KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Constitution Day being observed across Nepal
Constitution Day is being observed across Nepal today with various programmes and events, marking the promulgation of the Constitution through the Constituent Assembly on Asoj 3, 2072 (September 20, 2015). The Constitution was promulgated through the Constituent Assembly in 2015, following a prolonged political transition and reflecting key aspirations of the Second People’s Movement, the Comprehensive Peace Accord and the broader peace process. It is the country’s seventh constitution and formally institutionalized Nepal as a federal democratic republic, replacing the previous unitary system and ending the monarchy. The charter also envisions a socialist-oriented state while guaranteeing a broad range of political, economic, social and cultural rights to citizens.
Govt fully committed to letter and spirit of Constitution: Prime Minister Balen Shah
Prime Minister (PM) Balendra Shah (Balen) has said that the government is fully committed to both the letter and spirit of the Constitution. Speaking at a programme organized here today on the occasion of Constitution Day, Prime Minister Shah said the Constitution, written with the blood of martyrs, must be fulfilled through actions.“We are fully committed to upholding and implementing the Constitution, and I reiterate that commitment today,” he said. “The day of the promulgation of the Constitution comes every year, but the day of its fulfillment must be brought about by us ourselves—through every honest decision, every transparent appointment and every service that reaches the doorsteps of citizens.”
11 more bodies recovered from Upper Trishuli-1 Project Tunnel
Eleven more bodies were recovered from inside the Upper Trishuli-1 hydropower project tunnel on Saturday. The bodies were found during an ongoing search for people who went missing after the devastating Bhotekoshi River flood in Rasuwa on Bhadra 10. According to the project, a joint rescue team, including project representatives, recovered the 11 bodies from the debris and mud inside the Audit 3 tunnel. Earlier on Friday, 13 bodies were recovered in the afternoon and five more in the evening. The search and rescue operation is still underway.
53-year-old elephant Ronaldo cremated according to religious rites
Ronaldo, a well-known wild male elephant in the Sauraha-Khorsor area of Chitwan National Park, has died at the age of around 53. The elephant was cremated according to religious rites. According to park sources, Ronaldo was found dead near the Bishazari post. During the postmortem examination, an electrical wire was found inside the elephant’s mouth, raising suspicion that he may have died after becoming entangled in an electric wire. However, the exact cause of death will be confirmed only after further investigation. The park said it was taking the incident seriously. The Nepal Army was deployed to prevent journalists from taking photographs and videos of the dead elephant. According to Chitwan National Park Conservation Officer and Information Officer Abinash Thapa Magar, the exact cause of Ronaldo’s death will be established following an investigation.
Foreign Minister Khanal to leave for New York on Sunday
Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal and a Nepali delegation will depart for New York, United States, on Sunday to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Khanal will participate in various high-level meetings and ministerial gatherings held during the high-level segment of the General Assembly. Khanal is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts and other dignitaries. Prime Minister Balendra Shah is scheduled to leave for the United States on September 22 leading a 14-member Nepali delegation. Prime Minister Shah will address the General Assembly on September 24.
Finance Minister Wagle tells Indian business leaders: Time is right to invest in Nepal
Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has called on Indian investors, industrialists and business leaders to explore and expand investment and trade opportunities in Nepal, saying that the time is right to invest in the country. Minister Wagle made the remarks while addressing a trade and investment interaction programme organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi on Saturday. The programme was attended by Indian business leaders and private-sector representatives and formed an important part of Minister Wagle’s official visit to India. Addressing the gathering, Wagle highlighted emerging investment opportunities in Nepal and invited Indian businesses to participate in the country’s economic transformation. He said Nepal offers significant opportunities in sectors with high growth potential and urged Indian companies already operating in Nepal to expand their investments while encouraging new investors to explore the Nepali market.
Prachanda urges protection of federalism, constitutional rights
Nepali Communist Party Coordinator and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that translating the achievements of the Constitution into tangible improvements in people’s lives and completing the remaining tasks of the constitutional process are among the country’s key responsibilities. Extending his greetings on Constitution Day 2083 BS, Prachanda called for collective efforts to achieve the fundamental changes envisioned by the Constitution. He said attempts to roll back the Constitution, the federal democratic republic and the rights secured by the people would be unacceptable. He also called on democratic forces to unite against activities that undermine the constitutional values and rights.
Lamichhane calls for Constitution review with grassroots citizens at the center
Ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has said that the Constitution should be reviewed by placing people at the grassroots at the center of the process. Issuing a statement of congratulations on the occasion of Constitution Day today, Lamichhane said the day provides an opportunity for a rational debate on strengthening democracy and inclusiveness by addressing the Constitution’s shortcomings and weaknesses. “We know that the Constitution is a living document. Its provisions can be refined and amended based on the experience gained through political practice,” he said. “The provisions of the Constitution itself have called for its review. However, any review from now on should be carried out by placing people at the grassroots at the center.”
Electricity worth Rs 5 billion exported in Bhadra
Nepal exported electricity worth more than Rs 5.09 billion during the month of Bhadra. According to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), a total of 565.61 million units of electricity were exported to India and Bangladesh during the period. The electricity was sold through bilateral agreements as well as the power exchange market. More than 421.6 million units were sold under bilateral agreements, generating over Rs 3.64 billion in revenue. Similarly, exports of more than 143.9 million units through the power exchange market generated Rs 1.45 billion. The NEA said electricity exports to Bangladesh have currently been suspended after floodwaters in the Bhotekoshi River damaged infrastructure at the Chilime and Trishuli hydropower projects.
Manaslu climbing season sees record revenue and climbers
The autumn expedition to Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest mountain, has generated Rs 218.84 million in revenue this season, with both the number of climbers and government earnings reaching record levels. According to the Department of Tourism, 480 climbers from different countries have obtained permits to scale the 8,163-meter peak in Samagaun of Chumanubri Rural Municipality-1, Gorkha. Department Director Suraj Ghimire said the climbers are affiliated with 40 expedition groups, comprising 354 men and 126 women. The teams began their summit attempts from the base camp on Tuesday. The growing number of climbers has further strengthened Manaslu’s position as a major attraction for international mountaineers. Bhuwan Ojha, information officer at the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) in Gorkha, said the mountain has been drawing an increasing number of foreign climbers in recent years.
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