KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Govt dismisses Kulman Ghising as NEA Managing Director
The government has removed Kulman Ghising from his position as Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).
A cabinet meeting at Singha Durbar on Monday evening made the decision, a minister confirmed. Previously, the cabinet had sought an explanation multiple times after the departmental minister failed to remove Ghising.
To justify his dismissal, his performance was deliberately rated poorly. The government has, meanwhile, appointed Hitendradev Shakya as NEA’s new Managing Director.
Govt moves forward with formation of committee for Truth and Reconciliation Commission
The government is set to proceed with the formation of a recommendation committee for investigating enforced disappearances and establishing a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), following an agreement reached between the top leaders of the three major political parties.
After a meeting at Singha Durbar, UML leader and former Law Minister Agni Kharel confirmed that the process would move forward in line with discussions held between Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and leaders from both the Nepali Congress and the Maoist Center.
Gandaki CM criticizes PSC chief for anti-federalism remarks
Gandaki Province Chief Minister Surendra Raj Pandey has condemned remarks made by Public Service Commission (PSC) Chair Madhav Regmi, stating that heads of constitutional bodies do not have the right to speak against federalism.
Addressing the fourth anniversary program of the Provincial Public Service Commission Gandaki in Pokhara on Monday, CM Pandey criticized Regmi’s statements, which questioned the relevance of provincial commissions and called for their abolition.
Pathibhara dispute intensifies over human-made structure removal ultimatum
The Pathibhara area in Taplejung, which has already been embroiled in controversy over the cable car construction project, is now witnessing a new dispute after the Pathibhara Area Development Committee issued a three-day ultimatum to remove human-made structures.
Executive Director Prajin Hangwang of the Pathibhara Area Development Committee issued a notice on March 21, instructing the removal of structures, including pati, pauwa, and tahara, built within the Pathibhara area.
Maoist Center again postpones Tarai-Madhes awareness campaign
The Maoist Center has postponed its Postal (Hulaki Marga) Highway-focused Tarai-Madhes awareness campaign for an additional five days.
The delay is due to preparations for a large-scale public demonstration organized by the Socialist Front, which includes the Maoist Center, scheduled for March 28 in Kathmandu in support of the republic, according to Govinda Acharya, press advisor to Chairman Prachanda. The campaign will resume from March 29.
SEE exam cheating confirmed through WhatsApp, invigilators expelled
Mobile phones were used in cheating during the ongoing Secondary Education Examination (SEE) in Sunsari, leading to the expulsion of two invigilators caught aiding students via WhatsApp.
At the Saraswati Secondary School Examination Centre in Inaruwa-9, two invigilators were arrested after a monitoring team, including Chief District Officer (CDO) Dharmendra Kumar Mishra, found them using a mobile phone to facilitate cheating.
Rastriya Swatantra Party holds parliamentary meeting to discuss Aviation Bills
The parliamentary party of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is holding a meeting at its parliamentary office in Singha Durbar.
According to Acting Vice President Dol Prasad Aryal, the meeting aims to formulate the party’s stance on the ‘Civil Aviation Authority Bill’ and the ‘Nepal Air Services Authority Bill’.
Fire erupts at Shangrila Timber Industry in Dang
A massive fire broke out at the Shangrila Timber Industry in Khaira, Ghorahi Sub-Metropolitan City-9. The blaze, which started around 2 a.m. last night, remains uncontrolled.
Chief District Officer Krishna Prasad Lamsal stated that fire engines, water tankers, and personnel from the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force have been mobilized from across the district to contain the fire.
KMC demolishes illegal structures in Kalopul
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has demolished illegally constructed structures in the Kalopul area of Ward No. 7.
Today, a bulldozer was used in coordination with the Guthi Sansthan and the Kathmandu Metropolitan City to demolish the buildings that had been erected by encroaching on the land belonging to the Guthi Sansthan.
Binod Chaudhary urges Lumbini Province to prioritize tourism and infrastructure development
Industrialist and Nepali Congress leader Binod Chaudhary has called on the Lumbini provincial government to prioritize development projects that leverage the province’s unique potential, particularly in tourism.
During an interaction with Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya in the provincial capital of Deukhuri, Chaudhary highlighted the importance of focusing on sectors such as self-employment, health services, social services, infrastructure development, and tourism.
Over 4,000 criminal cases reported in a month
In just one month, Nepal witnessed a surge in criminal activities, with a staggering 4,468 criminal offenses reported to the police across the country during the month of Falgun (mid-February to mid-March). Among these cases, banking offenses made up the highest proportion, accounting for 25.22% of the total.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Dinesh Kumar Acharya, the central spokesperson of Nepal Police, revealed that the majority of banking offenses were related to cheque bounce cases.
Petroleum imports surge at Birgunj border generating Rs 50 billion revenue
Petroleum products worth Rs 122.2 billion have been imported through the Birgunj border point in the first eight months of the current fiscal year (2024/25), marking a significant rise compared to the same period last fiscal year.
According to the Birgunj Customs Office, petroleum imports increased by Rs 1.67 billion compared to the previous fiscal year’s corresponding period, which saw imports worth Rs 120.53 billion.
Nepal Insurance Authority directs foreign reinsurance brokers to set up local offices
The Nepal Insurance Authority has directed foreign reinsurance brokers to establish offices in Nepal within three months, as per the Insurance Reinsurance Directive, 2023.
The directive mandates that foreign reinsurance brokers listed with the Authority and holding a listing number must set up a joint venture company, branch, or liaison office in the country within six months.
Gold price drops further today
The price of gold dropped further today, while the price of silver remains stable.
According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Federation, the price of gold has decreased by Rs 600 per tola from Sunday’s rate, reaching Rs 173,500 today. Gold, which reached its highest price ever last Wednesday, has been steadily declining for the past three days.
Tiger population soars, but habitat expansion lags behind
With the number of tigers in Nepal increasing significantly, experts point to the urgent need to expand their habitat to ensure long-term conservation.
Despite protected areas like national parks, buffer zones, and forest regions serving as tiger habitats, the growing population has intensified habitat challenges.
Kulekhani Hydropower operating at full capacity
All three units of the Kulekhani Hydropower Station in Makawanpur are now running at full capacity, ensuring a stable electricity supply despite the onset of the dry season.
The first unit of the Kulekhani Hydropower Station is generating 60 megawatts, the second unit 32 megawatts, and the third unit 14 megawatts.
According to Tara Dutta Bhatta, head of Kulekhani Hydropower Station I, the units have been operating at full capacity since March 16, producing electricity for 14 to 18 hours daily, as needed.
Two arrested in Achham for caste discrimination charges
Police have arrested Ramesh Bahadur Shahi and Devendra Shahi, residents of Panchadeval Binayak Municipality-4, on charges of caste-based discrimination.
The arrests were made following a complaint filed by Dinesh Nepali, a local Dalit, who accused the suspects of assault and mistreatment based on his caste.
The arrestees were remanded for 15 days by the district court, and an investigation into the incident has begun.
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