KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you key developments from across Nepal, covering politics, business and economy, sports, entertainment, and other major events of the day.
Govt scraps 12 civil service, health trade unions
The government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah has scrapped 12 national-level trade unions representing civil servants and health workers, citing their alleged political affiliations. The decision was taken by the Department of Labour and Occupational Safety under the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security on Wednesday. According to the department, the unions were dissolved based on provisions of the ordinance titled “Some Nepal Acts Amendment Ordinance–207,” through a decision by the registrar authority. The move applies to previously registered and active unions of civil servants and health sector employees.
PM Balen Shah yet to form probe committee on Sudan Gurung while handling Home, Defence
Former Home Minister Sudan Gurung, who resigned amid mounting controversy, has remained out of the public eye nearly two weeks after stepping down, while the government is yet to appoint his successor or form a formal investigation panel. Gurung, who had taken oath on March 27 alongside Prime Minister Balendra Shah, resigned on April 22 following allegations of financial links with controversial businessman Deepak Bhatta. The resignation came after intense pressure from multiple quarters, including Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane and Prime Minister Shah. However, even 12 days after Gurung’s exit, the Home Ministry remains without a new minister.
Nepali Congress to raise voice in Parliament against Constitutional Council ordinance
The Nepali Congress has decided to strongly raise the issue of the Constitutional Council ordinance in Parliament, expressing serious disagreement with the government’s move. The decision was taken during a parliamentary party meeting held at Singha Durbar on Wednesday. Party President Gagan Thapa said lawmakers have been instructed to firmly present the party’s stance in the House. Thapa said Congress lawmakers will play an active role in pressuring the government to amend provisions introduced through the ordinance via parliamentary processes.
Govt appoints Dr Jagdish Prasad Agrawal as health advisor to PM Shah
The government has appointed senior medical expert and educationist Jagdish Prasad Agrawal as the honorary health advisor to Prime Minister Balen Shah. A meeting of the Council of Ministers held on Tuesday decided to appoint Dr Agrawal to the post. He is a former dean of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) under Tribhuvan University Institute of Medicine. In his advisory role, Dr Agrawal will provide recommendations to the Prime Minister on national health policy, public health challenges, and reforms in medical education.
NC to hold provincial-level gatherings across all seven provinces
The Nepali Congress (NC) is set to organize provincial-level gatherings focused on provincial and local governance across all seven provinces. The party’s Central Policy, Research and Training Foundation has announced the initiative. Foundation chief Bishwa Prakash Sharma informed the decision during a meeting held on Wednesday. According to the plan, the Nepali Congress will hold two-day gatherings in each province during the Nepali months of Baisakh and Jestha. The first event will take place in Dhangadhi, Sudurpaschim Province, on Baisakh 26 and 27, followed by Lekweshi in Surkhet, Karnali Province, on Baisakh 28 and 29, and Pokhara, Gandaki Province, on Baisakh 31 and Jestha 1.
Thapa, Sharma meet Khadka as NC dispute remains unresolved
A meeting between three key leaders of the Nepali Congress took place on Wednesday as internal disputes within the party remain unresolved. Party President Gagan Kumar Thapa and Vice President Bishwa Prakash Sharma visited former acting president Purna Bahadur Khadka at his residence in Golfutar for talks. The meeting lasted from 11:00 am to around 12:30 pm, though details of the discussion have not been disclosed. The meeting comes after the Supreme Court recognized Thapa’s leadership, prompting efforts to bring the faction led by 14th General Convention President Sher Bahadur Deuba on board.
Taskforce to consult former attorneys general on constitutional amendment today
A taskforce formed to prepare a discussion paper on constitutional amendment is set to hold consultations with former attorneys general today. The taskforce, coordinated by Prime Minister Balen Shah’s political advisor Asim Shah, has scheduled the meeting at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers from 3 pm to 5 pm. According to the taskforce, suggestions from former attorneys general will be collected during the discussion to inform the drafting of the constitutional amendment proposal.
PM Shah calls Constitutional Council meeting to move ahead with CJ appointment
A meeting of the Constitutional Council has been convened to move forward the appointment process of a new Chief Justice. The Council secretariat called the meeting for Thursday following instructions from Prime Minister Balen Shah, who also chairs the council. The development comes after President Ram Chandra Paudel issued an ordinance related to the Constitutional Council on Tuesday. The President had earlier returned the ordinance for reconsideration on Sunday, but it was re-sent by the government without changes on Monday and subsequently promulgated.
