KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Govt submits Annual Report to President
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has submitted the government’s annual report to President Ram Chandra Poudel. PM Oli visited the President’s official residence, Sheetal Niwas, to present the report.
As per Article 53 of the Constitution of Nepal and Section 41 of the Good Governance Management and Network Act, 2064, the Government of Nepal publishes an annual report.
Gyanendra Shah unfit to be King: NC President Deuba
Sher Bahadur Deuba, President of the ruling Nepali Congress (NC) party, has stated that former King Gyanendra Shah is unfit to hold the title of king. Speaking at an event organized by the party’s Bagmati Province Training Department, Deuba expressed that Gyanendra is not suited to be a constitutional monarch.
“The RPP should have made him the party president,” Deuba remarked. “If the former king wanted to engage in politics, he could have founded his own party. However, those who join that party face many challenges, and the RPP itself also suffers as a result.”
Gautam urges UML-affiliated journalists to reach consensus on leadership
CPN-UML’s head of the Publicity Department, Rajendra Gautam, has urged journalists affiliated with the party to elect their new leadership through consensus.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the 10th General Convention of Press Chautari Nepal in Biratnagar on Sunday, Gautam emphasized that this was not an election of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) but a gathering of UML-affiliated journalists.
“Some friends here are actively lobbying for leadership positions,” he said. “It’s natural to have aspirations, but the party is also involved in Press Chautari’s leadership selection. Everyone should be mindful of that: this is not an FNJ election.”
President Paudel sees need of urgency to promote good governance and equitable society
President Ramchandra Paudel has stressed the need for the government’s promptness towards achieving the constitutional objectives of sustainable peace, good governance, social justice, building an equitable society and development and prosperity in the country.
Receiving the government’s annual report for the fiscal year 2080/81 BS, the Head of the State said the constitutional objectives of sustainable peace, good governance, social justice, building an equitable society and development and prosperity would be achieved only through effective implementation of the directive principles, policies and responsibilities of the state by mobilizing available resources.
He stressed on the need of implementing the basic letter and spirit of the Constitution of Nepal and the constitutional provisions relating to the directive principles, policies and responsibilities of the state.
Taxpayers soar with 426,000 new registrations in seven months
The tax net continues to expand. According to the Ministry of Finance, 433,000 new taxpayers have been added as of the Nepali month of Magh in the current fiscal year.
A total of 426,330 taxpayers who have obtained permanent account numbers (PANs) were added until Magh of the fiscal year 2080/81 BS, while the number of new taxpayers during the same period of the current fiscal year reached 433,703.
Govt set to revive hasty budget approvals, ignores MP’s demands
The government led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has regressed in the preparation of the annual budget.
The Nepali Congress-UML coalition government has taken a step backward by restricting elected representatives’ participation in discussions on the annual budget — the financial policy adopted by the state for the fiscal year.
The previous government had aimed to ensure that the pre-budget discussions were completed by the Nepali month of Chaitra, allowing sufficient time for elected representatives to engage and prepare for the new fiscal year.
Unified Socialist to support pro-republican forces
The CPN (Unified Socialist) has announced its commitment to provide full support to all initiatives aimed at strengthening the federal democratic republic.
In line with this, the party has instructed its subordinate committees and affiliated organizations to actively participate in demonstrations, public meetings, and protests in favor of the republic, with the goal of countering those involved in anti-republic activities.
U.S. government allows select MCA-Nepal Compact activities to resume
The US government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has granted permission to temporarily resume the MCC project in Nepal.
The U.S. government has allowed select work for activities under the Nepal Compact to resume while the U.S. foreign assistance review is underway, according to MCA-Nepal.
This allowance does not indicate any specific outcome of the review. The work includes launching critical procurements and necessary operational activities. MCA-Nepal is managing the resumption of activities and remains committed to transparency.
Mayor Balen Shah to Minister Prakash Man Singh: Don’t let the country lose while trying to defeat me
Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah has publicly questioned Minister for Urban Development Prakash Man Singh regarding long-standing urban issues.
In a social media post, Shah raised concerns about removing unmanaged settlements, regulating the Kapan Khola, protecting Balmandir, and safeguarding public properties, criticizing that these issues have remained unaddressed.
