KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
After Thapa’s resignation, Oli and Prachanda face tough questions on ethical leadership
Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa resigned from his position on Wednesday, citing ethical responsibility after his party suffered a humiliating defeat in the House of Representatives election held on March 5. Thapa had been elected party president on January 15 during Nepali Congress’ special general convention. Under his leadership, the Nepali Congress campaigned with slogans like “Change Congress, Change the Nation” and “This Time, Gagan Government,” but voters rejected both his campaign and promises. Despite leading the party for only 45 days, Thapa stepped down to demonstrate accountability. However, his resignation has not been universally accepted within the party, particularly by leaders and activists aligned with his faction, some of whom argue that the election results reflected the effects of the special general convention rather than Thapa’s leadership.
Bishwa Prakash Sharma says proposal will be tabled to reject Thapa’s resignation
Vice-president of the Nepali Congress, Bishwa Prakash Sharma, has said a proposal will be tabled to reject the resignation of party president Gagan Kumar Thapa. Taking to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Sharma said the party’s central committee meeting will present Thapa’s resignation letter along with a proposal to reject it. He said Thapa’s position of taking “moral responsibility” for the party’s electoral defeat was positive, but the immediate priority should be to stabilise the current situation within the party.
Supreme Court orders Attorney General’s Office to submit documents in Rabi Lamichhane case
The Supreme Court of Nepal has ordered the Office of the Attorney General to submit additional documents related to the withdrawal of a case involving Rabi Lamichhane. A joint bench of Justices Sharanga Subedi and Sunil Kumar Pokharel issued the order while hearing a writ petition filed by Yubaraj Paudel Safal and others challenging the decision to withdraw the case. The writ petition is related to a money laundering and organised crime case in which Lamichhane had been implicated.
Probe committee formed over burning of Chinese President’s book at university
The Ministry of Home Affairs has formed a probe committee to investigate the burning of the book The Governance of China, written by Xi Jinping. The incident occurred last Saturday at Manmohan Technical University, located in Budhiganga of Morang, where copies of the book were burned reportedly during a clean-up activity on the university premises. According to reports, some YouTubers and journalists were invited to the site, and a video of the books being burned was recorded and later circulated on social media.
RPP appoints Gyan Bahadur Shahi as parliamentary party leader
The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has appointed Gyan Bahadur Shahi as its parliamentary party leader. A meeting held at the party’s central office in Dhumbarahi on Thursday decided to name Shahi as the leader and Khushbu Oli as the chief whip. The meeting was chaired by party chair Rajendra Lingden. In the House of Representatives election held on March 5, the RPP secured one seat under the first-past-the-post system and four seats under the proportional representation category.
Govt urges local levels to launch dengue awareness drive as summer begins
With the onset of the summer season, the government has directed local levels at high risk of dengue infection to launch awareness programs aimed at prevention and control. According to the Ministry of Health and Population Nepal, the directive was issued through the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD). Chief of the Vector-Borne Disease Section, Dr Gokarna Prasad Dahal, said local governments have been instructed to intensify public awareness campaigns. “Awareness programs have proven effective in reducing dengue cases, so we have directed high-risk local levels to implement them,” Dahal said.
Forest fire risks rising in Nepal: 13-year satellite data shows urgent need for community preparedness
Nepal is observing Forest Fire Week from March 15 to 21, during which the Department of Forests and Soil Conservation has released a report highlighting the growing risk of forest fires based on 13 years of satellite data. The report records 13,622 forest fire incidents across the country from 2013 to 2026, identifying forest fires as a serious environmental challenge. According to the report, forest fires in Nepal are largely seasonal, with around 89 percent occurring between February and April. During this period, prolonged dry spells, low humidity, high temperatures, strong winds, burning of agricultural residue, and increased human activity in forests contribute to heightened fire risks.
