KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Kulman Ghising moves to Supreme Court seeking reinstatement
Former Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), Kulman Ghising, has filed a writ petition at the Supreme Court, challenging his removal as unlawful.
He has requested the court to overturn the Cabinet’s decision and reinstate him as NEA’s Managing Director.
Ghising has accused the KP Sharma Oli-led government of acting with ill intent by repeatedly seeking clarifications before eventually dismissing him.
His petition names the Government of Nepal, the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, and newly appointed NEA Managing Director Hitendra Dev Shakya as respondents.
Parliament won’t resume until PM provides satisfactory response on Kulman: Prachanda
CPN (Maoist Centre) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has stated that the House of Representatives will not function until Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli provides a satisfactory response regarding the dismissal of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Managing Director Kulman Ghising.
Speaking to journalists at the parliament building on Wednesday, Prachanda stressed that the opposition’s concerns must be taken seriously by the Prime Minister.
He warned that if Oli’s clarification is not convincing, protests will escalate.
Socialist Front warns against attempts to weaken March 28 demonstration
The Socialist Front has warned against any attempts to weaken its planned public demonstration on March 28.
During a meeting at the CPN (Unified Socialist) office in Aloknagar, leaders has expressed concerns that efforts were being made to obstruct the pro-republic demonstration. The front has cautioned against any such moves.
Following the meeting, CPN spokesperson Khadga Bahadur Bishwakarma issued a strong statement, warning that any attempt to disrupt the demonstration would be a foolish act.
Energy Minister Khadka to address Parliament on Kulman Ghising’s dismissal
Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, is set to respond in the House of Representatives on Thursday regarding the dismissal of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Managing Director Kulman Ghising.
During Wednesday’s parliamentary session, opposition parties, including the CPN (Maoist Centre), Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), and CPN (Unified Socialist), demanded a response from the Prime Minister on Ghising’s removal.
The session was disrupted as opposition lawmakers insisted on an explanation, leading Speaker Devraj Ghimire to postpone proceedings until Thursday.
Govt sets 30-day deadline for social media registration
The government has issued a notice requiring individuals, companies, or organizations wishing to run social media networks in Nepal to register with government authorities within the next month.
The notice also warns that platforms failing to register within this period could face closure. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology issued the notice on Wednesday in line with the Directive on Regulating the Use of Social Media, 2080.
Govt cites 10 reasons for dismissing Kulman Ghising from Nepal Electricity Authority
The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation has outlined 10 reasons for the dismissal of Kulman Ghising from his position as Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).
Ghising was dismissed during Monday’s Cabinet meeting, and on Tuesday, the ministry formally handed him a letter listing the reasons behind the decision.
According to the ministry, Ghising failed to submit a performance evaluation report on time, signed agreements without prior government approval, and did not collect outstanding electricity tariffs from industrial consumers, among other allegations.
PM Oli on Kulman Ghising’s dismissal: One removed, another appointed
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stated that no one has the power to take away the rights secured by the Nepali people through struggle.
Addressing a national volunteers’ gathering organized by the National Youth Association Nepal today, the UML Chairperson stressed that youth forces must be prepared to counter reactionary elements if necessary.
“No one can take away the rights we fought for. If anyone tries to put the country in trouble, the youth association will pounce like a tiger,” he said, adding that the volunteer initiative should be systematically mobilized as a disciplined, permanent force.
58 climbers obtain mountaineering permits for Spring so far
The issuance of mountaineering permits for this year’s spring season has officially begun. According to the Department of Tourism, a total of 58 climbers—18 women and 40 men—from eight different climbing groups have obtained permits to ascend various peaks, including Annapurna-1.
To date, climbers from 24 countries, including Nepal, have secured permits for their expeditions. Department Director Liladhar Awasthi confirmed that the process of issuing spring mountaineering permits is underway. “Permits have been granted for this season, and approvals for climbing Mount Everest will be issued soon,” he stated, adding that climbing activities in the Everest region are increasing.
Gold price up by Rs 200 per tola today
The price of gold, which had been declining for the past four days, increased today. Silver also became more expensive, according to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Federation.
