KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
PM Shah pledges stronger govt-private sector cooperation
Prime Minister (PM) Balendra Shah has pledged to strengthen cooperation with the private sector to address economic challenges and create a more conducive environment for investment and business expansion. During a discussion with entrepreneurs and business leaders at Singha Durbar on Friday, Shah said the government was committed to creating a conducive environment for investment and business expansion. Rashtriya Swatantra Party lawmaker Bidushi Rana, who participated in the discussion, said Prime Minister Shah sought information about the problems faced by the private sector in operating industries and businesses. According to Rana, Shah said domestic entrepreneurs should be given the first priority for investment in Nepal, followed by non-resident Nepalis, while foreign investment would be the third priority.
Bhotekoshi flood: Rs 100 billion needed for social sector recovery alone
The Bhotekoshi flash flood caused an estimated Rs 67.87 billion in damage to the social sector, while approximately Rs 103.54 billion will be required for recovery, according to a government assessment. The Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA) Report, jointly prepared by the National Planning Commission and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, states that the flood destroyed 7,570 private houses. Damage to the houses and their contents has been estimated at more than Rs 63.88 billion, while Rs 95.83 billion will be required for reconstruction. The disaster also affected 48 public buildings, including 35 that were completely destroyed and 13 that sustained partial damage. Damage to the buildings and their contents has been estimated at more than Rs 2.64 billion, with reconstruction expected to cost Rs 4.23 billion.
PM Shah to address UN General Assembly on Sept. 24
Prime Minister (PM) Balendra Shah (Balen) is scheduled to address the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 24. The high-level general debate of the UNGA will be held from September 22 to 28 in New York, the United States. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the theme of this year’s General Assembly is “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All.” According to information received from the UN, the General Assembly will be addressed by 81 heads of state and 50 heads of government, including Nepal’s prime minister. Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai said this year’s UNGA would provide an important opportunity for Nepal to present the government’s priority agendas to the international community following last year’s Gen Z movement, the subsequent elections, and the government’s strong mandate. He said the gathering would also serve as an important platform for Nepal to seek and promote international support and goodwill.
PM Balen holds phone talks with New Zealand counterpart Luxon
Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) held a telephone conversation with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, discussing the Bhotekoshi flood response and the search for missing people, including New Zealand citizens. During the conversation, Prime Minister Shah informed his New Zealand counterpart that search, rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts had been intensified following the Bhotekoshi flood. He said the search for missing foreign nationals, including New Zealand citizens, was being carried out on a high priority basis. According to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, Shah thanked Luxon for the NZ$2 million in humanitarian assistance provided by the New Zealand government.
RSP forms committee to prepare document on right to recall
The ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has formed a committee to prepare a document on the proposed provision of the ‘right to recall’. According to RSP spokesperson Jagadish Kharel, the party on Friday formed an 11-member committee coordinated by General Secretary Bipin Kumar Acharya to draft the document. The committee was formed in line with a decision made by the RSP Central Committee at its meeting on August 21. The members of the committee are Ganesh Parajuli, Manish Jha, Samiksha Baskota, Anushka Shrestha, Sushant Baidik, Ghazala Shamim Mikrani, Karishma Kadariya, and Pramod Neupane.
Disaster Relief Fund records Rs 13.23 billion in deposits
The Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund had received a total of Rs 13.23 billion in deposits as of Friday. The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers said that, as of 5:00 pm Friday, the total balance in nine bank accounts designated by the government for collecting relief contributions stood at Rs 9.68 billion. Similarly, two US dollar-denominated accounts opened at designated banks had received $23.28 million in contributions. The government had released Rs 1 billion from the fund through the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority a few days ago to support survivors of the Bhote Koshi floods.
Nepali Army builds Acrow bridge at Devighat in five days
The flood in the Bhotekoshi River on August 26 swept away the bridge over the Tadi River at Devighat, which connects Bidur and Belkotgadhi municipalities in Nuwakot. The destruction of the bridge severed a vital link between Nuwakot, Dhading, and Rasuwagadhi. The sudden and devastating flood left many people stranded and caused further hardship after the bridge they relied on for transportation was washed away. In response, the government prioritized the construction of an Acrow bridge at Devighat to ease the difficulties faced by residents. The Nepali Army worked around the clock and completed a 57.9-meter-long Acrow bridge in just five days. All types of vehicles have been able to operate on the bridge since Thursday evening. The opening of the bridge has provided some relief to people affected by the floods.