FNCCI elects new leadership, Anjan Shrestha to lead as president
The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry has elected a new leadership through its 60th Annual General Meeting and election held in Kamaladi on Monday and Tuesday. The election has formed a 68-member executive committee, including four vice presidents. Competing panels led by Hemraj Dhakal and senior vice president Anjan Kumar Shrestha contested the polls, with results showing a mixed outcome from both sides. As per FNCCI statute, senior vice president Shrestha will assume leadership of the federation. Having built a strong reputation in Nepal’s business sector over more than two decades, he will lead the organization for the next three years.
Govt moves to curb double benefits taken by former top officials
The government has stepped up efforts to curb the practice of former high-ranking officials drawing multiple and unlimited benefits from the state treasury. The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has directed the Home Ministry to submit detailed records of vehicles currently being used by former top officials by the end of office hours on Wednesday. The move follows a recent internal review that found some former officials using more vehicles than permitted by law or receiving duplicate benefits from multiple state agencies.
Public urged to avoid BP Highway, travel only if necessary during daytime
Authorities have urged travelers to check road conditions before using the BP Highway as unseasonal rainfall continues to disrupt traffic along the route. The District Security Committee has imposed an indefinite ban on nighttime travel along the highway starting Tuesday. Vehicular movement has been halted daily from 5:00 pm to 5:00 am due to increased risks caused by rainfall. According to DSP Rabin Bista, Information Officer at the District Police Office, flooding in the Roshi River has raised water levels, sweeping away temporary diversions and obstructing the road. Authorities say traffic will resume based on weather conditions.
Patan High Court clears ‘Lalibazar’ for release from Friday
The Patan High Court has paved the way for the release of the controversial film Lalibazar, allowing it to be screened in cinemas nationwide from Friday May 8. The court refused to issue an interim order sought by petitioner Roshani Nepali, who had filed a writ demanding a halt to the film’s screening. With the denial of the interim order, there is no immediate legal barrier to the film’s release. The decision means that the restriction requested in the petition will not apply until a final verdict is reached, effectively clearing the way for the producers to proceed with the screening.
Three youths arrested for attempted daylight robbery at Indrachowk jewelry shop
Police have arrested three youths on charges of attempting to rob a gold and silver shop in Bhedasingh, Indrachowk in Kathmandu, while brandishing a pistol. The incident occurred last week, when a group attempted to carry out a daylight robbery at Naina & Ishan Jewelry. Shop owner Babita Rauniyar resisted the attempt, forcing the suspects to flee. Superintendent of Police Pawan Bhattarai of the District Police Range, Kathmandu, said the suspects were arrested during a subsequent investigation and search operation.
Nagdhunga tunnel finally ready, promises 7-minute Dhading–Kathmandu journey
Nepal’s long-awaited Nagdhunga–Sisnekhola Tunnel is in its final stage of preparation, with authorities targeting operation by the end of July. The 2.688-kilometre tunnel, built over more than five years, is now about 99 percent complete, according to project officials. A parliamentary team led by Infrastructure Development Committee chair Ashish Gajurel inspected the site on Monday. Project director Saujanya Nepal said only minor works remain, including landslide control near the western portal and some compensation-related tasks. “Around 96 percent of the budget has already been spent,” he said.
Birtamode squatters launch protest demanding end to ‘bulldozer terror’
Squatters in Birtamode have launched a protest from Wednesday, demanding an end to what they describe as bulldozer terror in settlements. Residents of the settlement are demanding land ownership certificates for the areas where they have been living for years, saying they should not be displaced from their longstanding homes. The protesters warned against what they called nationwide bulldozer terror and said authorities should not play with citizens’ right to housing.
19 Nepalis arrested for gambling in casino
As many as 19 Nepali citizens have been arrested while gambling at a casino in Siddharthnagar, Rupandehi. A joint team from the Lumbini Provincial Police Office and the District Police Office, Rupandehi, raided the Royal Kalinga Casino operating inside Hotel Gautam Buddha International in Siddharthnagar Municipality–10 last night and took the individuals under control. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Krishna Kumar Chand, information officer at the District Police Office, those arrested include four individuals involved in casino management and 15 gamblers. The arrests were made during a targeted operation based on special intelligence.
Two children drown in Seuti River in Sunsari
Two children drowned today while playing on the banks of the Seuti River in Ramdhuni Municipality-6 in Sunsari. The deceased have been identified as 6-year-old Pranik Chaudhary and 9-year-old Bikash Chaudhary of Dhedigaun, Superintendent of Police Keshav Kumar Thebe said. According to him, the children drowned in water collected in a ditch near the riverbank. Although they were taken for treatment, both were pronounced dead. The District Police Office, Sunsari, said an investigation into the incident is underway.
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