KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Police urge public to take precautions as air pollution rises
Nepal Police has urged the public to take necessary precautions as air pollution levels have increased significantly in Kathmandu and other major cities across the country. Issuing a public notice on Wednesday, the Police Headquarters called on citizens to remain alert and prioritize their health amid worsening air quality. Central Spokesperson of Nepal Police and Deputy Inspector General of Police, Avi Narayan Kafle, said the advisory was issued to encourage people to adopt safety measures and minimize exposure to polluted air.
PR vote counting concludes as RSP gets 47.82%, two seats short of two-thirds majority
The counting of proportional representation (PR) votes for the House of Representatives election held on March 5 concluded on Wednesday afternoon. According to the Election Commission’s data entry system, a total of 10,789,078 votes were counted nationwide under the PR category. The highest number of votes went to the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) led by Rabi Lamichhane, which secured 5,158,810 votes, accounting for 47.82 percent, maintaining a clear lead.
Preparations underway to convene House session after final poll results
With the vote count of the House of Representatives election held on March 5 nearing completion, preparations have begun to convene the federal parliament once the final results are officially announced. According to the Federal Parliament Secretariat, arrangements are being made to call the House of Representatives meeting immediately after the Election Commission of Nepal publishes the final results. Article 93 of the Constitution of Nepal outlines provisions regarding the summoning and prorogation of parliamentary sessions. Under the provision, the president must call a session of the federal parliament within 30 days of the declaration of the final election results for the House of Representatives.
Supreme Court sends writ against decision to withdraw cases against Rabi Lamichhane to full bench
The Supreme Court has decided to forward a writ petition challenging the interim government’s decision to withdraw cases against Rabi Lamichhane to a full bench for final adjudication. A joint bench of justices Sapana Pradhan Malla and Shrikanta Paudel issued the order after a preliminary hearing, directing that the case concerning the revision of charges against Lamichhane be heard by a full bench. Senior advocate Dinesh Tripathi said the court decided to refer the writ for final settlement through a full bench following the initial hearing.
Activists stage protest in Kathmandu against rising violence against Dalits
Rights activists and youths staged a protest in Kathmandu on Wednesday, warning authorities over what they say is a growing number of violent incidents against the Dalit community. The demonstrators gathered at Maitighar Mandala, demanding justice for victims and stronger action against violence, rape, and killings targeting Dalits across the country. Participants also lit candles to pray for the peace of the souls of those who have lost their lives in such incidents.
NC leader Gopal Man Shrestha praises Gagan Thapa’s leadership
Gopal Man Shrestha, a leader of the Nepali Congress and former minister, has said the courage and vision shown by party President Gagan Thapa have helped strengthen the party. In a letter addressed to Thapa following the recently concluded Federal Parliament election in Nepal, Shrestha praised his leadership at a time when the party is facing challenges. Shrestha noted that although the election results were not as expected, the protection of democracy and the strengthening of the rule of law remain the major achievements.
Nepal Airlines to operate special flight to evacuate stranded passengers from Dubai
Nepal Airlines Corporation will operate a special flight tonight to evacuate passengers stranded at Dubai airport, the airline announced. According to the notice, a widebody aircraft will depart Kathmandu at 11:15 pm to pick up stranded passengers in Dubai and bring them back to Nepal. The return flight, RA 230 (Dubai–Kathmandu), is scheduled to land in Kathmandu at 4:10 am on Thursday. This is the first special flight organized by the airline to rescue passengers after 12 days of disruptions caused by the US–Iran conflict, said Amritman Shrestha, Executive Director of Nepal Airlines.
World Bank approves Rs 7.07 billion loan to help reduce air pollution in Nepal
The World Bank has approved a loan of Rs 7.07 billion to support efforts to reduce air pollution and improve air quality in Nepal. According to the bank’s headquarters in Washington, DC, the funding will be used to implement the Nepal Clean Air and Prosperity Project in high-risk pollution areas, including the Kathmandu Valley and parts of the Tarai region. Under the project, around 400 industrial and commercial enterprises will be supported to transition to smoke-free operations.
Rabi Lamichhane makes public his election expenditure
Rabi Lamichhane, chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party and a candidate for the House of Representatives of Nepal from Chitwan Constituency-2, has made his election expenditure public. According to the official expense details submitted to the Election Commission Nepal, Lamichhane spent a total of Rs 989,987 during the election period. As per the statement registered at the District Election Office Chitwan, the highest amount was spent on meetings and gatherings, as well as food and ration supplies.
UN General Assembly adopts Nepal’s proposal on International Wellness Day
The United Nations has adopted a resolution proposed by Nepal to mark an International Wellness Day. The United Nations General Assembly passed the resolution today, designating April 15 to be observed annually as International Wellness Day across countries worldwide. According to Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Lok Bahadur Thapa, the resolution recognizes that health does not merely mean the absence of disease but encompasses overall well-being, including physical, mental, social, cultural, emotional, and environmental aspects.
Partial flights resume to West Asia after 12-day suspension
Flights to the West Asia region, which were suspended for 12 days, have partially resumed following a slight easing of tensions in the area. According to Santush Kumar Basnet, spokesperson for Tribhuvan International Airport, international airlines have restarted some flights after monitoring the situation for the past five days. The suspension began on February 28, following the outbreak of the US-Iran conflict, when flights were halted citing passenger safety concerns. Several international flights from Nepal were canceled during this period.
Harka Sampang plans Mahakali Bridge, but Nepal will need India’s approval first
Founder of the Shram Sanskriti Party and newly elected lawmaker Harka Sampang is raising funds to replace a ropeway over the Mahakali River in Darachula with a suspension bridge. Shortly after his victory from Sunsari-1, Sampang appealed on social media for contributions starting from Rs 10, sharing a contact number to support the project in line with his announcement to replace the ropeway. Following his call, supporters from both Nepal and abroad have begun contributing. However, local officials say the actual situation in Darachula is more complex.
Gagan Thapa and Nepali Congress face the trial of a changing Nepal
A popular parable tells of two men waiting at the gates of heaven—one a driver wearing a leather jacket and dark glasses, the other a priest in traditional attire. When asked about his life, the driver replied that he drove a night bus between Kathmandu and Sarlahi. Hearing this, the gatekeeper welcomed him warmly and offered him a luxurious golden room. Then came the priest’s turn. Proudly introducing himself as a religious scholar who had guided people toward spirituality, he expected honor. Instead, he was handed a simple cloth and told to sleep on a mat in a modest room.
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