Traditional slogans no longer enough to win elections: UML
The CPN-UML has acknowledged serious organisational and political weaknesses behind its humiliating defeat in the March 5 election, with its election review report calling for leadership transition, greater youth participation, and a departure from traditional political slogans. The Election Review and Party Reorganisation Task Force, comprising Vice Chairman Ram Bahadur Thapa ‘Badal’ and General Secretary Shankar Pokharel, has started discussions on the report. However, Chairman KP Sharma Oli, who is in a minority in the party Secretariat, has not yet agreed to table the report before the party committee. The report has not been adopted amid disagreements over the party’s failure to secure a majority in the Central Committee. Oli, who rejected the report prepared by General Secretary Pokharel, has prepared a separate report through Vice Chairman Badal. Pokharel’s report also recommends that Chairman Oli step down from the party leadership.
PM Shah discusses economic challenges with top business leaders
Prime Minister (PM) Balendra Shah held discussions with four industrialists and businessmen today. According to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, Shah held discussions with industrialists and businessmen Binod Chaudhary, Pawan Golyan, Umesh Shrestha and Chandra Dhakal. The discussions held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, focused on the country’s economic situation, challenges faced by the private sector in operating industries and businesses, the investment environment, job creation, and measures to make economic activities more dynamic. The talks also focused on addressing economic challenges by strengthening cooperation between the government and the private sector and creating a conducive environment for investment and business expansion.
US Chargé d’Affaires pays courtesy call on Minister Khanal
Newly appointed Chargé d’Affaires of the United States to Nepal, Megan Bouldin, paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal today. During the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bouldin paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the Bhotekoshi floods and expressed the US government’s solidarity with the Government of Nepal and the Nepali people during this difficult time. The Chargé d’Affaires said the US government was ready to support Nepal in its relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts following the floods. Minister Khanal expressed gratitude to the US government and the American people for their solidarity and support for Nepal during this difficult time. He expressed confidence that the US government would continue its support for Nepal through the reconstruction phase following relief and rehabilitation efforts.
NEPSE gains 27.94 points, turnover exceeds Rs 4.36 billion
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index rose 27.94 points to close at 2,559.49 points, with total turnover exceeding Rs 4.36 billion. According to the Nepal Stock Exchange, more than 12 million shares changed hands during the trading session. Market sentiment remained positive, with the share prices of 237 companies gaining, while 31 declined. The prices of nine companies remained unchanged. Upakar Laghubitta and Abhiyan Laghubitta recorded the highest gains, with their share prices increasing by 10.53 percent and 10.09 percent, respectively. Other stocks also posted gains of up to 9.54 percent.
Gold price down by Rs 4,800 per tola in Nepali market
Gold prices declined in the Nepali market on Friday, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. The price of hallmark gold fell by Rs 4,800 per tola (11.66 grams) to Rs 301,000 today. Gold was traded at Rs 305,800 per tola on Thursday. Silver prices also dropped on Friday. The price of silver decreased by Rs 255 per tola to Rs 4,600, down from Rs 4,855 per tola on Thursday.
HoR session adjourned until September 15
The meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) has been adjourned until September 15. Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal announced the adjournment on Friday after the House completed discussions and decision-making on the bills included in the day’s agenda. During the session, lawmakers approved proposals to take two separate bills into consideration. After completing all scheduled business, Speaker Aryal announced that the next meeting of the House would be held on Sunday, September 15, at 1:00 p.m.
Foreign travel details to be available through Nagarik app
The Department of Immigration has introduced an arrangement to make Nepali citizens’ foreign travel details available through the Nagarik app. Issuing a press release today, the department said the new service would allow Nepali citizens to access their international arrival and departure records through the app, with the aim of making its services more secure, organised, and technology-friendly. With the implementation of the new system, service seekers will no longer need to visit the department in person or submit a physical application to obtain their foreign travel details. According to the department, personal information will remain secure, as the passport details of the concerned individual will be displayed within the app.
