KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Govt’s inaction contributing to rising public discontent: Gagan Thapa
Nepali Congress (NC) General Secretary Gagan Thapa has expressed concerns over the growing public disappointment due to the government’s failure to deliver results, despite holding a two-thirds majority in parliament.
Thapa made these remarks during an interaction session at the ongoing Nepal Literature Festival in Pokhara on Friday. Speaking about the increasing disillusionment in society and the rising anarchy on the streets, Thapa pointed out that the government’s lack of action and results was the root cause of the widespread dissatisfaction.
Didn’t get clear information on Bipin Joshi: Foreign Minister
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana stated that accurate information regarding Nepali youth Bipin Joshi, who is reportedly under the control of Hamas, has not been received yet.
Speaking to the media at Tribhuvan International Airport upon her return from the 58th High-Level Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Rana confirmed that efforts are ongoing for his release.
She mentioned that although precise details about Joshi’s situation are unavailable, the international community has assured that if a Nepali national is in Hamas’s custody, efforts will be made to secure his release. Diplomatic channels are being maximized to facilitate his safe return, she said.
Earthquake strikes Nepal
An earthquake, estimated to have a magnitude of 6.1, struck Nepal early on Friday, with tremors felt in neighboring India and China.
The earthquake occurred at 02:51 NST, and its epicenter at Sindhuplchowk district near the Nepal-Tibet border. The depth and location of the tremor contributed to the widespread shaking, according to the National Seismological Center.
NEA reports profit of NPR 11.36 billion in six months
The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has reported a profit of NPR 11.36 billion for the first six months of the current fiscal year (FY 2081/82 BS) 2024/2025.
According to the details released in accordance with the Right to Information Act, the Authority earned a total of NPR 70.44 billion from electricity sales, interest, and other sources during this period.
A total of NPR 59.08 billion was spent on electricity purchases, administration, various projects, and other expenses.
Adverse weather disrupts domestic and international flights
Air services were significantly impacted at Tribhuvan International Airport due to adverse weather conditions, leading to poor visibility and flight disruptions today. Several international and domestic flights were affected.
According to Rinji Sherpa, a spokesperson for the Tribhuvan International Airport Office, Qatar Airways flight QR652, traveling from Doha to Kathmandu, was diverted to Kolkata due to the weather conditions.
Additionally, flights from Nepal Airlines and Air China, which were coming from Malaysia, were also redirected. Sichuan Airlines flights were completely canceled due to the adverse weather, further contributing to the flight disruptions.
Power supply disrupted in parts of Kathmandu today
The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) announced power cuts in several areas of Kathmandu from 10 AM to 3 PM today. Electricity was disrupted in the Lazimpat, Panipokhari, and Baluwatar areas, which are served by the Lazimpat feeder under the Maharajgunj Distribution Center.
3 flights diverted to India and China due to low visibility
Three flights arriving in Nepal were diverted due to low visibility at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). A Nepal Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was diverted to New Delhi, India.
Similarly, a Sichuan Airlines flight from Tianfu was diverted to Lhasa, China, and a Qatar Airways flight from Doha was redirected to Kolkata, India.
Sherpa community celebrates Gyalpo Lhosar
The Sherpa community celebrated Gyalpo Lhosar, a cultural festival that marks the first day of the first lunar month of Falgun today. This annual celebration was observed with various events and activities. This year, the Sherpa community celebrated the 2152nd Gyalpo Lhosar as the New Year.
Taplejung’s ‘No Cable Car Group’ announces additional protest programs
The ‘No Cable Car Group’ in Taplejung has announced new protest programs. The group issued a press release outlining their upcoming protest schedule, which will begin on March 1.
The planned protests will take place across 14 districts in Koshi Province, Madhesh Province, and the capital, Kathmandu. According to the press release, public demonstrations and protest meetings are set to be held in all 14 districts of Koshi and Madhesh on March 1.
