KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Fourth day of Navaratra: Kushmanda Devi worshipped
Goddess Kushmanda, the fourth of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, is being worshipped with religious devotion on the fourth day of Navaratra at homes, Dashain Ghars and puja rooms across the country. According to Hindu religious traditions, Kushmanda Devi is worshipped on the fourth day of Navaratra during the bright fortnight of Ashwin. The goddess is believed to relieve devotees of the three types of suffering: spiritual, physical or mental, and divine. The name Kushmanda is associated with the goddess’s power to remove these three forms of suffering from those who seek refuge in her. According to Hindu scriptures, the goddess is depicted with multiple hands holding various objects and symbols of divine power.
Parliamentary hearings completed for 13 ambassadorial nominees
Parliamentary hearings for ambassadorial nominees to 13 countries have been completed, but the Parliamentary Hearing Committee is yet to decide whether to endorse their nominations. The Cabinet meeting held on September 18 recommended the appointment of ambassadors to 13 countries. Hearings for all the nominees concluded on Wednesday. The government has recommended Dr Nischal Nath Pandey for India, Dr Kalyan Raj Sharma for China, Chiran Jung Thapa for the United States, Gaurav Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana for the United Kingdom and Saru Joshi for Germany.
Parliamentary committee approves 10 ambassadorial nominees, rejects Sunar for Saudi Arabia
The Parliamentary Hearing Committee has approved 10 of the 13 ambassadorial nominees proposed for various countries while rejecting the nomination of Giri Bahadur Sunar for Saudi Arabia. A committee meeting held on Wednesday endorsed the names of 10 nominees but unanimously rejected Sunar’s nomination. The committee unanimously approved Dr Nischal Nath Pandey for India, Kalyan Raj Sharma for China, Chiranjeev Thapa for the United States, Gaurav Shumsher Jabara for the United Kingdom and Saru Joshi for Germany. Similarly, the committee approved Suresh Kumar Karn for Israel, Padmakshi Rana for Oman, Prof. Dr Sangam Shrestha for the Republic of Korea, Prapti Sherchan for Spain and Dr Manchala Kumari Jha for Sri Lanka.
4,108 Bhotekoshi flood-hit households receive Rs 45,000 each in relief
The government has distributed cash assistance of Rs 45,000 each to 4,108 households directly affected by the Bhotekoshi floods in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading. The assistance was provided by development partner World Food Programme (WFP) and distributed through a one-door system to prevent duplication, according to the government. The affected families were identified in coordination with local governments. Households in 11 local units, including five in Rasuwa, four in Nuwakot and two in Dhading, have received the assistance.
Nepal, India agree to expand cross-border electricity trade capacity: Minister Shrestha
Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has said that Nepal and India have agreed to increase their cross-border electricity transfer capacity for both imports and exports. Speaking at a press conference at the ministry on Wednesday to highlight its achievements over the past six months, Shrestha said policy arrangements to allow the private sector to engage in electricity trading were in the final stages. He said the government aims to make the energy sector a foundation for the country’s economic development. Despite damage to energy infrastructure caused by natural disasters, efforts to restore services and continue development projects have been ongoing, he said.
Foreign Minister Khanal meets South Korean ambassador Park
Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal held a courtesy meeting with newly appointed South Korean Ambassador to Nepal Park Jae kyung on Wednesday. During the meeting, Khanal congratulated Park on his appointment and wished him a successful tenure in Nepal. Khanal said the Nepal government was willing to work together for the mutual benefit of both countries and their people. He also assured the ambassador of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ full support in carrying out his responsibilities. The meeting covered various aspects of bilateral relations between Nepal and South Korea.
Nepal calls for stronger regional cooperation against transnational crime
Home Minister Sudan Gurung has stressed the need for stronger cross-border cooperation among member states and faster action than criminals to tackle rising transnational crime. Gurung made the remarks while representing Nepal at the first BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting held in India. He said the meeting was important for ensuring a safe future for the next generation amid growing security challenges, including terrorism, human trafficking, drug smuggling, money laundering and cybercrime. He emphasised that effective information sharing, the use of advanced technology and joint regional initiatives were essential to combating such crimes.
