KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
President Paudel urges public to ensure successful HoR election
President Ram Chandra Paudel has called on all citizens to make the upcoming House of Representatives election successful. Speaking at a felicitation program organized by the Nepal Sherpa Association Federal Committee at Sheetal Niwas on Tuesday to mark Gyalpo Lhosar, President Paudel stressed that elections are the proper means to reflect the people’s will in a democracy. The elections are scheduled for March 5.
Ballot paper printing completed for HoR election
Printing of all ballot papers required for the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) election scheduled for March 5 has been completed. According to Yadunath Paudel, Managing Director of Janak Education Materials Centre Ltd., the responsibility assigned by the Election Commission Nepal to print the ballot papers was completed on Monday evening. Paudel said the ballot papers will now be packaged and transported to the respective provinces starting today.
PM Karki orders alternative plan for Kathmandu–Tarai–Madhesh Expressway amid Khokana dispute
Prime Minister Sushila Karki has instructed officials to move forward with an alternative plan for the Kathmandu–Tarai–Madhesh Expressway, temporarily setting aside the ongoing dispute over the project’s Khokana starting point. The directive came during a meeting on Tuesday at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, focused on the expressway’s progress and planning.
Oli claims UML set to become largest party in upcoming polls
P Sharma Oli, chair of the UML, has said his party is poised to emerge as the largest in the upcoming House of Representatives election, even if it falls short of an absolute majority. Speaking at an event in Damak on Tuesday, Oli expressed confidence in the UML’s electoral strength, emphasizing that the party’s development and governance agenda would secure widespread public support.
Dharmendra Bastola arrested over alleged anti-election activities
Police have arrested Dharmendra Bastola, General Secretary of the Netra Bikram Chand-led CPN (Majority), on charges of involvement in activities aimed at disrupting the upcoming elections. According to police, Bastola was taken into custody from Tebahal, Kathmandu, on Tuesday afternoon after his party announced an election boycott and began protest programs. Police sources said several other party leaders are also under surveillance.
Ghising urges voters to back performance over speeches ahead of polls
Kulman Ghising, chair of the Ujyalo Nepal Party, on Tuesday highlighted the need for voters to distinguish between those who work and those who only give speeches in the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5. Addressing a public gathering in Chaubiskothi, Ward No. 10 of Bharatpur Metropolitan City, Ghising stressed that his party has emerged with a mission to deliver tangible results and bring meaningful change to the country. He urged citizens to support candidates committed to action rather than rhetoric.
UML releases 42-point manifesto for Oli in Jhapa-5
KP Sharma Oli, chair of the UML, has unveiled a 42-point manifesto for Jhapa-5 constituency, where he is contesting. The manifesto focuses on four main areas: good governance, anti-corruption, nation and nationalism, and infrastructure development. The manifesto describes UML as the mainstay of the Nepali communist movement, established in 1949, highlighting its 76-year history of achievements despite challenges. It emphasizes the party’s role in forming Nepal’s first communist government in 1994/95 and notes that the country is advancing based on that foundation.
NCP claims it will emerge as largest party, urges voters to back change and stability
The Nepali Communist Party (NCP) has urged all concerned stakeholders to demonstrate responsibility and commitment to ensure a clean, fair and fear-free election environment. Organizing a press conference at the party’s central office in Parisdanda on Tuesday, the NCP Election Mobilization Committee called on the government, security agencies, the Election Commission Nepal, and other relevant bodies to uphold the highest level of integrity and accountability.
RSP deputy chair Aryal unveils manifesto for Kathmandu-9
Dol Prasad Aryal (DP Aryal), deputy chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and candidate for the House of Representatives from Kathmandu-9, on Tuesday unveiled his election manifesto, emphasizing comprehensive development and good governance. In his manifesto, Aryal prioritizes corruption control, pledging zero tolerance and the formation of citizen-led vigilance teams in every ward. He proposed monthly regional public hearings to resolve grievances within one week to 30 days.
Man arrested for assaulting elderly pedestrian in Kathmandu
A man who assaulted an elderly pedestrian in frail physical condition on the Ring Road near Chappal Karkhana in Kathmandu has been taken into custody. The incident occurred when the man stepped out of his jeep and repeatedly punched the elderly man, allegedly after accusing him of using abusive language. The assault was captured on video and widely circulated on social media on Monday, drawing public outrage and mounting pressure on authorities.
