KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
UML announces nationwide campaign amid monarchist activities
The CPN-UML has announced a nationwide awareness campaign to counter what it calls reactionary activities and to reinforce public support for the federal democratic republic.
As part of this initiative, UML will conduct public awareness programs simultaneously across all local wards on March 24 and continue mobilization efforts in provinces and districts until April 12.
Key events include:
March 31: Motorcycle rallies in Dhangadhi, Surkhet, Butwal, Pokhara, Birgunj, and Damak.
Lawmakers slam govt for failing to assert control over disputed territories
Lawmakers in the House of Representatives have raised concerns over the government’s lack of commitment to implementing the territory included in Nepal’s new map.
During a direct question-and-answer session on Thursday, Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) MP Buddhiman Tamang questioned Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli about the government’s efforts to assert control over Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura—territories included in Nepal’s revised map adopted in 2020.
PM claims market monitoring has helped control price hikes
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has claimed that the activation of the market monitoring committee has helped control price increases by taking action against those who create artificial shortages.
Addressing questions raised by lawmakers during the House of Representatives meeting on Thursday, Oli stated that the government is committed to curbing inflation and ensuring a stable supply of essential goods.
Dalit family displaced for Mahayagya in Siraha, rights activists demand justice
A Dalit family that had been living in a small roadside hut for about 25 years in Aurahi Rural Municipality-5, Siraha, was forcefully displaced last month, allegedly to make way for a religious Mahayagya.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice from Dalit rights activists and civil society organizations.
The Malik family, belonging to the Dalit Dom community, had been living near the East-West Postal Highway when their hut was demolished on February 22 at the instruction of Bajrangi Baba, the mastermind behind the Shri Shri 108 Shri Vishnu Mahayagya, which was set to begin from March 30.
Ghising-Khadka tussle escalates over load shedding claims
UML Member of Parliament Thakur Gaire has raised concerns over conflicting statements made by Energy Minister Deepak Khadka and Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Managing Director Kulman Ghising, accusing them of spreading confusion regarding the issue of load shedding in Nepal.
In a Parliament session on Thursday, Gaire pointed out the contradictions between the two officials. Energy Minister Khadka had recently stated that load shedding had resumed due to a reduction in electricity imports from India, while NEA Managing Director Ghising had claimed that there would be no load shedding.
Lawmaker demands dismissal of Energy Minister Deepak Khadka over load shedding claims
A member of the House of Representatives has called for the immediate dismissal of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Minister Deepak Khadka, accusing him of spreading misinformation about load shedding in Nepal and undermining the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).
During the Zero Hour of Parliament on Thursday, MP Gyanu Basnet voiced strong concerns over Minister Khadka’s recent statements about the resurgence of load shedding, claiming that it was linked to Nepal’s neighboring countries.
Vape seizure in Sindhupalchowk linked to Bhatbhateni supermarket owner
Lawmakers raised allegations that the electronic cigarette (vape) pens seized in Sindhupalchowk on Wednesday night were linked to Min Bahadur Gurung, the owner of Bhatbhateni Supermarket.
MP Manish Kumar Jha of the Rastriya Swatantra Party and Ganga Karki of the Maoist Center claimed that the 740 seized vape pens were recovered from a truck belonging to Gurung, a prominent businessperson who recently donated land to the UML.
Min Bahadur Gurung denies involvement in illegal vape seizure
Bhatbhateni Supermarket Chair Min Bahadur Gurung has denied any involvement in the illegal electronic cigarettes (vape) seized in Sindhupalchowk on Wednesday night.
The seizure, labeled as illegal vape, has sparked controversy after lawmakers Ganga Karki and Manish Jha claimed in a House of Representatives meeting on Thursday that the cargo belonged to Bhatbhateni and Min Bahadur Gurung.
Refuting the allegations, Gurung expressed disappointment over the remarks made by the public representatives.
Nepal’s public debt reaches Rs 2.676 trillion, approaching half of GDP
The government’s outstanding debt has surged to Rs 2.676 trillion as of February in the current fiscal year 2024/25, according to a debt report released by the Public Debt Management Office.
This marks an addition of approximately Rs 250 billion in public debt during this fiscal year alone (first eight months). The report reveals that the total public debt stood at Rs 2.434 trillion at the beginning of the current fiscal year. By February, it had increased by Rs 241.93 billion, reaching a total debt liability of Rs 2.676 trillion—equivalent to 46.91% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Govt just beginning detailed damage assessment of September 2024 floods and landslides
The government has decided to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the damage caused by the devastating floods, landslides, and inundations that struck various parts of the country in September 2024.
The decision was made during the 30th meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Executive Committee, held at Singha Durbar on Thursday. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak stated that the damage assessment will focus on Bagmati, Koshi Province, and other areas severely affected by incessant rains in September 2024.
Tourism Minister Pandey returns after successful official visit to Europe and Asia
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, has returned to Nepal after concluding an official visit to Germany, France, Thailand, and Cambodia. The visit focused on tourism promotion, cultural exchange, air service expansion, and building partnerships for religious tourism.
During the visit, Minister Pandey held bilateral and multilateral meetings with high-ranking officials, tourism entrepreneurs, investors, and the Nepali diaspora. The discussions revolved around positioning Nepal as a premier tourist destination, promoting religious and cultural tourism, and fostering mutual cooperation.
Nepali mountain guides head to Everest to fix ropes
Nepali mountain guides have been deployed to build routes to the summit of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam as the spring climbing season approaches.
The Nepal Mountaineering Association has entrusted an eight-member climbing team led by experienced guide Ashok Lama with the task of rope fixing and route clearance on these iconic peaks. The 8K Expedition Company has taken on the management responsibility for the project.
Gyanendra Shahi warns major parties on remarks about former King Gyanendra
Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Member of Parliament Gyanendre Shahi has issued a stern warning to republican parties, urging them to exercise caution when discussing the former King Gyanendra Shah.
During the zero hour of the House of Representatives on Thursday, Shahi criticized left-wing parties for their remarks about the former monarch and highlighted foreign leaders they have previously praised as role models.
Permanent reconstruction of BP Highway begins
The BP Highway, heavily damaged by floods and landslides in the last week of September, is set for permanent reconstruction as the Division Road Offices of Bhaktapur and Sindhuli have issued tenders for two major road sections.
The decision to begin reconstruction comes five months after the floods wreaked havoc on the highway, especially along the Roshi River stretch.
Nepal International Film Festival begins today
The eighth edition of the Nepal International Film Festival (NIFF) will be held in Kathmandu from today (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.
Pokhara tourism entrepreneurs forge business partnership with China
Tourism entrepreneurs from Pokhara and Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, have established a business partnership through a successful Business-to-Business (B2B) and Sales Mission program. The initiative, organized by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), marks a milestone in strengthening tourism ties between the two cities.
The event, held in collaboration with the Pokhara Tourism Council and the Consulate General of Nepal in Chengdu, brought together tourism entrepreneurs from both sides to discuss opportunities for cooperation and expansion of tourism networks.
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