Monday, March 17th, 2025

Today’s news in a nutshell


16 March 2025  

Time taken to read : 11 Minute


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KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.

Lawmakers oppose proposal for ex-dignitaries’ lifelong privileges

Parliamentarians have strongly criticized the government’s proposal to grant lifelong service benefits to former dignitaries, calling it an unjustified burden on the state’s resources while highlighting the country’s ongoing economic struggles.

During the parliamentary meeting held on Sunday, lawmakers raised their objections vocally. They criticized the proposal to increase benefits for former dignitaries, arguing that it adds unnecessary burden to the state, and called for the government to reconsider its decision.

Democracy is a highway, it only moves forward: PM Oli

Prime Minister (PM) KP Oli stated that the government will continue to make changes in a planned and purposeful manner until the situation improves.

Speaking at the Women’s Leadership Summit organized by the Confederation of Nepalese Industries on Sunday, he emphasized that the government is proceeding with planned activism and patience, rather than relying on unplanned actions.

He highlighted that nothing is impossible when progress is made with optimism and a clear plan. He also affirmed that the government is determined to combat and eliminate corruption.

President Paudel authenticates four bills

President Ram Chandra Paudel has authenticated four bills passed by both houses of the Federal Parliament.

According to the Office of the President, the certification was done in accordance with Article 113(2) of the Constitution of Nepal.

President Paudel authenticated bills—’Bill designed to amend Secured Transaction Act, 2063′, ‘Bill designed to manage E-Commerce’  ‘Bill designed to manage Legislation’ and ‘Bill designed to amend Corruption Prevention Act, 2059’ on Sunday in accordance with Article 113 (2) of the Constitution, according to the Office of the President.

SC halts Energy Minister’s committee on NEA Billing

The Supreme Court has issued an interim order preventing the government-formed task force from proceeding with its review of electricity bills issued by the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) for dedicated feeder and trunk line users.

A joint bench of Justices Saranga Subedi and Tek Prasad Dhungana issued the order on Sunday in response to a writ petition filed by advocate Khadananda Kandel, who argued that the task force was formed illegally by Energy Minister Deepak Khadka.

The committee, led by former National Planning Commission member Prof. Dr. Arvind Kumar Mishra, was assigned to verify the bills issued by NEA.

Five individuals shortlisted for NEPSE CEO position

The recommendation committee formed for the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nepal Stock Exchange Limited (NEPSE) has released the list of shortlisted candidates and announced the interview date.

According to the notice issued on Sunday, five candidates—Chudamani Chapagain, Narad Kumar Luitel, Purna Prasad Acharya, Badri Prasad Pyakurel, and Hemanta Basyal—have been selected from the pool of applicants for the NEPSE CEO position.

The shortlisted candidates are required to attend an interview at the Ministry of Finance on Wednesday, at 7 am, along with a business action plan.

RPP stages torch rally demanding Nirajan Bam’s release

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has staged a torch rally demanding the release of its youth leader Nirajan Bam.

Party activists organized the rally in Sinamangal, calling for Bam’s immediate release.

During the protest, they also chanted slogans against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Maoist Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda.

Rs 4 billion collected in revenue from realty business in Falgun

The government has collected Rs 4.12 billion in revenue from the real estate sector in the month of Falgun. According to the Department of Land Management and Archives, this marks an increase in real estate transactions compared to the previous month, Magh.

As the realty business gradually returns to normal, revenue collection has also risen. Specifically, Rs 288 million was generated from service taxes, Rs 2.20 billion from registration fees, and Rs 1.57 billion from capital gains tax during this period.

Shahi accuses UML’s Pant of hypocrisy, claims “murderers” walk around Parliament as MPs

Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chief Whip Gyanendra Shahi has hit back at CPN-UML MP Raghuji Pant, who had challenged him to debate after studying history.

Speaking in the House of Representatives on Sunday, Shahi emphasized that statements made in parliament should be well thought out.

In response to Pant’s comments about murders during the king’s reign, Shahi questioned, “Can anyone come here and say whatever they want?”

He added, “You talk about murderers—who killed Madan Bhandari? The person who promised to uncover the truth behind his murder is now the Prime Minister. Who stopped you from investigating the murder of Madan Bhandari? This Parliament deserves an answer.”

Finance Minister acknowledges struggles in meeting expenses due to low revenue collection

Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel has acknowledged that the government is facing difficulties in meeting its expenses due to challenges in revenue collection.