Air pollution in Kathmandu valley reaches unhealthy level
Air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley has risen sharply, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 191 by Tuesday noon, up from 178 on Monday. This level falls under the unhealthy for all category, posing heightened health risks, particularly for children, senior citizens, and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions. According to the AQI, Kathmandu is currently ranked as the third most polluted city globally. Delhi, India, leads with an AQI of 229, followed by Lahore, Pakistan, at 203.
Gold price drops by Rs 900 per tola, silver gains Rs 25
The price of gold declined in the domestic market on Tuesday, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. Gold prices fell by Rs 900 per tola, with the precious yellow metal currently trading at Rs 301,900 per tola. On Monday, hallmark gold was traded at Rs 302,800 per tola.
160 kilograms of marijuana seized along with car driver in Parsa
A joint team of the Armed Police Force (APF) Parsa and the Nepal Police has seized 160 kilograms of marijuana along with the driver of a car in Pakhaminpur Rural Municipality, Parsa. On Monday, the team intercepted a Suzuki Swift (car number Pra 3-01-002C 5432) heading toward Madhuvanichowk in Pakhaminpur and recovered the marijuana along with the driver. Ganapati Chhetri, Superintendent of the Armed Police Force Nepal, said the driver, identified as Ghalan, was arrested while attempting to throw packed marijuana from the car’s trunk. Ghalan has been handed over to the Pokhriya Area Police Office for further legal action.
Four arrested for defrauding Rs 6.53 million with false promises of foreign employment
Police from the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office arrested four individuals on charges of defrauding victims of Rs 6.53 million by promising to send them abroad for employment. According to office spokesperson and Superintendent of Police Rameshwar Karki, those arrested include 51-year-old Dharma Prasad Rai of Arjundhara Municipality-6, Jhapa; 35-year-old Nima Dolma Lama of Tarkeshwar Municipality-7, Kathmandu; 42-year-old Govinda Prasad Niraula of Arjundhara-5, Jhapa; and 43-year-old Suraj Bahadur Shrestha of Gandaki Rural Municipality-1, Gorkha.
Durga Prasai remanded to four days in custody over election rumor case
Durga Prasai has been remanded to four days in custody for further investigation on charges of spreading rumors and disturbing public order. The District Administration Office Kathmandu granted permission to detain Prasai for four days to investigate allegations that he spread misinformation related to the upcoming election. Prasai was arrested Monday night from his residence in Bhaktapur and has since been held at the custody of the District Police Range Kathmandu.
HISSAN vows to push for private education-friendly law to ensure investment security
The Higher Institution and Secondary School Association Nepal (HISSAN) has announced that it will initiate efforts and apply pressure on the government and political leadership to introduce a private education-friendly law ensuring investment security. Organizing a press conference in Kathmandu on Tuesday, HISSAN stated that despite the significant contribution of private educational institutions in terms of large-scale investment, production of skilled human resources, job creation, support to the national economy, and achieving national education goals, the state’s perspective toward private institutions remains unsatisfactory.
NEPSE continues downward trend, drops 20.75 points
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index continued its downward trend on Tuesday, declining by 20.75 points to close at 2,642.15. The benchmark index, which had fallen by 8 points on Monday, slipped from 2,662.10 points to 2,642.15 by the end of Tuesday’s trading session. The market remained in negative territory throughout the day. A majority of listed companies saw their share prices decline, with most sectoral indices also ending in the red.
Shekhar Koirala says he joined race to safeguard Constitution, ensure parliamentary supremacy
Nepali Congress leader Shekhar Koirala has said he has entered the upcoming House of Representatives election to safeguard the Constitution and uphold parliamentary supremacy. Addressing an election campaign program in Jamungachhi, Biratnagar-5, under Morang constituency-6 on Tuesday, Koirala said he is contesting the election to protect parliamentary supremacy and freedom. During interactions with locals, Koirala argued that without the supremacy of Parliament, even the Nepali Congress could drift toward communism. “Send me to Parliament to ensure parliamentary supremacy,” he said. “If Congress does not maintain its dominance in Parliament, it too could become communist, which the people of Biratnagar do not want. The country’s political situation is serious, so I expect everyone to take the election seriously and cast their votes.”
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