The group also mentioned that a global Zoom meeting will take place on March 2, followed by a large public demonstration and protest meeting in Kathmandu three days later.
Nepal Majdoor Kisan Party’s 8th general convention begins today
The Eighth General Convention of Nepal Majdoor Kisan Party bagan today. The party stated that the general convention will continue till March 3. The party’s central committee member Sarojraj Gosain said that the general convention would approve various agendas after holding intensive discussions on national and international issues.
Gold and silver see significant price drops
The prices of gold and silver witnessed a significant decline in the Nepali market today. The price of gold decreased by Rs 2,200 per tola, bringing the rate down to Rs 168,100 per tola.
On Thursday, gold was being traded at Rs 170,300 rupees per tola, reflecting a notable dip in the precious metal’s value. Similarly, silver prices have also saw a decrease. The price of silver dropped by Rs 30 per tola, and was traded at Rs 1,915 per tola.
Exit of NRB Governor fuels bull trend in Nepal’s stock market
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) has been on a consistent upward trajectory since February 16, reflecting growing investor optimism as Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Governor Dr Maha Prasad Adhikari approaches the end of his five-year term.
With trading volumes at record highs, the market is riding a bullish wave, largely attributed to expectations surrounding the governor’s departure rather than fundamental changes in economic indicators or monetary policy adjustments.
The stock market has shown uninterrupted growth since February 16, entering a strong bull trend. Investors have witnessed substantial gains, with NEPSE gaining 71.3 points over the last week alone, rising from 2743.74 points to 2815 points.
Snowfall obstructs Rukum East section of Mid-Hill Highway
The Lukum-Patihalna road section of the Mid-Hill Highway was blocked due to heavy snowfall in the Himalayan district of Rukum East today.
The snowfall, which occurred last night, caused thick snow to accumulate, blocking the road that connects the border areas of Rukum East and Baglung. As a result, long-distance travel was disrupted.
Shesh Ghale active in resolving NRNA disputes
Dr. Shesh Ghale, former President of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) and coordinator of the high-level committee, has called for unity within the organization.
Ghale urged non-resident Nepalis from around the world to gather in Kathmandu this upcoming May to approve the organization’s new statute. Ghale has also emphasized that the upcoming convention will be a significant milestone in the association’s history.
French Embassy appoints Purnima Shrestha as Goodwill Ambassador for the 75th anniversary of Annapurna’s first ascent
The French Embassy has appointed Purnima Shrestha as Goodwill Ambassador in celebration of the upcoming 75th anniversary of the historic first ascent of Annapurna.
This milestone, achieved on June 3, 1950, by French climbers Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal, aided by the Franco-Nepali expedition team, will be commemorated on June 3, 2025. As a mountaineer and photojournalist, Purnima Shrestha has a deep connection to the mountains and their stories.
PM Oli says third Nepal-Japan Friendship Summit will strengthen bilateral ties
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli expressed confidence that the Third Nepal-Japan Friendship Summit-2025 will significantly enhance the relationship between Nepal and Japan.
During a meeting with the Japanese delegation and Nepali coordinators attending the summit at the Prime Minister’s Residence in Baluwatar today, he highlighted the growing cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the fields of trade and people-to-people exchanges.
“Long-standing government-to-government and people-to-people relations between Nepal and Japan are now expanding into new areas, including imports and exports,” Oli said.
Prachanda declares Maoists as the true advocates for Madhesh liberation
Chair of the main opposition Maoist Center, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, declared that the Maoists are the only genuine party advocating for the liberation of the Madhesh people.
Speaking during an interaction with local representatives, intellectuals, and civil society leaders in Rajbiraj, Saptari, on Friday, as part of the Maoist’s Tarai-Madhesh Awareness Campaign, Dahal highlighted the Maoists’ commitment to the cause.
He criticized the so-called Madhesh parties, labeling them as fake and pointing out that these groups, which have rallied under the banner of Madheshism, have failed to deliver liberation to the Madhesh people.
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