KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Home Minister vows justice in Garima case
Home Minister Sudan Gurung has pledged that the government will take strong legal and institutional measures to prevent heinous crimes and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. Expressing deep sorrow over the crime committed against three-year-old Garima Chaudhary, Gurung said the government is committed to ensuring the highest possible level of justice in the case. “Our goal is not limited to punishing the perpetrators in a single case. Our goal is to build a society where our daughters can live safely and without fear,” the Home Minister said in a social media post.
Home Minister begins talks with Garima Chaudhary’s parents
Home Minister Sudan Gurung has begun talks with the parents of three-year-old Garima Chaudhary, who was allegedly raped and murdered in Simara, Bara. Garima’s father Manoj Chaudhary and mother Manamati Chaudhary are holding discussions with Home Minister Gurung at the Ministry of Home Affairs. Minister for Agriculture Geeta Kumari Chaudhary is also participating in the talks. The parents had been staging protests demanding justice for their daughter and travelled to Kathmandu by air on Saturday for the talks with the government.
PM Balen Shah travels to Mustang by road from Pokhara
Prime Minister (PM) Balendra Shah (Balen) left Pokhara for Mustang by road on Saturday morning. Shah, who stayed overnight at Annapurna Eco Village Resort in Pokhara on Friday, left for Mustang with his team in a government vehicle. Tourism Minister Khadgaraj Poudel ‘Ganesh’ is also accompanying the Prime Minister. Poudel had arrived at the resort on Friday evening to join Shah’s Mustang visit. Shah had traveled from Kathmandu to Pokhara by road on Friday before continuing his journey to Mustang the following morning.
Protesters demand death penalty for rape and murder of three-year-old girl
A protest was held in Kathmandu on Saturday demanding severe punishment for those involved in the rape and murder of three-year-old Garima Chaudhary of Jitpur Simara Sub-Metropolitan City-1, Bara. The demonstration was organised with a rally around Shantibatika and nearby areas in Kathmandu. Protesters demanded justice for Garima and called for legislation imposing the death penalty on those convicted of heinous crimes such as rape. Participants chanted slogans including “Hang rapists” and “Justice for Garima” during the protest.
RSP begins two-day workshop on policy, organization and leadership
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has launched a two-day workshop focused on strengthening party policy, organizational capacity and leadership skills for its central members. The workshop, titled “RSP—Policy, Organization and Leadership Series-1,” is being organized by the party’s Organization Department. According to department head Pramod Neupane, central members will discuss the party’s policies, ways to further strengthen its organizational structure, and strategies for developing effective leadership. Under the theme “Nepal’s Picture, Where Are We?”, Anil Chitrakar is presenting an assessment of the country’s current situation on the first day. RSP Vice Chairman Dr. Swarnim Wagle is scheduled to speak on the party’s preamble, social democracy and its core principles.
Nepal records 5,014 disasters, 250 deaths in four months
Nepal recorded 5,014 disaster incidents between April 14 and August 21, with disasters claiming 250 lives, leaving eight people missing and injuring more than 1,600 others, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority. According to the authority, a total of 5,014 disaster incidents occurred during the period. The incidents left 250 people dead, eight missing, and 1,607 injured. A total of 6,272 families were affected. Fires accounted for the highest number of incidents, with 1,136 cases reported, followed by 1,011 landslides, 1,010 snakebite incidents, 480 windstorms, 273 floods, 320 incidents of heavy rainfall, and 245 lightning strikes.
President Paudel congratulates Bangladesh’s newly elected President
President Ramchandra Paudel has congratulated Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on his election as the 23rd President of Bangladesh and extended his best wishes for his successful tenure. In his congratulatory message, President Paudel wished President-elect Alamgir success in carrying out his new responsibilities and reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to further strengthening the longstanding friendly relations between Nepal and Bangladesh. According to the Nepali Embassy in Dhaka, President Paudel also expressed Nepal’s commitment to deepening the multifaceted bilateral relationship between the two countries, including their strong people-to-people ties.