Police step up festival-focused security in Kathmandu Valley
A total of 3,506 police personnel have been deployed across the Kathmandu Valley under a special security plan for major festivals, including Dashain, Tihar and Chhath. The Nepal Police has intensified security measures to prevent criminal activities and ensure that people can celebrate the festivals safely and without fear. Superintendent of Police Dan Bahadur Thapa, spokesperson for the District Police Range Kathmandu, said security arrangements had been strengthened to protect people visiting markets for festival shopping, attending celebrations and travelling to different destinations during the festive season.
Parliamentary Hearing Committee suspends hearing on Malaysia Ambassador nominee over allegations
The Parliamentary Hearing Committee has suspended the confirmation hearing of Chudamani Kharel, nominated as Nepal’s ambassador to Malaysia, following allegations of financial irregularities, questionable dealings with recruitment agencies and conflicts of interest. The Committee halted Wednesday’s hearing after Kharel presented his action plan, saying it needed additional time to examine complaints filed against him. During the meeting, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Rajiv Khatri raised several allegations concerning Kharel’s financial dealings and past activities. He said the committee had received complaints alleging irregularities in land transactions in Pokhara and the Madhesh region, as well as financial dealings with recruitment agencies ahead of Kharel’s proposed appointment as ambassador.
Passengers travelling between Nepal and India barred from carrying power banks
Passengers travelling by air between Nepal and India will no longer be allowed to carry power banks, according to a notice issued by Nepal Airlines. The Airline said the restriction was imposed in line with a circular issued by India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Under the new arrangement, power banks will not be permitted in cabin baggage, checked baggage or as cargo on flights operating to or from India. The restriction will affect passengers travelling from Nepal to India as well as those flying from India to Nepal.
Ministry of Energy unveils six-month achievements
The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation has made public its progress and achievements over the past six months since the formation of the incumbent government. The details released by the Ministry on Wednesday cover policy-level achievements and progress in irrigation and water resources management. The progress report also outlines the work carried out by various agencies and institutions under the ministry, including the Electricity Regulatory Commission, Department of Electricity Development, Nepal Electricity Authority, Budhigandaki Hydropower Project, Hydroelectricity Investment and Development Company Limited, National Transmission Grid Company Limited, Electricity Generation Company Limited, Nalgad Hydropower Company Limited, Alternative Energy Promotion Centre, Secretariat of the Water and Energy Commission, Hydrology and Water Resources Research Centre, and Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.
RSP candidate selection framework rules out money, influence and factionalism
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has said financial status, political connections, factional influence and family ties will not be allowed to influence its candidate selection for local-level elections. In its candidate selection framework, the party said Nepal’s candidate selection process had become distorted by last-minute nominations, closed-door decisions and the improper exercise of power to maintain political balance. The party noted that family connections, political access, flattery, factional influence, financial status, money and muscle power often overshadow citizens’ genuine voices in candidate selection.
PM Shah Baen pays homage to Goddess Palanchok Bhagawati
Prime Minister Balendra Shah visited the Palanchok Bhagawati Temple in Panchkhal Municipality, Kavrepalanchok, and paid homage to Goddess Palanchoki Mai today. On the fourth day of the Bada Dashain festival, Prime Minister Shah offered prayers at the shrine, according to Ramkaji Shrestha, chairperson of Ward No. 9 of Panchkhal Municipality. Shrestha said the Prime Minister arrived at the temple at 10:00 am to pay homage to the goddess. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Sunil Lamsal, Minister for Infrastructure Development, and Kumar Byanjankar, his chief adviser.
Dashain exodus from Kathmandu Valley gathers pace
The number of people leaving the Kathmandu Valley for their hometowns to celebrate Bada Dashain has been increasing as the festival approaches. People living in the capital for education, employment and other professional pursuits have begun returning to their villages in large numbers to celebrate the festival with their families and relatives. Passenger traffic has increased at various exit points in the Kathmandu Valley, with more people travelling to different districts by both long- and short-distance public transport.
Rs 17.75 billion deposited in PM’s disaster relief funds
The Prime Minister’s Natural Disaster Rescue Fund and the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund have been receiving contributions to provide financial assistance to people affected by floods in the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli river system. According to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, a total of Rs 17.75 billion has been deposited in the funds’ various bank accounts as of Wednesday. Of the total amount, Rs 13.23 billion is held in nine accounts maintained at various commercial banks, while US$29.747 million has been deposited in accounts at Himalayan Bank and Laxmi Sunrise Bank.
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