Govt’s view of private sector is not positive: Gagan Thapa
Nepali Congress (NC) President Gagan Thapa has said that the government’s view of the private sector is not positive. Speaking at a programme organised by the Girija Prasad Koirala Foundation in Kathmandu on Friday, Thapa said the current Prime Minister has shown a tendency to dislike and neglect the private sector. He said that although there is a positive attitude towards the operation and profitability of public enterprises such as the Dairy Development Corporation, Hetauda Textile Factory, and Nepal Pharmaceuticals Limited, state policymakers have failed to understand the reality of the private sector and the broader economy. Thapa said the economic liberalisation and policies introduced under the leadership of Girija Prasad Koirala after the political change of 2046 BS are of great importance.
Israel continues emergency relief support to flood-affected communities in Nuwakot
The Embassy of Israel in Nepal has continued its emergency humanitarian assistance to communities affected by the devastating floods in Ward No. 2 of Trishuli, Bidur Municipality, Nuwakot. Janan Bebar, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Israel in Nepal, visited the affected area and handed over emergency go-bags and boxes containing essential supplies to support individuals and families affected by the floods. Bebar said, “We may not be able to remove all the pain, but we can stand together, support one another, and make sure that no one feels alone. That is what I felt in Trishuli. The pain was very real, but so was the human strength and solidarity. I believe that is something Nepal can be very proud of. This continued assistance reflects our commitment to supporting communities as they recover from the impact of the floods.” This assistance marks the second phase of the embassy’s relief response, following its initial support to flood-affected communities in Ward No. 6 of Baireni, Galchhi Rural Municipality, Dhading.
HoR business schedule set until October 1
The Business Advisory Committee of the House of Representatives (HoR), chaired by Speaker Dol Prasad (DP) Aryal, has determined the House’s business schedule until October 1. According to the Speaker’s Private Secretariat, the committee discussed the proposed business schedule at a meeting held at Singha Durbar today and recommended its approval with necessary revisions.
Two arrested with marijuana and brown sugar in Parsa
Police have arrested two people with marijuana and brown sugar in separate locations in Parsa. Police arrested 70-year-old Dukhi Mahato of Bhathora, Paterwasugauli Rural Municipality-4, from his residence with 18.4 kg of marijuana. An Indian national was also arrested from Parwanipur, Birgunj Metropolitan City-21, with brown sugar. According to the District Police Office, the two were arrested by police teams deployed on routine patrol on Thursday. The suspects have been remanded in police custody for further investigation.
Bhotekoshi flood: Family cremates four after hope of return fades
With search efforts failing to locate a missing engineer couple and their two children for 16 days following the Bhotekoshi flood, the family performed their final rites on Thursday. Rajesh Sharma Poudel, 36, and Pramila Pathak, 35, of Tityang, Baglung Municipality-9, were working at the Trishuli-3B Hydropower Project when they went missing along with their four-year-old son, Aditya, and two-year-old daughter, Aditi. The family performed their final rites after the four remained unaccounted for 16 days at Aryaghat, Pashupatinath in Kathmandu. According to Bishnu Sharma, a relative of the missing couple, the family cremated ‘kush’ (a sacred grass used in Hindu religious rituals) in accordance with Hindu tradition in the absence of their bodies. Rajesh Poudel was the only son of the family, Sharma said.
Rs 15 million assistance announced for treatment of Bhotekoshi flood victims
USV Pharmaceuticals has announced financial assistance of Rs 15 million for the medical treatment of victims affected by the Bhotekoshi flood. An agreement to provide the assistance was signed at a programme held in Kathmandu on Thursday between Nepal Medical Association President Dr. Badri Rijal and USV Pharmaceuticals Chief Business Officer Mahidwaj Sisodia. Under the agreement, the Nepal Medical Association will provide USV Pharmaceuticals with details of the medicines and other medical supplies required for flood victims. Based on the requirements, USV Pharmaceuticals will procure the necessary supplies and provide them to affected families.
60 gas cylinders seized in Bhaktapur distributed to the public
The District Administration Office, Bhaktapur, has distributed 60 LPG cylinders found stored at Madhyapur Banquet in Madhyapur Thimi to the general public. The cylinders were distributed during a market monitoring operation led by Chief District Officer Binod Kumar Khadka last evening. The banquet operator told the monitoring team that the cylinders had been brought from Chitwan on Thursday in preparation for the large number of banquets expected at the venue during Asoj. At the request of the local administration, the cylinders were subsequently distributed to people in need. Meanwhile, district police have arrested two people on charges of black-marketing LPG cylinders. Police arrested 41-year-old Rajesh Karmacharya of Itache, Bhaktapur Municipality-2, and 25-year-old Umesh Sah, operator of Sarlahi General Store in Brahmanagar, Suryabinayak Municipality-3.
