KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
President Paudel returns home after Japan visit
President Ram Chandra Paudel returned home on Wednesday after completing a four-day official visit to Japan. At the invitation of the Japanese government, President Paudel led a Nepali delegation, accompanied by First Lady Sabita Paudel, to attend a special ceremony organized in Japan to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan. He was welcomed at Tribhuvan International Airport by Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, ministers, heads of security agencies, and senior government officials.
Nepal Election Commission teams up with TikTok to prevent misuse of technology
Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari has expressed concern over potential misuse of technology during the upcoming elections, highlighting the need for vigilance to maintain electoral integrity. Speaking at a program in Kathmandu on Wednesday aimed at promoting election ethics, Bhandari noted that technological abuse could disrupt the electoral process, undermine the fairness of the elections, and create confusion among voters. He added that the Election Commission has already identified and assessed areas where such misuse could occur.
Election Commission instructs Judicial Council to halt judge appointments
The Election Commission has formally instructed the Judicial Council not to proceed with the appointment of new judges, citing the ongoing election code of conduct. The move comes after the Judicial Council Secretariat sent correspondence last week regarding judge appointments. In response, the Election Commission stated that advancing the appointment process would violate the code of conduct, which has been in effect since January 18.
UML voices concern over misuse of social media during election campaign
The CPN-UML has expressed serious concern over what it says is the growing misuse of social media during the election campaign ahead of the polls scheduled for March 5. Issuing a statement, the party said attempts are being made to spread confusion about its leadership, policies and election symbol by misusing technology and involving artists. The UML demanded that anyone found engaged in such activities be brought under the ambit of the law. The party also strongly objected to what it described as targeted abuse, indecent language and uncivil expressions directed at party chair and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, urging that such actions be stopped immediately.
Prachanda warns of possible rigging in two-phase election, calls for polls in single phase on March 5
Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, coordinator of the Nepali Communist Party, has expressed concern that holding the House of Representatives election in two phases could lead to irregularities, and has urged the government to conduct the polls in a single phase on March 5. Addressing a program in Kathmandu on Wednesday, the former prime minister said the election should not be split into two phases. “The election should be held in one phase, not two. An environment for a free and fair election must be ensured,” he said, adding that the country is facing an extraordinary situation.
UML proposes Chair Oli as future prime minister
The CPN-UML party has put forward party chair KP Sharma Oli as its candidate for the next prime minister. Speaking at a press conference held at the party’s central office in Chyasal on Wednesday, UML Vice Chair Ram Bahadur Thapa said the party has entered the election with the proposal of Oli as future prime minister, citing the need to safeguard the nation and re-establish patriotic and democratic forces. Thapa said it is necessary to ensure the victory of those committed to nation-building, adding that Nepal’s economy is showing growth and that work is underway with an integrated vision for prosperity.
Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul suffers engine fire after takeoff from TIA, diverted to Kolkata
A Turkish Airlines aircraft bound for Istanbul caught fire in its right engine shortly after taking off from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) on Wednesday afternoon. According to TIA General Manager Tek Nath Sitaula, the incident occurred just four minutes after the aircraft took off at 1:28 pm. The flight, operating under the number THY 727, reported a fire in the right engine soon after departure. The aircraft involved was carrying 225 passengers. As soon as the airport authorities received information about the engine fire, Tribhuvan International Airport was completely shut down for around 15 minutes as a precautionary measure.
Six economic policy experts contest House election amid shifting voter mood
As Nepal heads toward the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, six experts from the field of economic and political economy have entered the electoral race, adding a distinct policy-oriented dimension to the contest. While some of these economists are contesting elections for the first time, others are returning to the political battlefield after previous defeats. This election is being held against the backdrop of a new political psychology that emerged after the two-day Gen-Z movement on September 8 and 9. The youth-led protests forcefully raised issues such as rising corruption, the failure to establish good governance, and the lack of generational change in politics.
Gold and silver prices rise again in domestic market
Gold and silver prices increased again in the domestic market on Wednesday compared to Tuesday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of hallmark gold has been fixed at Rs 304,700 per tola today. Similarly, silver is being traded at Rs 5,600 per tola. The price of gold has risen by Rs 14,400 per tola compared to Tuesday. On Tuesday, hallmark gold was traded at Rs 290,300 per tola, while silver was priced at Rs 5,335 per tola.
Balen Shah’s brief visit to in-laws’ hometown Urlabari leaves supporters dissatisfied
Former Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah paid a brief visit to Urlabari, his in-laws’ hometown, and returned shortly afterward, leaving some local supporters and activists dissatisfied. During his visit, Shah met a few local leaders and members of the public. However, local activists said the visit was shorter than expected and lacked broader interaction, leading to disappointment among supporters who had hoped for more time and discussion. According to local activists, many people had expected an opportunity to meet Shah and engage in open dialogue after learning of his arrival in Urlabari. The limited nature of the visit and the absence of a formal interaction program left several supporters frustrated.
PM Sushila Karki initiates efforts to resolve health insurance payment crisis
Prime Minister Sushila Karki has initiated efforts to address the growing problems in Nepal’s health insurance system. As part of this process, she has called a meeting of key stakeholders at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers this afternoon, according to the Prime Minister’s Office. The move comes amid mounting concerns after hospitals in various parts of the country decided to halt services under the health insurance scheme, citing non-payment of dues by the Health Insurance Board.
Nepali Army being deployed for election security
The Nepali Army (NA) is being deployed in the field from today to ensure security for the upcoming House of Representatives elections, scheduled for March 5. All four security agencies, the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and National Investigation Department, will be mobilized in coordination under the Integrated Security Plan 2082 BS to conduct the elections in a free, fair, impartial, and fear-free environment. With just a month remaining before the elections, the agencies will implement the plan to make security arrangements efficient and effective. Election Police recruited specifically for election purposes will also be deployed.
Comment