Govt introduces 30-day public service reform action plan
The government has introduced the Public Service Immediate Reform Action Plan 2083, aimed at delivering visible improvements in public services within 30 days. The action plan, approved by the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, was circulated to all ministries, secretariats, departments, provincial governments, and local levels across the country on Friday for immediate implementation. According to the plan, government agencies are expected to reorganize existing human resources, improve working methods, and make better use of information systems without requiring additional budgets or major physical infrastructure. The government aims to ensure that the benefits of these reforms reach citizens within the next 30 days.
Landslides block Beni-Jomsom and Chame-Besisahar roads
Landslides have completely obstructed the Beni-Jomsom road in Myagdi and the Chame-Besisahar road in Manang. According to the Police Headquarters, the Beni-Jomsom road was blocked at around 5:30 am after a landslide swept debris onto the road in Baisari, Raghuganga Rural Municipality-2, Myagdi. Similarly, the Chame-Besisahar road was blocked at around 3:00 am after a landslide occurred at Khotro in Naso Rural Municipality-3, Manang. Authorities are working to clear the debris and reopen both road sections.
NC should unite from Sanepa, not courtroom: Bishwaprakash
Nepali Congress (NC) Vice President Bishwaprakash Sharma has called for the party’s internal disputes to be resolved through dialogue and consensus at the party office rather than through legal battles in the courts. Speaking to journalists during the ‘Green Run’ organized by the Nepali Congress on Saturday, Sharma said the party should address its differences through discussions among leaders and workers at its central office in Sanepa. He said the Nepali Congress is moving forward with “new thinking, a new perspective and new energy” and urged all leaders to work toward strengthening unity within the party.
Balen government won’t last five years: KP Oli
CPN-UML Chairman and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has claimed that the government led by Balendra Shah (Balen) will not remain in power for five years under any circumstances. Addressing the UML’s People’s Organization Coordination Mechanism Workshop in Nagarkot, Bhaktapur, on Saturday, Oli accused the government of operating under foreign influence. He said the party should not be intimidated by such forces. Oli also questioned the legitimacy of the government’s majority, claiming that it had been secured through intimidation and other means. “I told you—this government will not last for five years under any circumstances,” he said. He further accused the government of violating the Constitution and said democracy needed to be restored. “Democracy has been hijacked and the Constitution has been violated. The hijacked democracy must be brought back,” Oli said.
NSEC calls off protest following Rs 5,000 monthly salary hike
The Nepal School Employees Council (NSEC) has suspended its planned protest after the government announced a monthly salary increase of Rs 5,000 for school employees. In a joint statement issued today, Council President Gangaram Tiwari and General Secretary Shantinath Yogi welcomed the government’s decision and expressed appreciation for the salary adjustment. However, the council said several other issues affecting school employees still need to be addressed. These include improved employment conditions and facilities, opportunities for professional development, social security, adequate staffing, and permanent arrangements for school employees.
Foreign trade rises 35.44 percent, deficit crosses Rs 148 billion
Nepal’s foreign trade increased significantly in the first month of the current fiscal year 2083/84, with total trade rising by 35.44 percent compared with the same period last year, according to preliminary data released by the Department of Customs. The data shows that Nepal’s total foreign trade reached Rs 226.15 billion in Shrawan (mid-July to mid-Aug), compared with Rs 166.97 billion in the corresponding month of fiscal year 2082/83. Imports increased by 31.04 percent to Rs 187.44 billion, from Rs 143.47 billion in Shrawan last year. Exports, meanwhile, rose by 61.72 percent to Rs 38.70 billion, up from Rs 23.93 billion during the same period last year.
Landslide blocks Pokhara-Sikles road, tourists advised to delay travel
The Pokhara-Sikles road has been obstructed by a landslide following continuous rainfall since Friday night. The landslide occurred in the Padukhola area of Madi Rural Municipality-1, along the section between Khilang and Parche, blocking access to the popular tourist destination of Sikles. Madi-1 Ward Chairperson Devi Jung Gurung said the landslide occurred on Saturday morning after heavy rain continued throughout the night. He added that the railing and slope structure constructed at Padukhola with the initiative of Madi Rural Municipality were also damaged.
Comment