Today, the price of gold has risen by 200 rupees, reaching 173,500 rupees per tola, up from yesterday’s price of 173,300 rupees. After falling by 200 rupees yesterday, the price of gold has rebounded by 200 rupees today. Last Monday, gold had dropped by 600 rupees per tola, reaching 173,500 rupees.
According to the Federation, the price of silver has also increased by 10 rupees per tola today, reaching 1,990 rupees per tola.
Opposition leaders meet at Singha Durbar before HoR meeting
The main opposition parties, including the CPN (Maoist Center), Unified Socialist Party, and Rastriya Swatantra Party, held a meeting at Singha Durbar to discuss recent political developments and contemporary issues.
The meeting was attended by Maoist Center Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Unified Socialist Party Chair Madhav Kumar Nepal, and RSP Acting Chair DP Aryal.
Held at the CPN (Maoist Center) parliamentary party office, the gathering brought together leaders of pro-constitution and republican opposition forces to deliberate on the country’s latest political landscape.
Nepal’s ambassador presents credentials to Sri Lankan President
Nepal’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Purna Bahadur Nepali, has formally presented his credentials to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at a special ceremony held at the President’s Office on Monday.
According to the Nepali Embassy in Colombo, Ambassador Nepali conveyed President Ram Chandra Paudel’s best wishes for President Dissanayake’s personal well-being and for continued peace and progress in Sri Lanka.
Finance Minister urges ministries to boost spending amid low budget utilization
Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel has expressed concern over the government’s declining budget expenditure, attributing it to inefficiencies in leadership and implementation.
Despite being part of a coalition between the Nepali Congress and the UML, Paudel is grappling with sluggish capital expenditure and revenue collection.
In the first nine months of the fiscal year, government spending has remained at just 47.32% of the allocated budget, while total revenue collection stands at 51.64%, according to the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.
Nepal’s edible oil exports surge to Rs 56 billion in eight months
Nepal has exported edible oil worth approximately Rs 56 billion in the last eight months, marking a significant increase driven by the import of raw materials, value addition, and re-export.
According to the latest foreign trade statistics released by the Customs Department for the current fiscal year up to February, Nepal’s exports have surged by 57.20% compared to the same period last year, while imports have risen by 11.20%.
Edible oil remains the dominant export product, contributing substantially to the country’s overall exports.
Four dead in Arghakhanchi bus accident
At least four people were killed and many others injured in a bus accident at Bhuwanpata of Shitaganga Municipality-2 in Arghakhanchi district this evening.
Police Inspector of District Police Office, Bishnu Prasad Paudel, said three people died on the spot after a bus (Lu 2 Kha 303) met an accident.
According to police, the bus, which was returning from Supadeurali, met with an accident on Wednesday evening.
Writ petition filed in Supreme Court against double benefits for CMs and Provincial Chiefs
A writ petition has been filed in the Supreme Court against the Chief Ministers and Provincial Chiefs of all seven provinces, accusing them of violating financial discipline by receiving double benefits.
Advocate Chandra Prakash Bhusal filed the petition, claiming that the Chief Ministers and Provincial Chiefs have been granted excessive and unjustifiable housing facilities, amounting to a misuse of state funds.
The petition specifically highlights a luxurious residence constructed in Bhainsepati, Lalitpur Metropolitan City, spanning over 27 ropanis and 12 aanas of land.
NEPSE rises by 40 points closing at 2,623.21 points
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) experienced positive momentum on Wednesday, with an increase of 40.47 points, or 1.56%, closing at 2,623.21 points.
However, despite the enthusiasm, the trading volume saw a decrease compared to Tuesday.
On Tuesday, the trading volume was worth Rs 5.18 billion, while today’s volume dropped to Rs 4.20 billion, involving 9,142,941 shares across 317 companies.
NEPSE CEO appointment still pending
The appointment of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) remains unconfirmed, despite reports suggesting the appointment was made during the Council of Ministers’ meeting on March 24.
Various media outlets had reported that the appointment of the CEO was one of the key decisions taken during the meeting. However, upon reviewing the 19 decisions announced by the Council of Ministers, there was no mention of the NEPSE CEO’s appointment.
The government had earlier shortlisted five candidates out of 10 applicants for the NEPSE CEO position.
Comment