KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Passenger’s brave act saves 51 in Buddha Air emergency
A passenger’s courage prevented a tragedy on Friday night when a Buddha Air plane skidded off the runway while landing at Bhadrapur Airport in Jhapa. Amid smoke and panic, Umesh Moktan Tamang opened the emergency door, helping all 51 passengers escape safely. The plane, which departed from Kathmandu at 7:00 pm, encountered the incident while landing at around 9:45 pm. Amid smoke and chaos following the landing, a passenger, Tamang, helped save the lives of all 51 passengers by opening the emergency door.
Seven injured as Buddha Air aircraft overshoots runway during landing
At least seven people, including a co-pilot, were injured after a Buddha Air ATR 72 aircraft overran the runway while landing at Bhadrapur Airport on Friday night. According to preliminary information provided by Jhapa District Police Office, the aircraft (flight call sign U4-901) overshot the runway by around 300 meters on the eastern side while landing at 9:10 pm. The flight had departed from Kathmandu at 8:23 pm with 51 passengers, four crew members and one aircraft engineer on board.
Election Commission allows replacement of PR candidates who withdraw within deadline
The Election Commission (EC) has said that political parties will be allowed to include new candidates in the proportional representation (PR) closed list if any nominated candidate withdraws their name within the prescribed time for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5. According to EC spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, the Commission is currently verifying whether the PR closed lists submitted by parties comply with legal provisions on inclusiveness. Based on this review, the EC will notify the concerned political parties of any discrepancies by January 4.
Swasthani Barta Katha and Madhav Narayan festival begins in Sankhu
The Shree Madhav Narayan Swasthani fast and fair, observed ritualistically from Paush Shukla Purnima to Magh Shukla Purnima, began on Saturday. From the very first day, a large number of devotees were seen gathering at the Shalinadi area in Sankhu, under Shankharapur Municipality, a site of ancient religious and mythological significance. The Swasthani Barta Katha, observed for a full month by followers of the Vedic Sanatan Hindu tradition through prescribed rituals in households, formally commenced today. Along with the fast, the traditional recitation and listening of the Swasthani Katha also began. The narration is based on the dialogue between sages Kumar and Agastya, as described in the Kedarkhanda section of the Skanda Purana, specifically in the Magh Mahatmya.
Trump claims Venezuelan President Maduro detained, taken out of country
S President Donald Trump has claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has been detained and taken out of the country, along with his wife. Posting on his social media platform Truth Social, President Trump said Maduro and his wife were taken into custody following what he described as a successful US military operation in Venezuela. Trump’s statement came after reports of US attacks targeting Caracas and other areas of Venezuela.
Venezuela accuses US of attacking civilian, military sites as explosions rock Caracas
Venezuela’s government has accused the United States of launching attacks on civilian and military installations across multiple states, after a series of explosions were reported in the capital Caracas early Saturday. According to local authorities, at least seven explosions were heard around 2:00 am local time in Caracas, accompanied by low-flying aircraft. Residents in several neighborhoods said the blasts occurred within a short span of time, prompting people to rush out of their homes while others shared images and videos on social media.
Baitadi man dies fighting in Russia–Ukraine war
The death of 33-year-old Manoj Singh Bhat from Kanda-7, Melouli Municipality, Baitadi, who had joined the Russian army and was involved in the Russia–Ukraine war, has been confirmed. Ramchandra Bhatta, ward chairperson of Melouli-7, said Bhat, who had been recruited by the Russian army about two years ago, had been out of contact for some time. His death was confirmed through DNA testing. While the exact date of Bhat’s death is unknown, the family has recently been informed of the news.
Earthquake strikes near Falaincha in Taplejung
An earthquake struck near Falaincha in Taplejung district early this morning. According to the National Seismology and Research Center, Lainchaur, the earthquake measured 4.6 on the Richter scale and occurred at 6:13 am. Earlier, an earthquake measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale had its epicenter near Thoche in Manang district. Being located in the Himalayan region, Nepal experiences earthquakes of varying magnitudes from time to time.
Legal experts tell NC General Secretaries special convention is mandatory
Nepali Congress General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma have sought legal advice as a faction of the party prepares to hold a special convention ahead of upcoming elections. During consultations, legal experts reminded the leaders that the party’s constitution contains binding provisions regarding special conventions. They highlighted that failing to comply with these rules would be considered a violation of both the party constitution and prevailing national laws, potentially leading to legal consequences.
