KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Kushe Aunsi (Father’s Day) being observed today
Kushe Aunsi, also known as Father’s Day, is being observed across the country today. Hindus celebrate Kushe Aunsi by bringing kush—a sharp-edged sacred grass—into their homes. According to religious beliefs, kush brought by priests and sanctified with sacred mantras ensures the well-being of the household, said religious expert Prof. Dr. Ramchandra Gautam.
Thousands flock to Gokarneshwar to remember fathers
From the early hours of Saturday morning, thousands of devotees thronged the Gokarneshwar Uttargaya Pitri Tirtha in northeastern Kathmandu to offer tarpan, siddha daan, and pinda in memory of their departed fathers. On the occasion of Bhadra Krishna Aunsi, also known as Gokarne Aunsi or “Father’s Day” in Nepal, Hindus believe that performing these rites at Gokarneshwar ensures peace and salvation for ancestors going back as many as 21 generations. The belief, rooted in ancient scriptures, draws massive crowds each year to the sacred temple complex.
Vietnamese Vice President arrives in Nepal
Vice President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Vo Thi Anh Xuan, arrived in Nepal on Saturday for a three-day official visit at the friendly invitation of Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav. At Tribhuvan International Airport’s VIP lounge, Vice President Xuan was received by Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba and Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey. Senior government officials, security chiefs, and other dignitaries were also present. She was presented a Guard of Honor by the Nepal Army.
Foreign Minister Dr Rana calls on Vietnamese Vice President
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba paid a courtesy call on Vice President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Vo Thi Anh Xuan here today. The Vietnamese Vice President arrived in Kathmandu today for a three-day official visit to Nepal at the friendly invitation of Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav. During the meeting, various dimensions of Nepal-Vietnam relations as well as issues of bilateral interest and mutual concern were discussed.
PM Modi to visit Japan, China to boost strategic ties from August 29
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Japan and China from August 29 to September 1, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. At the invitation of the Prime Minister of Japan, Shigeru Ishiba, PM Modi will travel to Japan from August 29-30 to participate in the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit.
Magnitude 4.4 earthquake hits Sankhuwasabha
An earthquake was felt in Sankhuwasabha district in eastern Nepal late last night. The magnitude 4.4 quake struck Magnigh in the district at 11:15 p.m. According to the National Seismology and Research Center, the tremor was felt in several districts of eastern Nepal. However, no reports of human or material damage have been received so far.
Water level rises in Bagmati; public urged to remain alert
The water level in the Bagmati River has crossed the alert mark at the Gaurighat Dam Monitoring Center in Kathmandu due to continuous rainfall. According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the river level continues to rise and has exceeded the alert threshold, prompting the need for caution.
Massive landslide blocks Koshi Highway’s Hunggung section for three days
Transport along the Koshi Highway has come to a complete halt for the past three days after a massive landslide struck the Hunggung section in Bhotkhola. The highway, which connects Khadbari to the Kimathanka border point and stretches about 115 kilometers, was blocked by the landslide on Thursday. Since then, vehicles have been unable to pass, stranding passengers and disrupting the supply of daily essentials, fuel, and construction materials.
Student organizations protest India-China agreement on Lipulekh trade route
A joint alliance of student organizations staged a protest in Kathmandu on Saturday against the recent India-China agreement to open Lipulekh as a trade route. The students denounced the decision as a conspiracy by both countries to encroach upon Nepali territory. Demonstrators gathered in front of the Indian Embassy at Lainchaur, holding placards and banners that read “Go Back India-China.”
Landslide blocks road in Tokha
Continuous rainfall on Friday triggered a landslide at Lamapakha Chowk in Tokha Municipality-4, completely blocking the road and disrupting electricity supply in the area. The landslide, which occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Friday, brought down a transformer and six electric poles, cutting power since Friday evening, according to locals.
Imports and exports through Birgunj checkpoint rise sharply
Both imports and exports through the Birgunj checkpoint, Nepal’s largest trade gateway, recorded significant growth in the first month of the current fiscal year. According to the Birgunj Customs Office, goods worth Rs 68.17 billion were imported through the checkpoint in Shrawan (mid-July to mid-August). This marks an increase of Rs 8.11 billion compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year, when imports stood at Rs 60.06 billion.
Shankar Pokharel condemns use of Nepali land without consent
CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has said any attempt by China or India to use Nepali territory without Nepal’s consent is unacceptable. Speaking at a press conference organized by Press Chautari Nepal Dang on Saturday, Pokharel highlighted that areas including Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani are integral parts of Nepal. He warned that attempts by neighboring countries to use these lands without prior agreement from Nepal are improper.
Rift between Oli and Bhandari widens, raising questions of possible split in UML
A fresh confrontation has broken out in the CPN-UML, Nepal’s main opposition party, after former President Bidya Devi Bhandari inaugurated a new contact office in Thapagaun this week. The move has brought to the surface a simmering conflict between UML Chair KP Sharma Oli and the former head of state, deepening speculation that the party could be inching toward a formal split.
US provides Rs 200 million support to strengthen wildlife crime control in Nepal
The United States has extended support worth Rs 200 million to help control wildlife crime in Nepal through the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC). The aid has been provided to 14 national parks and wildlife reserves, as well as 10 community-based anti-poaching committees.
Netanyahu calls UN-backed Gaza famine report ‘outright lie’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday slammed a UN-backed declaration that famine was present in parts of Gaza, calling the report “an outright lie”. “The IPC report is an outright lie,” Netanyahu said in a statement released by his office, referring to the Rome-based Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Initiative.
Tribhuvan Highway reopens, Kanti Lokpath still blocked by landslide
Traffic along the Hetauda–Kathmandu route via Tribhuvan Highway resumed on Saturday morning after being blocked overnight by a landslide. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Shyamu Aryal of the Makwanpur District Police Office, the road at Bhimfedi-1, Bagjhora, had been completely obstructed since Friday night after a torrent carrying mud, sand, and gravel swept onto the highway. Coordination with the Department of Roads allowed authorities to clear the debris and restore full traffic flow.
Floods submerge 200 bighas of paddy fields in Mahottari
More than 200 bighas of paddy fields in Jaleshwar Municipality–8 have been submerged by floodwaters, leaving farmers devastated at the peak of the growing season. According to Ward Chairperson Bijay Kumar Singh, floodwaters entered from the forest area at Nari Chauri in northern Jaleshwar and inundated farmlands across Nari Chauri, Purwabari Chauri, Dakshinwari Chauri, Jhari Chauri, and Pachiyari Chauri.
Comment