EC distributes PR certificates to 110 lawmakers, calls for electoral reforms
The Election Commission Nepal on Thursday distributed certificates to 110 lawmakers elected under the proportional representation (PR) system of the House of Representatives. At a program held in Kathmandu, Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari, along with commissioners Janaki Kumari Tuladhar and Sagun Shumsher Rana, welcomed the newly elected members. Secretary of the Commission and chief election officer for the PR system Krishna Bahadur Raut distributed the certificates. Speaking at the event, Acting Chief Election Commissioner Bhandari expressed confidence that the new Parliament would seriously consider reforms to the electoral system in line with constitutional provisions.
Govt formation process begins under Article 76 (1)
The final results of the House of Representatives election held on March 5 have been officially concluded, paving the way for the formation of a new government. The Election Commission Nepal is set to submit its comprehensive report, including the final vote tally, to President Ramchandra Paudel today. Following the submission of the report, the country will formally enter the process of government formation.
Nepal Telecom expands prepaid roaming service to 62 countries
Nepal Telecom’s prepaid roaming service can now be used in 62 countries, following agreements with 89 service providers worldwide. Since Shrawan of the current fiscal year, the telecom has signed agreements with additional providers in Latvia, Slovenia, Turkey, Taiwan–ROC, Ghana, Romania, Laos, as well as Pakistan, Belarus, and Sri Lanka. According to Nepal Telecom, prepaid roaming service is now available in countries including Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Belarus, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Macau, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan–ROC, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, UK, USA, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Laos.
Severe blood shortage hits Chitwan, Red Cross urges donation drives
Chitwan district is facing a severe shortage of blood, prompting the Nepal Red Cross Society, Chitwan chapter, to issue an appeal for blood donation programs. In a statement issued by chapter chairperson Hari Prasad Poudel, the Red Cross urged the public to donate blood, noting that hospitals in the district are struggling to treat patients due to the shortage. The appeal states that the lack of blood donation programs following the elections has contributed to the crisis. Currently, the district requires around 150 units of blood daily.
Federal Parliament Secretariat calls meeting of six parties represented in House
The Federal Parliament Secretariat has called a meeting of six political parties that secured representation in the House of Representatives through the election held on March 5. The meeting is scheduled for 2 pm on Thursday and will include all six parties represented in the lower house. Through the Falgun 21 election, the Rastriya Swatantra Party, Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, Nepali Communist Party, Shram Sanskriti Party, and Rastriya Prajatantra Party have secured seats in Parliament. The joint meeting will be held at the office of the Secretary General at the Parliament Secretariat in Singha Durbar.
Proportional representation MPs begin receiving certificates
The process of distributing certificates to Members of Parliament elected under the proportional representation system in the House of Representatives election held on March 5 has begun. At a program organized at the Election Commission, certificates are being handed over to 110 MPs elected through the proportional representation system from six different parties. Elected lawmakers have already arrived at the Election Commission to receive their certificates.
Gold price drops by Rs 5,400 per tola in a single day
The price of gold fell sharply by Rs 5,400 per tola on Thursday. The Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association has fixed the price of gold at Rs 302,300 per tola for the day. On the previous day, gold was traded at Rs 307,700 per tola. Gold prices have been on a declining trend in recent weeks. Similarly, the price of silver dropped by Rs 140 per tola. From Rs 5,150 per tola on the previous day, silver has been set at Rs 5,010 per tola on Thursday.
Compensation dispute halts East-West railway construction in Bardibas
Construction of the East–West railway has been halted due to a compensation dispute involving 14 individuals in the Bardibas Municipality area. While railway service has already come into operation from India’s Jaynagar to the railway station in Bhangaha Municipality of Mahottari district with the support of the Government of India, work on the section from Bhangaha to Bardibas has been stalled due to unpaid compensation. An amount of Rs 70 to 80 million remains to be paid to the affected 14 individuals. The Department of Railways has stated that it has requested the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport to release the required funds.
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