KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Government reduces ministries to 18, begins renaming merged portfolios
The government has begun the process of renaming merged ministries at Singha Durbar as part of its administrative restructuring plan aimed at improving efficiency, cost-effectiveness and performance. A Cabinet meeting held on May 13 approved the Nepal Government (Work Division) Regulations, 2083 BS, which redefined the functional allocation of federal ministries. Under the new structure, the number of ministries has been reduced to 18, including the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, down from 22 earlier. The government said the restructuring was carried out by merging ministries with similar functions.
PMO warns against misuse of Prime Minister’s name and office logo
The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has warned against the misuse of the Prime Minister’s name, the office’s logo and official identity to create threats, influence or pressure. Issuing a statement on Saturday, the Prime Minister’s Office said serious attention had been drawn to activities carried out through social media and other channels using the name of the Prime Minister or the office to exert undue influence, threaten individuals and spread confusion. The office urged those involved in such activities to immediately stop misusing official names and symbols.
Man arrested for threatening ward secretary using PMO’s name
Police have arrested a man accused of threatening a government employee by misusing the name of the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. According to Kathmandu District Police Range spokesperson Pawan Kumar Bhattarai, 22-year-old Prakash Khadka of Surkhet, currently residing in Shankhamul, Kathmandu, was arrested on Saturday. Khadka is accused of threatening Kamal Bhandari, ward secretary of Dullu Municipality-13 in Dailekh, over the phone while falsely claiming to be speaking from the Prime Minister’s Office. An audio recording of the conversation was later circulated widely on social media.
NC lawmaker Angdembe urges govt to address technology sector issues through budget
Nepali Congress parliamentary party leader Bhishmaraj Angdembe has urged the government to address technology-related issues through the upcoming budget, saying several important concerns were left out of the government’s policy and programme. Speaking at the inauguration of the convention of the Federation of Nepal Mobile Entrepreneurs in Kathmandu on Saturday, Angdembe said many key issues concerning the technology sector had not been adequately incorporated into the government’s policy priorities. He stressed that those issues should now be included and addressed through the national budget.
Auditor General urges mountaineering body to deposit royalty revenue into divisible fund
The Office of the Auditor General has directed the Nepal Mountaineering Association to deposit mountaineering royalty collections into the federal divisible fund and provide timely details to the concerned ministry. According to the 63rd annual report prepared by the Auditor General’s Office, Section 7 of the Intergovernmental Fiscal Arrangement Act, 2017 requires royalties collected from mountaineering activities to be deposited into the federal divisible fund. The report states that revenue accumulated in the fund must then be distributed among the federal government, provincial governments and local levels.
Govt under pressure after failing to rehabilitate squatters displaced from Kathmandu settlements
The government is facing mounting criticism after failing to rehabilitate thousands of squatters displaced from settlements in Kathmandu despite earlier assurances that proper arrangements would be made within 10 to 15 days. The government had begun demolishing shanties in squatter settlements at Thapathali, Gairigaun and other areas of Kathmandu on April 24. Most residents had vacated their shelters voluntarily and cooperated with authorities without resistance after the administration pledged temporary rehabilitation measures. A notice issued by the administration had assured that verified landless squatters would be provided proper settlement arrangements within 10 to 15 days.
Auditor General questions NEA officials serving as directors in multiple companies
The Office of the Auditor General has raised questions over the appointment of employees of the Nepal Electricity Authority, including its managing director, as directors in multiple subsidiary and associated companies. According to the Auditor General’s 63rd annual report, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has established and operated several companies in which the managing director serves as chairperson while senior employees hold positions as directors. The report noted that such appointments require prior approval from the Nepal government, but appointments were made without following the legal provision.
Nepal crush USA by nine wickets as Kushal Bhurtel hits century
Kushal Bhurtel scored a magnificent unbeaten century as Nepal national cricket team defeated the United States national cricket team by nine wickets in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 on Saturday. Chasing a target of 196 runs, Nepal comfortably reached 196 for the loss of just one wicket in 36.4 overs at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground. Opening batter Bhurtel remained unbeaten on 120 runs off 118 balls, smashing 13 fours and four sixes in a dominant innings. Similarly, Aasif Sheikh contributed 58 runs from 72 deliveries, while Ishan Pandey added 20 runs off 30 balls.
Auditor General’s Office suggests reforms for self-reliant, sustainable economy
The Office of the Auditor General has recommended a series of policy and structural reforms to build a sustainable and self-reliant economy. The office said that sustainable economic growth can be achieved through increased domestic production, job creation, and the development of a skilled workforce. In its 63rd annual report, the office emphasized the need to strengthen preparedness and risk management systems in the economic and financial sectors in order to minimize potential impacts of global economic instability, natural disasters, and external risks.
UML leaders stop short of forcing Oli out as chair amid continuing health concerns
Senior leaders of the CPN-UML have so far stopped short of pushing party chair KP Sharma Oli out of leadership, even as internal pressure grows following the party’s crushing defeat in the March 5 elections. Leaders say Oli has not yet fully recovered from health complications following gallbladder stone surgery, and his condition has become a major factor delaying deeper discussions on leadership change inside the party. The UML Secretariat meeting initially scheduled for Saturday at Oli’s residence in Gundu, Bhaktapur, was postponed for two days and will now take place on Monday, according to Central Office Secretary Bhishma Adhikari.
UML Secretariat meeting postponed for two days
The Secretariat meeting of CPN-UML scheduled for today has been postponed by two days, the party has stated. Chair KP Sharma Oli had called the meeting for 1 pm at his residence in Gundu, Bhaktapur, on Saturday. However, UML Central Office Secretary Bhishma Adhikari said the meeting has now been rescheduled for Monday. This will be the eighth meeting of the UML Secretariat. Party Secretary Bishal Bhattarai said the meeting will review the country’s contemporary political situation, organizational strengthening, division of responsibilities among central leaders, public expectations, government performance, and the party’s future direction, along with other issues of national importance.
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