Speaking during the House of Representatives meeting on Sunday, Minister Poudel explained that, as a result of the revenue shortfall, a low budget had been allocated under the mandatory liability heading in the current fiscal year’s budget.

He noted that despite setting a target to collect 31 percent of the revenue, the allocated budget for mandatory liabilities remains insufficient.

PM Oli calls for positive change through equal participation

Prime Minister (PM) KP Oli emphasized the importance of equal participation of both men and women to bring positive change in all sectors of society.

Inaugurating the Women Leadership Summit 2025, organized by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies along with the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), PM Oli stressed that Nepali culture and tradition view women as dynamic, change-oriented forces, often revering them as goddesses.

“The chariot cannot move forward with only one wheel; similarly, society must progress with equal participation of both men and women,” he said. “We must collaborate with the private sector to address poverty eradication and ensure social justice and equality.”

Regrettable that campuses are locked down as students become pawns of political parties: Swarnim Wagle

Lawmaker Dr. Swarnim Wagle expressed regret over the involvement of students, who should be the ‘lamp of consciousness,’ in campus lockdowns driven by political party factions.

Speaking during the ‘special time’ in today’s House of Representatives meeting, Wagle described it as unfortunate to witness factional politics playing out in over 1,000 campuses across the country in the past week, referring to the lockouts that have taken place ahead of the Free Students Union elections at Tribhuvan University.

Gold prices drop today

Gold prices slightly decreased today. Gold, which was traded at Rs 174,500 per tola last Friday, dropped by Rs 400 to Rs 174,100 per tola today, according to the Nepal Gold and Silver Business Federation.

Silver prices also saw a slight decline today. The price of silver was set at Rs 2,450 per tola, up from Rs 2,050 per tola on Friday.

India-supplied electricity to be limited to 12 hours from today

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has announced that electricity imported from India will now be supplied only during daylight hours, amounting to 12 hours a day.

The NEA has been relying on imported electricity from India to maintain regular supply and prevent load shedding.

There has been speculation about a potential return of load shedding in Nepal with the reduction in electricity supply from India. However, the NEA has assured that there will be no immediate load shedding despite the cut in supply.

Health Insurance Task Force report proposes increasing benefits

The report from the task force formed to address issues in the health insurance sector has been made public. Minister for Health and Population, Pradeep Poudel, unveiled the report during a program at the ministry.

Minister Poudel emphasized that health insurance can be managed without burdening the common citizen, and that the government is progressing in that direction.

Subpar blacktopping on Gharapjhong road raises concerns

Construction contractors have been accused of compromising quality in road construction projects in the district.

The ring road connecting all five wards of Gharapjhong Rural Municipality has subpar blacktopping, which has sparked public outrage and raised questions about the role of oversight authorities.

Fire at Syuchatar destroys property worth Rs 1.5 million

A house with a tin roof, owned by local Krishna Hari Shrestha in Kathmandu, was completely destroyed by a fire last night, causing damages worth Rs 1.5 million.

The fire, which started at 9:40 PM, raged for an hour, consuming the one-story house in Syuchatar, Nagarjun Municipality-7, according to Apil Bohara, spokesperson for the District Police Range, Kathmandu.

NA’s health camp provides free services to 525 people

A total of 525 people received a range of medical services at a two-day health camp organized at the local Ghairung Health Post in Shahid Lakhan Rural Municipality-6.

The Nepali Army, in collaboration with the rural municipality, organized the free health camp, offering services in dental care, dermatology, orthopedics, and cervical cancer screening, according to Birendra Shrestha, chief of the health section at the rural municipality.

Over 400 people benefit from health camp in Baglung

A total of 410 people benefited from a recently held health camp at Kalimati in the district.

The Rotary Club of Baglung and the Rotary Club of Meet Town Pokhara jointly organized the day-long event at Kalimati, Baglung Municipality-7.

Specialist doctors provided various medical services at the camp, as reported by Ram Krishna Sharma, chair of the Rotary Club of Baglung.

RPP leader arrested for burning Prachanda’s photo

Police have arrested Nirajan Bam, a leader of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), for burning a photo of former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, who is also the chairman of the Maoist Center.

Bam was arrested in Chitwan by the Makawanpur police with assistance from the Chitwan police. The incident occurred during a party event held in Hetauda on Saturday, where Bam and others raised slogans against Prachanda and the republic before burning his photo.

Publish Date : 16 March 2025 22:08 PM

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