kumari Khadka added 10 runs from 13 balls, Kabita Kunwar scored 14 off 19, and captain Indu Verma contributed 8 runs from 13 deliveries.
Reconstruction of flood-damaged roads estimated to cost Rs 12 billion
The government has estimated that approximately Rs 12.38 billion will be needed to reconstruct road infrastructure damaged by floods and landslides that occurred on October 4, 5 and 6, as well as from earlier disasters.
According to the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Rs 10.68 billion will be required to rebuild main highways, alternative roads, Bailey bridges, and permanent bridges damaged during this year’s monsoon. An additional Rs 1.7 billion is needed to restore structures affected by last year’s monsoon.
NHRC directs government to act cautiously
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has drawn the government’s attention to the recent political developments in the country and the planned demonstrations by the next-generation Gen-Z groups. In a statement issued by the commission’s spokesperson and joint secretary, Dr. Tikaram Pokharel, the NHRC expressed concern over statements made by political parties, individuals, and various groups that could affect peace and security. The commission has directed the government to take necessary measures cautiously.
NEPSE continues downward trend, drops by 45 points
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) continued its decline on Wednesday, falling by 45.36 points to close at 2,559.59 points. After reopening on Tuesday following the Dashain holidays, NEPSE had already dropped by 58.55 points, and the downward trend persisted today. A total of Rs 5.76 billion worth of shares were traded on Wednesday. Out of the listed companies, 232 saw a decline in share prices, 18 recorded gains, while Prabhu Mahalaxmi Life Insurance remained unchanged.
Roshi River floods disrupt BP Highway, making even pedestrian travel difficult
Heavy rains have caused the Roshi River to flood, damaging sections of the BP Highway and making even pedestrian travel challenging. The floods and landslides have blocked vehicular traffic, forcing travelers to walk to reach their destinations.
‘Gen-Z Clinic’ operational at Koshi Hospital
The Gen-Z Clinic has officially come into operation at Koshi Hospital in Biratnagar, with the goal of providing prompt medical services to individuals injured during the Genji protests that took place on September 8 and 9.
Repairs begin on Syafru–Rasuwagadhi road section
Repair work has begun on the Syafru–Rasuwagadhi road section, which was severely damaged by continuous rainfall on October 4. Excavators from Gosainkunda Rural Municipality and dozers from the Road Department are being deployed to clear and restore the damaged areas. More than 20 locations along the 16-kilometer stretch from Yangyang to Rasuwagadhi have been affected by landslides.
Province govt mobilizes medical teams in disaster-hit districts
Koshi Province government has begun mobilizing medical teams to improve healthcare services in districts affected by recent monsoon-related disasters. According to Dr. Kenin Rai, Information Officer at the Ministry of Health and Population, the initiative includes dispatching teams comprising doctors and representatives from the provincial Ministry of Health, the Health Directorate, and the Department of Supply Management to the disaster-hit areas.
Death toll from Japanese encephalitis reaches six in Chitwan
The death toll from Japanese encephalitis in Chitwan district has risen to six since the month of July, according to the District Public Health Office. Of the deceased, two were from Bharatpur Metropolitan City, one from Khaireni Municipality, two from Rapti Municipality, and one from Kalika Municipality. The most recent death was a woman from Khairhani Ward No. 4, confirmed Kit Controller Ram KC.
Agriculture Ministry begins assessment of agriculture and livestock losses
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has initiated the process of collecting data on the losses and damages caused to the agriculture and livestock sectors across the country due to recent heavy rainfall. According to the Ministry, its subordinate offices have been directed to gather preliminary damage reports from all seven provinces and submit them for central analysis.
Beautification of Chimkeshwari Temple boosts religious tourism in Tanahun
The Chimkeshwari Mai Temple, located at the highest point in Tanahun district, has been beautified as part of a broader effort to promote it as a religious tourism destination. Situated at an altitude of 2,134 meters in Aanbukhaireni Rural Municipality-5, the temple has undergone various upgrades under a beautification and reconstruction campaign led by the local government.
Tourist arrivals rebound in Sauraha after Dashain lull
Tourism activity in Sauraha is showing signs of recovery, bringing a wave of optimism to local businesses.
Gunaraj Thapaliya, operator of Unique Wild Resort, expressed his happiness as 30 international tourists are expected to arrive at the resort today.
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