“Honorable Minister Prakash Man Singh, the issues of removing unmanaged settlements, regulating Kapan Khola, protecting Balmandir, and safeguarding public properties have always remained just discussions. When will they actually be addressed?” Shah wrote.
NEPSE drops 54.62 points
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) experienced a sharp decline on Sunday, falling by 54.62 points (2.04%) to close at 2,614.68, following a 12.38-point drop in the previous session.
The trading day began at 2,667.61, with the index fluctuating between a high of 2,669.00 and a low of 2,614.09. The total turnover for the day amounted to Rs. 6.32 billion, with 12,371,280 shares traded across 317 companies in 72,265 transactions.
Govt working to strengthen early warning system: Energy Minister Khadka
Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Deepak Khadka stated that the government is actively working to enhance its forecasting and early warning systems with the aid of the latest technologies.
Speaking at an event organized by the Water and Energy Commission Secretariat on the occasion of World Meteorological Day, Minister Khadka emphasized the government’s commitment to improving early warning systems to protect people from disaster risks.
Gold prices down by Rs 900 per tola today
The price of gold, which dropped on Friday, has fallen further today. Silver has also become cheaper.
Gold prices, which hit a record high last Wednesday, have now decreased for two consecutive days.
According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers, the price of gold has dropped by 900 rupees per tola today, reaching 174,100 rupees.
Last Wednesday, the price of gold had surged to 176,000 rupees per tola, the highest price so far.
PAC to launch investigation into 48 complaints, among others
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) under the House of Representatives (HoR) has decided to initiate investigations into 48 complaints out of over 100 submitted to the Committee.
The Committee aims to resolve these complaints within the next 15 days.
There have been concerns regarding the committee’s working style and the implementation of its directives, with some lawmakers acknowledging the slow progress. This issue has been a recurring topic in every meeting.
11 tourists die of high-altitude sickness in one year
As many as 11 tourists have died from high-altitude sickness in the Himalayan district of Mustang over the past year.
Nine foreign tourists and two Nepali nationals have succumbed to high altitude sickness. The highest number of deaths occurred among Indian tourists visiting the Muktinath Temple and Mustang, according to Police Inspector Bishal Adhikari, Information Officer at the District Police Office.
World Meteorological Day observed today
World Meteorological Day was observed today with a variety of activities around the globe, including in Nepal.
The day is celebrated in honor of the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) establishment, marking the coming into force of the Convention establishing the WMO on March 23, 1950.
The observance highlights the essential role of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services in safeguarding the safety and well-being of society, with events held worldwide.
The theme for World Meteorological Day 2025 is “Closing the Early Warning Gap Together.”
Asian Highway upgrade delayed, slow progress raises concerns
The upgrading work on the 45-kilometer eastern section of the East-West Highway, from Kakadbhitta to Padajungi, under the Asian Highway project, has slowed down.
The project, being carried out with the support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), is being executed under the Road Department’s Project Directorate through a contract with Avraskon Kalika JV.
According to Sunilbabu Pant, Project Chief Engineer of the Kakadbhitta-Laukahi Road Project (Eastern Section), only 15 percent of the work has been completed so far, falling short of the expected 20 percent progress based on the construction timeline.
Strengthening internal regulation and good governance in insurance sector emphasized
Sharad Ojha, Chair of the Nepal Insurance Authority, has emphasized the importance of strengthening the internal regulation and good governance of insurance institutions, rather than relying solely on regulatory intervention.
Speaking at an interaction titled ‘Insurance Sector Now’, organized by the Economic Media Association Nepal (EMAN) as part of a program to felicitate the newly appointed Chairman, Ojha stated that regulatory actions would be taken to address issues based on suggestions from stakeholders, along with an analysis of the insurance sector’s contributions.
Kotihom Mahayagya relocated from Barahighat to Birauta, Pokhara
The Gandaki Kotihom Mahayagya 2082, initially planned at Barahighat, has been relocated to Birauta, Pokhara.
Organized by Manav Sewa Foundation Nepal, the religious event will now take place at Sadashiva Siddheshwar Harihar Temple in Pokhara-17.
The temple’s Guthi land, along with nearby private land, has been secured for the event, which will be held from March 30, 2025, to June 9, 2025.
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