KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
NPL: Biratnagar Kings defeat Kathmandu Gorkhas by 5 wickets
Biratnagar Kings defeated Kathmandu Gorkhas by five wickets in the second match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) held on Saturday. Chasing a target of 135 runs set by Kathmandu Gorkhas, Biratnagar Kings reached 136 for 5 in 17.2 overs. George Munsey top-scored for Biratnagar with 36 runs off 16 balls, hitting 2 sixes and 5 fours. Martin Guptill contributed 25 runs, while Naren Saud added 24. For Kathmandu, Shahab Alam took two wickets, while Gerhard Erasmus, Karan KC and Santosh Yadav claimed one wicket each.
Party convention must be held before elections: Gagan Thapa
Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa has stated that the party must hold its general convention before the upcoming elections. Speaking to the media after the Central Working Committee meeting held at the party’s Sanepa office on Saturday, Thapa said the party must enter the elections with new policies and leadership, making a pre-election convention essential. He added that due to limited time, a regular general convention would not be possible, leaving a special general convention as the only option.
Nepali Congress to participate in House of Representatives election
The Nepali Congress has decided to participate in the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5. The decision was made by the party’s Central Working Committee meeting held on Saturday at the party’s Sanepa office. Concluding that elections are the only appropriate way out of the current political situation following the announcement of the election date, the committee formally endorsed participation in the polls.
Kamala River bridge connecting Dhanusha and Siraha to be completed within three months: Minister Ghisings’ inspection
The construction company responsible for the incomplete Kamala River bridge, which connects Dhanusha and Siraha, has pledged to complete the project within three months following an on-site inspection and directives from Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Kulman Ghising. The bridge, part of the Postal Highway, considered the lifeline of Tarai/Madhesh, was originally contracted in 2011 to be completed within three years. However, 14 years later, the construction remains unfinished. During his inspection on Friday, Minister Ghising personally experienced the daily hardships faced by locals, even crossing the river by boat to understand the risks and challenges they encounter.
UML rally disrupts traffic in Kathmandu; vehicles diverted
The CPN-UML staged a major demonstration and rally in the capital today, causing significant traffic pressure in central Kathmandu. The rally, organized as part of the party’s nationwide mass-mobilization campaign, converged around Bhrikutimandap and surrounding areas. Rajendra Gautam, chief of the UML’s Central Publicity and Publication Department, said the event marks the final phase of the party’s mobilization drive aimed at “protecting the constitution and democracy.”
Oli stresses need to strengthen democratic system
CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has said that strengthening the democratic system, where governments are run solely by elected representatives, is the need of the hour. Addressing the party’s mass assembly organized at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu on Saturday, Chairman Oli argued that the House dissolution recommended by the government formed after the Gen-Z movement was not in line with the spirit of the constitution. He also clarified that the party’s newly formed National Volunteer Force, a UML affiliate, has been created to ensure the safety of all.
Mark Watt’s blistering 44-ball century powers Karnali Yaks to 9-wicket win over Lumbini Lions
Karnali Yaks clinched their first victory of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) season on Saturday, defeating Lumbini Lions by nine wickets, thanks to a stunning century from opener Mark Watt at TU International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur. Chasing a target of 158, Karnali raced to 161/1 in just 12.2 overs. Watt remained unbeaten on 114 off 44 deliveries, smashing his way to the first century of the ongoing season. With the knock, he also became the tournament’s leading run-scorer.
Minister Ghising pushes for waste management to beautify Bagmati corridor
Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Urban Development, Kulman Ghising, has stressed proper waste management to enhance the Bagmati corridor. This morning, Ghising inspected the Jambudanda area of Gokarneshwar Municipality–5 along the Guhyeshwari–Gokarna stretch of the Bagmati corridor. During the visit, he highlighted the need for sewer management, road improvement, and cleanliness in the corridor area.
Human-elephant conflict risk rises as 25–30 elephants enter Jhapa and Morang forests
The entry of 25–30 elephants into the forests of Jhapa and Morang has raised concerns over potential human–elephant conflict in the region. Wildlife conservationists note that there were already around 30 resident elephants in these districts, and the recent influx is expected to heighten risks. Last week, a herd of elephants moved eastward from the Sundarharaicha forests of Morang, passing through Purbi Gauda and Bahundangi areas, potentially heading toward India. These elephants had first entered Nepal two years ago from Bahundangi Gauda.
‘UML leaders must rebel to save the party and the country’
CPN-UML Vice Chair Astalaxmi Shakya, known for her simple lifestyle, often seen in a plain sari and modest coat, is Nepal’s first female Chief Minister. She rose to the position during the near-split of the UML, leading Bagmati Province. Having dedicated her life to politics through sacrifice and discipline, Shakya did not file her candidacy in the 2022 elections, saying she could not afford the increasingly expensive electoral system and therefore did not even ask party chair KP Sharma Oli for a ticket.
Over 837,000 new voters added after Gen-Z movement, EC updates voter list
The Election Commission (EC) has added 837,094 new voters to the national voter roll following the Gen-Z movement and the subsequent dissolution of the House of Representatives. According to the EC, the voter list update, open from September 25 to November 21, saw nearly eight and a half lakh new registrants. Of them, 473,345 are male, 363,778 are female, and 61 are listed under the other category.
Simara returns to normalcy after clash between Gen-Z youths and UML cadres
The situation in Simara of Bara district, which had remained tense following a clash between Gen-Z youths and CPN-UML leaders and cadres on Wednesday, has gradually returned to normal. The area had witnessed protests and road obstructions on Wednesday and Thursday, but tensions eased after a round of talks held on Friday evening between Gen-Z representatives and the Bara District Security Committee.
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