KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
NC Chief whip Ghimire apologizes in Parliament for advocating legalization of sex businesses
Nepali Congress (NC) Chief Whip Shyam Kumar Ghimire has issued an apology in Parliament for his controversial statement.
During today’s Parliament session, he apologized for remarks made three days ago, in which he suggested that sex businesses should be legalized in Nepal.
Ghimire had registered to speak at the beginning of the House of Representatives meeting.
After being given the floor by the Speaker, Ghimire clarified that his earlier statement was a personal opinion, not the official stance of the Nepali Congress parliamentary party.
Maoist Center demands investigation into seizure of Rs 250 million in foreign currency
The CPN-Maoist Center has called for an investigation into the seizure of illegal foreign currency worth Rs 250 million, which was confiscated from a freight truck in Jhor, Kathmandu, on Monday night.
During a meeting of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Maoist MP Madhav Sapkota urged the formation of a special investigation committee to probe the incident.
“A special investigation committee should be formed regarding this incident. I strongly demand that the high-level leaders and employees involved be brought to justice,” Sapkota said.
Lawmakers demand thorough investigation into seized foreign currency case
Nepali Congress MP Ramhari Khatiwada has called for a thorough investigation into the seizure of illegal foreign currency worth Rs 250 million from a truck in Jhor, Kathmandu, on Monday midnight.
Speaking at the House of Representatives meeting on Wednesday, MP Khatiwada criticized the government’s tendency to arrest low-level workers, such as drivers and porters, while failing to investigate the actual owners behind such illegal activities.
“I thank the government for successfully seizing the illegal currency, including euros and dollars, from the truck driven by Sindhupalchowk driver Kushang Lama. However, it is concerning that only drivers and porters are arrested, while the real masterminds behind the operation remain untouched,” Khatiwada said.
Supreme Court orders not to freeze NEA’s bank account
The Supreme Court of Nepal has issued an interim order suspending the implementation of judgments made by the Patan High Court and Kathmandu District Court in a dispute involving Chinese contractors of the Chameliya Hydropower Project, including China Gezhouba Group (CGGC) and Pinggao Wisdom JV. The contractors had demanded an additional payment of Rs 800 million from the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).
The case stems from the contractors’ claims for extra compensation for their work on the 30-megawatt Chameliya Hydropower Project. After years of legal disputes, both the Patan High Court and Kathmandu District Court ruled in favor of the contractors, and international arbitration also supported their claim.
In response, the contractors attempted to enforce the court rulings by freezing NEA’s bank accounts. However, the Supreme Court’s recent intervention has blocked their efforts for now, offering temporary relief to the embattled NEA.
Gold prices reach record high today
Gold prices continue to break records, reaching new all-time highs each day. Yesterday (Tuesday), gold hit its highest-ever price, and today it once again set a new record for being the most expensive.
Today, gold prices have risen by 800 rupees per tola, reaching an unprecedented 176,000 rupees per tola, as reported by the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Federation.
The Federation also noted a decrease in silver prices today. The price of silver has dropped by 5 rupees per tola, now standing at 2,045 rupees per tola.
Shortlisted candidates for NEPSE CEO present their action plans
The five candidates shortlisted for the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) have presented their action plans.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the presentations took place this morning, where each candidate outlined their vision and strategies for managing and developing the country’s stock exchange.
The shortlisted candidates are Chudamani Chapagain, Narad Kumar Luitel, Purna Prasad Acharya, Badri Prasad Pyakurel and Hemanta Basyal.
Kathmandu’s TU constituent campuses see mixed wins in FSU elections
The results of the Free Student Union (FSU) elections for Tribhuvan University (TU) constituent campuses in the Kathmandu Valley have been officially announced.
Candidates from the All Nepal National Free Students Union (ANNFSU) emerged victorious at the Nepal Commerce Campus and Mahendra Ratna Campus, Tahachal. Bishal Rokaha and Ishwor Thapa have been elected as the Presidents of the respective campuses, according to ANNFSU Vice-President Narayan Gharti.
NC holding Central Executive Committee on March 23
The ruling Nepali Congress has called a meeting of its central executive committee to determine an official position on the growing activities of monarchist forces advocating for the reinstatement of former King Gyanendra Shah.
A meeting of party officials at NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba’s residence in Budhanilkantha decided to convene the central executive committee meeting on March 23 to review the momentum of the monarchist movement.
Foreign Minister calls for collective action and climate financing reform at Raisina Dialogue
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana has called for collective cooperation to address the impacts of climate change, particularly in developing countries.
Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue 2025 in New Delhi, India, organized by the Ministry of External Affairs of India, Minister Rana highlighted the urgent need to minimize the adverse effects of climate change through joint efforts.
In her address, Minister Rana highlighted Nepal’s vulnerability to climate change, noting that the country is at the forefront of its consequences.
Nepali Ambassador to Sri Lanka takes oath of office
Purna Bahadur Nepali, the newly appointed ambassador of Nepal to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, took the oath of office and secrecy today.
The oath-taking ceremony was held at the Office of the President, Shital Niwas, where President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath. Senior government officials were also present on the occasion, according to a press statement from the Office of the President.
Nepal International Film Festival to begin from March 20
The eighth edition of the Nepal International Film Festival (NIFF) will be held in Kathmandu from tomorrow (March 20) to March 24.
Organized by the Nepal Film and Cultural Foundation, the festival has selected 87 films from 40 countries, as informed by festival chairman KP Pathak.
Held under the slogan “A Celebration of Stories from Around the World: Nepal International Film Festival,” the event will feature film screenings, workshops, interactions, and other programs, said chairman Pathak.
Former King Shah to visit Gorkha and Manakamana temples
Former King Gyanendra Shah is set to visit Gorkha this week, where he will offer prayers at the Manakamana, Gorakhnath, and Gorakhkali temples.
Shah’s communication secretary, Dr. Phani Raj Pathak, confirmed the visit through a statement today, noting that the former king is making this spiritual trip to the temples to seek blessings.
Shah had previously visited various Shakti Peethas in eastern Nepal and returned to Kathmandu on February 9 after a month-long stay in Pokhara. His return was marked by a grand welcome from royalists.
133 industries deregistered in Parbat amid economic slowdown
A significant number of industries in Parbat have been affected by the ongoing economic downturn, rising migration rates, and various other factors. In the first six months of the current fiscal year, 133 industries have been deregistered.
The Tourism and Industry Office reported that 236 industries were closed in the fiscal year 2023/24. However, 133 of these closures resulted in deregistration in the current fiscal year.
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