KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Amid political rumors, Prachanda denies talks with Oli and Deuba
A flurry of rumors swept through Kathmandu on Monday, claiming that Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ had held talks with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, proposing the formation of a national government. However, insiders have dismissed these claims as baseless.
Reports had surfaced suggesting that Dahal demanded unity among republican forces and urged the government to fulfill opposition demands. Yet, sources within the Maoist camp clarified that no such talks took place between the three leaders.
Debating hereditary rule in the 21st century is laughable: UML
The CPN-UML has strongly opposed efforts to undermine Nepal’s democratic achievements, stating that attempts to push the country back into an undemocratic past are unacceptable.
In a press release issued after its Central Secretariat meeting, the party criticized the spread of a ‘one-sided negative narrative’ that diminishes national morale and seeks to reverse democratic progress.
“Despite armed conflict, prolonged political transitions, and natural disasters like earthquakes, Nepal has made significant strides in infrastructure, social sectors, living standards, and international relations since the establishment of democracy,” the UML stated.
UML discusses countering monarchist activities, could launch public awareness campaign
The CPN-UML Secretariat meeting has concluded on Monday, with discussions focusing on countering the growing activities of monarchist forces.
Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, UML Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali hinted that if monarchist groups intensified their street protests, UML could launch a public awareness campaign in response.
“We have discussed the need to awaken the people if necessary. More details will emerge over time,” Gyawali stated.
Unified Socialist to mobilize thousands for March 28 rally
The CPN (Unified Socialist) has announced plans to mobilize thousands of participants for the Socialist Front’s upcoming protest rally in Kathmandu on March 28.
During a Standing Committee meeting at the party’s central office in Aloknagar on Monday, the party decided to push forward with efforts to ensure a massive turnout for the rally, which aims to counter misinformation about the monarchy.
Vice-Chair Jagannath Khatiwada stated that the demonstration would serve as a response to pro-monarchy propaganda and reaffirm public commitment to the republican system.
Home Minister calls for legal framework to grant facilities to former VIPs
Home Affairs Minister Ramesh Lekhak has said that it should be made clear by a law whether to provide the State facilities to former VIPs.
In his response to the topics raised by lawmakers during a meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) today, the Home Minister apprised that there is no law granting the facilities to the former VIPs and the government has been proceeding with the formulation of laws towards that end following the advises from the court, Office of the Auditor General and the parliamentary committees.
“It will cause no additional burden on the State coffer to grant such facilities.”
As he argued, the government is aware of the need to avoid unnecessary economic burden on the State and recognise the citizens’ sentiments while proposing the draft bill regarding such facilities. “The government believes that the taxes paid by the citizens be spend lawfully.”
Deepak Thapa appointed as Inspector General of Police
The government has appointed Deepak Thapa as the new Inspector General of Nepal Police.
Thapa’s appointment comes as incumbent Inspector General Basanta Kunwar retires on Monday after completing his 30-year service tenure.
A Cabinet meeting held on Monday evening decided to appoint Thapa to the top police position, according to a minister.
Nava Raj Subedi leaves RPP, forms new committee with royalist support
Nava Raj Subedi, a central working committee member and chair of the central disciplinary committee of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), has announced his departure from the party.
In an event held in the capital on Monday, Subedi declared that he was leaving the RPP to become independent, following instructions from former king Gyanendra to lead the movement for the restoration of the monarchy.
Along with leaving the party, Subedi has formed a new ‘Joint People’s Movement Committee for the Restoration of Monarchy’ with activist Durga Prasai, aiming to revive the monarchy in Nepal.
Pro-monarchists and communists plan street protests on same day: How will govt respond?
As the royalists rally, the Maoist Center-led Socialist Front has also planned a demonstration in Kathmandu on March 28. With no immediate change in government on the horizon, the Socialist Front will demonstrate its strength in Kathmandu on that day.
Durga Prasai, who has recently emerged as a staunch royalist, has announced a protest in Kathmandu on the same day.
The Nepali month of Chaitra (March) is traditionally known as a month of protests, but concerns are rising over potential clashes between republicans and royalists taking to the streets simultaneously.
NTA moves to form pricing committee for Smart Telecom’s assets
The Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) has initiated the process of forming a pricing committee for Smart Telecom’s assets, which have remained dormant since the company was shut down two years ago.
Issuing a notice on Monday, the NTA called for applications to establish the pricing committee, following the automatic revocation of Smart Telecom’s license for basic telephone services in 2014.
Wildfire breaks out in Gorakhnath Community Forest
A fire broke out in the Gorakhnath Community Forest in Bolde, Bethanchok Rural Municipality-3, in the southern part of Kavre on Sunday night.
The fire, which started around 11:00 pm, continues to spread, prompting ongoing efforts by local authorities and residents to control the blaze.
The fire poses a significant threat to the nearby settlement, which is approximately one kilometer away from the affected area.
PM urges National Planning Commission to prioritize poverty alleviation and entrepreneurship
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has directed the National Planning Commission (NPC) to focus on poverty alleviation by increasing production, productivity, and entrepreneurship.
During a meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Singha Durbar, on Monday, PM Oli, who also chairs the Commission, highlighted that with most infrastructure development nearing completion, the focus should now shift to skill development, job creation, large-scale production, and investment in the agricultural sector.
Home Minister: Lawmakers to decide on facilities for former officials
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has stated that no law has been enacted that would impose an unnecessary burden on the services and facilities provided to former distinguished officials.
Addressing the House of Representatives on Monday, Minister Lekhak clarified that the government has not introduced any legislation that would create an undue financial strain.
NEB finalizes all preparations for SEE
The National Examination Board, Office of the Controller of Examinations, has completed all necessary preparations for this year’s Secondary Education Examination (SEE), which will begin on March 20.
Nandalal Poudel, Examination Controller of Grade 10, confirmed that all required materials, including question papers, symbol numbers, and answer sheets, have been distributed to every district across the country.
Sinja civilization gains support for inclusion on World Heritage list
The Department of Archaeology has initiated efforts to list Karnali’s Paduka, Shreesthan, Panchadeval, and Sinja civilizations on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
This decision follows a recent study conducted by the department’s team, which included visits to Panchadeval in Bhurti, Narayan Municipality-3, Dailekh, and the Sinja area in Jumla.
Report proposes upgrading Karnali Provincial Hospital into leading health institution
A high-level study committee led by Prof. Dr. Bhagwan Koirala has submitted a comprehensive report on upgrading Karnali Provincial Hospital to Chief Minister Yamalal Kandel.
The report, presented on Sunday at the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers, outlines strategic recommendations to develop the hospital as a leading health institution and academic center in the province.
Idol found during Bishnumati River clean up
An idol was discovered during a clean up drive along the Bishnumati River on Saturday morning, March 8.
The idol was unearthed from a garbage-buried section between Kalimati Bridge and Gyantirtha as part of the river cleaning campaign led by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City.
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