Kushe Aunsi, Father’s Day, being observed across Nepal
Kushe Aunsi, also known as Father’s Day, was observed across the country today. Hindus celebrate Kushe Aunsi by bringing kush, a sharp-edged sacred grass, into their homes. According to religious beliefs, kush brought by priests and sanctified through sacred mantras ensures the well-being and prosperity of the household. The Hindu community regards kush, tulsi (holy basil), peepal (sacred fig), and shaligram (ammonite stone) as symbols associated with Lord Vishnu. The day is also observed as Father’s Day, or Gokarne Aunsi. On this occasion, people honor their fathers by presenting them with gifts and sweets and expressing their love and respect.
161st Moti Jayanti observed today
The 161st birth anniversary of national luminary and “Youth Poet” Motiram Bhatta was observed today with various literary events. Bhatta was born on this day in 1923 BS (1866 AD) on Kushe Aunsi, which is observed as National Father’s Day. He died on the same day in 1953 BS (1896 AD). Although he lived for only 30 years, Bhatta is remembered for his significant contributions to Nepali literature. He played a key role in bringing the life and work of Adikavi Bhanubhakta Acharya to wider public attention by publishing Bhanubhakta’s biography. Bhatta is also credited with introducing the printing press to Nepal. He introduced the ghazal form to Nepali literature and published Bhanubhakta’s Ramayana in 1941 BS.
EV catches fire, driver dies
The driver of an electric vehicle (EV) died after the vehicle caught fire on the East-West Highway in Bharatpur Metropolitan City-9 today. The identity of the deceased has not yet been established due to severe burns sustained in the incident. According to Rameshwor Poudel, superintendent of police at the District Police Office, the EV, bearing registration number Ba. Pra. 01-030 Cha 5579, caught fire this morning. The blaze was brought under control with the help of a fire engine. The vehicle was completely destroyed in the fire.
National Goat Research Centre exceeds production targets
The National Goat Research Centre in Damauli-Bandipur exceeded its production targets for goats of various breeds and other source materials in the fiscal year 2082/83. The centre produced 411 goats against a target of 333, according to centre chief Raju Kandel. The centre also exceeded its targets for milk and cheese production. It produced 4,231.5 litres of milk against a target of 2,000 litres and 463.3 kg of cheese against a target of 200 kg. Similarly, the centre produced 96.21 metric tonnes of goat manure against a target of 70 metric tonnes, exceeding its target by a significant margin.
Foreign investors drawn to IT sector projects
Foreign investors have recently shown increased interest in Nepal’s information technology sector, with IT projects accounting for the largest share of foreign investment commitments. Of the 1,116 projects for which foreign investment commitments were received in fiscal year 2082/83, 727 are in the information technology sector. Other sectors receiving investment commitments include manufacturing with 63 projects, energy with four, agriculture with 18, tourism with 227, services with 71, and infrastructure with two. According to the Department of Industry, foreign investors have pledged Rs 5.8 billion for these projects.
132 students displaced by Bhotekoshi floods enrolled in school
A total of 132 students displaced by the recent Bhotekoshi floods have been enrolled at a school in Kathmandu. Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Sunita Dangol, said that the 132 students, who are currently taking shelter in Kathmandu after being displaced by the Bhotekoshi floods, have started attending Gitamata School in Dallu. Dangol urged teachers to teach the children with compassion, saying that words and actions could cause them further emotional distress. The students are taking shelter at the Yellow Monastery in Nagarjun. Members of the metropolis’ executive, people’s representatives, and officials from the Department of Education visited the school to encourage the students.
Madhesi Commission submits annual report to President
The annual report of the Madhesi Commission for fiscal year 2082/83 has been presented to President Ramchandra Paudel. Acting Chairperson of the commission, Jeevachha Sah, presented the report to President Paudel at a programme held at the President’s Office, Shital Niwas, today. Article 294 of the Constitution of Nepal requires constitutional commissions to submit their annual reports to the President.
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