Oli to contest HoR elections from Jhapa-5
The CPN-UML has decided to nominate party Chair KP Sharma Oli from Jhapa constituency number 5 for the upcoming House of Representatives election on March 5. The decision was made during a meeting of the Regional Coordination Committee of Jhapa-5 held today, which unanimously recommended Oli’s name.
ANFA to hold early elections amid criticism, says Secretary Kiran Rai
All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) Secretary Kiran Rai has stated that the organization will hold elections in accordance with its constitution. Speaking at a press conference in Lalitpur on Saturday, Rai said the decision to conduct early elections follows constitutional provisions, even before the completion of the current four-year term. The announcement came amid opposition to the early election plan. Rai clarified that despite questions raised about the current committee, the association is following the constitution by moving toward fresh elections. He also highlighted that since his appointment, he has faced significant allegations and criticism but has successfully brought Nepali football to its current state.
ACAP launches simultaneous snow leopard survey in Mustang and Manang
Mustang and Manang districts have begun a simultaneous survey to determine the population of the rare snow leopard. The effort is being conducted under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), with ACAP Lomanthang and ACAP Jomsom leading the survey in Mustang, and ACAP Manang coordinating in Manang. Previously, ACAP and other research bodies studying snow leopards conducted limited surveys using camera traps in areas identified as potential habitats. However, the exact number of snow leopards in Mustang and Manang remained uncertain.
Gen-Z leader Miraj Dhungana questions Rabi-Balen-Kulman
Gen-Z leader Miraj Dhungana has raised questions targeting three key figures in Nepal’s emerging alternative politics. In a statement released on Saturday, Dhungana directed his questions at Rabi Lamichhane, Kulman Ghising, and Balen Shah, focusing on issues such as the upcoming House of Representatives election on March 5, constitutional amendments, the electoral system, and political sustainability.
Rastriya Swatantra Party calls central committee meeting for Sunday
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has called a central committee meeting, scheduled for Sunday at 1 PM, party General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti said. The meeting will be held at the party’s central office in Bansthali. Burlakoti added that the meeting will discuss party coordination, expansion, and strengthening strategies.
Construction resumes at Gautam Buddha International Cricket Stadium after Bharatpur Metropolis takes over
Construction work at the Gautam Buddha International Cricket Stadium in Bharatpur, which had been left incomplete by the Dhurmus Suntali Foundation, has resumed after Bharatpur Metropolitan City assumed ownership of the project. According to project engineer Santosh Acharya, work is currently underway on the pillars and parapet structures of the stadium. He said the target is to complete the main structural construction by the end of Chaitra. “Once the structure is completed, finishing works and ground preparation will begin, which is estimated to take around six months,” Acharya said, adding that work is progressing with the aim of completing the project within the stipulated timeline.
CAN unveils Nepal’s 2026 annual cricket calendar
The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has unveiled its annual cricket calendar for 2026, outlining a packed schedule of international and domestic tournaments for Nepal’s men’s, women’s and age-group teams. CAN made the announcement during a press conference on Saturday. The calendar includes ICC events, ACC tournaments, bilateral and triangular series, as well as major domestic competitions. According to the schedule, January will see Nepal host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier. In February, the Nepali men’s team is set to participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, while a Women’s Premier Cup has also been proposed during the month.
Shekhar Koirala holds talks with party office-bearers and district presidents on Congress’ current situation
Senior leader of the Nepali Congress, Dr Shekhar Koirala, has held discussions with party office-bearers, central committee members and district presidents based in Kathmandu regarding the party’s current internal situation. The interaction was held at Dr Koirala’s contact office in Bishalnagar, where detailed deliberations took place on the prevailing political and organisational situation within the Nepali Congress.
Artist Asif Shah withdraws from RSP’s proportional list, to contest directly from Kathmandu-5
Asif Shah, whose name was included in the proportional representation (PR) closed list of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has announced his decision to withdraw from the list. Making the announcement through a Facebook post on Friday, Shah said meaningful contributions to nation-building can be made from any position or status, but he could not choose a path that might hurt the sentiments of the public and party colleagues.
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