KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
PM Sushila Karki holds talks with Prachanda, thanks leaders for supporting elections
Prime Minister Sushila Karki held talks with leaders of the Nepali Communist Party, including coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal, at Baluwatar on Wednesday. During the meeting, the prime minister thanked the leaders for their role in ensuring the successful conduct of the March 5 elections. She also expressed gratitude for their participation in the electoral process. “You participated in the elections and helped create an environment in favor of the democratic process, contributing to a peaceful political outlet for the country,” she said.
Swearing-in of newly elected MPs likely on March 26, preparations underway
Preparations are underway to administer the oath of office to newly elected members of the House of Representatives on March 26. According to Federal Parliament Secretariat spokesperson Ekaram Giri, arrangements are being made to hold the swearing-in ceremony on the scheduled date. The ceremony will be conducted in a temporary hall as the new Parliament building under construction within Singha Durbar is yet to be fully completed.
Rabi Lamichhane warns of widening gap with public, says change unstoppable if people demand it
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane has warned that a growing disconnect between political leadership and the public could erode trust, urging party lawmakers to remain closely engaged with citizens. Addressing the closing session of a party orientation program, Lamichhane said the tendency of leaders to engage with the public only during elections has widened the gap. “There is a dangerous gap between leadership and the people. Many citizens no longer feel connected to their leaders,” he said, warning that if the trend continues, leaders may face a time when even their greetings are ignored.
Usually aggressive, Lamichhane shows maturity as RSP prepares to govern
After a grueling election campaign, Rabi Lamichhane, chairperson of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, appeared composed, responsible, and mature as his party secured a historic majority. Known previously for his aggressive, provocative, and often confrontational speeches, Lamichhane delivered a restrained address on Wednesday at the Royal Tulip Hotel. While he had often been openly critical of other political parties, the certainty of his party coming to power seemed to have tempered his tone this time.
43 landslide-prone spots identified along Narayangadh-Muglin road
A total of 43 locations along the Narayangadh-Muglin Road have been identified as landslide-prone, according to a study conducted by the Road Division Office, Bharatpur. The study shows that eight areas fall under high risk, 22 under moderate risk, and 13 under low risk. Among them, Tuin Khola has been classified as extremely high risk. According to engineer Arjun Ghimire, Kali Khola and Namsi Khola are also among the high-risk zones.
Kathmandu Metropolitan rescues 2,919 street-dwellers in eight years
Over the past eight years, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City has rescued 2,919 street-dwellers as part of its efforts to provide shelter and rehabilitation. The program began on November 17, 2017, when the metropolitan city signed an agreement with the Manav Sewa Ashram to manage and rehabilitate homeless individuals. According to Ashram Chairperson Ramji Adhikari, 315 of those rescued have died, while 713 have been reunited with their families and 336 with local communities. Currently, 268 individuals remain under the Ashram’s care.
Balen skips RSP orientation closing despite repeated requests to attend
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) chairperson Rabi Lamichhane attended the closing ceremony of the party’s orientation program on Wednesday. However, senior leader and potential future prime minister candidate Balendra Shah did not participate. A party leader told Khabarhub that Shah was requested to attend the program even for an hour but declined, citing a packed schedule. Shah reportedly informed the party that due to health concerns and ongoing preparations for government formation, he would not be able to attend.
Finance Minister expresses confidence new govt will tackle external economic challenges
Finance Minister Rameshore Khanal has expressed confidence that the incoming government will take appropriate steps to address external sector challenges facing Nepal’s economy. Speaking at the 36th anniversary of the Citizen Investment Trust in Kathmandu on Wednesday, Khanal said ongoing tensions in West Asia and Gulf countries could disrupt Nepal’s supply chain and drive up import prices. He noted that a new government with a strong majority would be better positioned to respond effectively to such external pressures.
Ashika Tamang hits back at rumors about her ability to speak
Ashika Tamang, lawmaker from Dhadhing-1 representing the Rastriya Swatantra Party, has said she learned a lot from the two-day orientation program held in Lalitpur. Speaking to journalists on Wednesday at the Royal Tulip Hotel in Lalitpur, Tamang described the orientation class as highly informative. “The orientation class has been excellent. There is no controversy; the media has unnecessarily created issues about me,” she said. “It’s like cutting down a straight tree selectively—people spread rumors saying Ashika Tamang cannot speak, but that’s not true.”
RSP eyes single-party government as 30 leaders vie for ministerial positions
The Rastriya Swatantra Party is preparing to form a single-party majority government under Article 76(1) of the Constitution after emerging as the largest force in the House of Representatives. With a total of 182 seats secured under both direct and proportional systems, the party comfortably crosses the 138-seat threshold required to form a government. While it may need support from other parties for constitutional amendments requiring a two-thirds majority, it faces no obstacle in governing independently.
Army marks Ghode Jatra at Tundikhel
The traditional Ghode Jatra festival was celebrated in Kathmandu Valley on Wednesday, coinciding with Chaitra Krishna Aunsi. Considered one of the oldest festivals practiced in the valley, the event was marked with a special ceremony organized by the Nepal Army at Tundikhel. According to a long-standing legend, the festival commemorates the killing of a demon that once terrorized the valley by harming children and causing suffering among locals. It is believed that the demon was crushed to death by the hooves of horses. The tradition of Ghode Jatra has continued since then, reflecting the valley’s cultural beliefs and heritage.
Pilot, injured airlifted to Kathmandu after Air Dynasty helicopter crash in Khotang
The pilot and one injured person have been airlifted to Kathmandu following a helicopter crash in Khotang on Wednesday. The Air Dynasty helicopter crashed during landing in Balabensi, Khartamcha of Kepilasgadhi Rural Municipality after flying from Kathmandu carrying a dead body. A rescue helicopter transported the pilot and the injured passenger to Kathmandu for further treatment.
Supreme Court orders probe into alleged medical negligence at Paropakar Maternity Hospital
The Supreme Court has issued an order in a case involving alleged medical negligence during a surgery performed nearly two decades ago at Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital. A joint bench of Justices Nahakul Subedi and Sunil Kumar Pokharel found preliminary grounds indicating negligence beyond normal medical error. The court has directed concerned authorities to conduct a detailed investigation, take action against those found responsible, and ensure compensation to the victim.
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