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 reiterates Nepal’s commitment to human rights at Geneva meeting
Prime Minister Sushila Karki has said that Nepal’s journey of democracy and freedom is centered on ensuring human rights. Addressing a high-level meeting in Geneva via video message, she reaffirmed Nepal’s unwavering commitment to the protection of human rights despite growing global challenges such as climate change and conflicts. Prime Minister Karki stated that Nepal’s Constitution guarantees equality, social justice and the rights of all communities.
RSP Chair Lamichhane challenges Gagan Thapa, vows uninterrupted development
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane on Tuesday targeted Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa over his remarks on development laws, questioning the logic of amending multiple laws after decades in politics. Addressing a party election rally in Itahari, Lamichhane referred to comments made by Thapa, who had suggested that after serving as a lawmaker and minister for 20 years, it was necessary to change laws to speed up construction. “After being an MP and minister for 20 years, only now you realize that 12–15 laws need to be amended to build roads and infrastructure? Keep that knowledge to yourself,” Lamichhane said.
Supreme Court orders release of Durga Prasai from custody
The Supreme Court has ordered the release of Durga Prasai, owner of B & C Medical College and a Hindu religious activist, from police custody. The ruling came on Tuesday during a hearing of Prasai’s writ petition for direct release. The order was issued by a two-judge bench comprising Justices Manoj Kumar Sharma and Meghraj Pokharel, paving the way for his immediate release.
Special Court sets Rs 150,000 bail for ex-secretary in Pokhara Airport case
The Special Court has ordered former Secretary Sushil Ghimire to provide a bail of Rs 150,000 in connection with the Pokhara International Airport construction case, which involves allegations of inflating project costs and causing financial loss to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). The order was issued on Tuesday by the joint bench of the Special Court, Kathmandu, Bench No. 2, comprising Narayan Prasad Poudel, Umesh Koirala, and Bidur Koirala.
Samba announces full funding secured for treatment
Nepali national women’s football team captain Sabitra Bhandari, popularly known as ‘Samba’, has announced that the funds required for her medical treatment have been fully raised. Through a social media post, Samba stated that over Rs 10 million has been collected in Nepali accounts, with an additional Rs 4.5 million received through foreign platforms. She added that the total amount will cover treatment in Qatar, along with accommodation and travel expenses, and requested that no further contributions be made.
Cyber attacks target ‘Comedy Night with Champions’ after trailer sparks controversy
The upcoming 47th episode of the popular program Comedy Night with Champions faced cyber attacks following the release of its trailer, according to the show’s director, producer, and host, Bishal Bhandari. The episode features UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet as a guest, while the program’s performers include caricatures of Prime Minister Sushila Karki and activist Sudan Gurung. Bhandari said the trailer triggered backlash from groups critical of traditional political parties, who called for a boycott of the episode. Some also claimed that the show was being influenced by UML.
Nepali Congress announces Rs 500,000 support for national football captain Sabitra Bhandari
The Nepali Congress has announced financial support of Rs 500,000 for the treatment of national women’s football team captain Sabitra Bhandari, popularly known as Samba. Nepali Congress Vice President Bishwa Prakash Sharma said he informed the President of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), Pankaj Bikram Nembang, via a phone call about the party’s decision to contribute Rs 500,000 to the player’s treatment fund.
RSP aims to become party that resolves people’s hardships: Balen Shah
Senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Balen Shah has said that the party aspires to become a political force that addresses and resolves the hardships faced by the people. Speaking at a program organized by the Rastriya Swatantra Party in Itahari on Tuesday, Shah said it was unfortunate that people in the Tarai districts are unable to consume vegetables produced in eastern hill districts such as Tehrathum and Panchthar.
Prakash Sharan Mahat unveils manifesto for Nuwakot-1
Prakash Sharan Mahat, Nepali Congress candidate for the House of Representatives from Nuwakot Constituency No. 1, has unveiled his election manifesto. In the manifesto issued for the upcoming parliamentary elections, Mahat has set a primary goal of building a “modern, employment-oriented, educated, developed and prosperous Nuwakot.” Presenting his agenda under the slogan “Not slogans, but results; not promises, but development,” he outlined his commitments to voters across multiple sectors.
UAE expresses sorrow over Dhading bus accident
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed sorrow over the bus accident that occurred on Monday in Dhading District. According to the UAE Embassy in Kathmandu, the United Arab Emirates conveyed its sincere condolences and solidarity with Nepal following the tragic accident in the Dhading area of central Nepal, which resulted in multiple deaths and injuries. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the UAE extended heartfelt sympathy to the families of the victims, as well as to the Government and people of Nepal. The ministry also wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the incident.
Players stage protest at ANFA Complex over alleged neglect in treatment of skipper Sabitra Bhandari
National football team players, including former captains, staged a protest at the ANFA Complex on Tuesday, accusing the All Nepal Football Association of neglecting the treatment of women’s team captain and star forward Sabitra Bhandari ‘Samba’. The protest was held at the headquarters of the All Nepal Football Association following concerns that adequate attention had not been given to Bhandari’s medical care.
Govt declares three-day public holiday for House of Representatives election
The government has declared a three-day public holiday targeting the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5 (Falgun 21). A Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday decided to grant public holidays on March 4, 5 and 6 (Falgun 20, 21 and 22) to facilitate voters participating in the election. Earlier, the Election Commission Nepal had recommended the government to announce public holidays in view of the House of Representatives election to ensure maximum voter participation.
No security threat seen for elections, says high-level committee
A high-level election security committee has concluded that no security threat has been observed so far for the upcoming elections. A meeting of the High-Level Election Security Committee held at the Election Commission Nepal on Tuesday concluded that security arrangements for the elections are robust and no significant challenges have surfaced. Chiefs of various security agencies briefed the meeting on the overall law and order situation across the country.
Prachanda says NCP will play decisive role in post-election government
Coordinator of the Nepali Communist Party (NCP) Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said the party will play a significant role in the government to be formed after the upcoming elections. Speaking at the party’s central office in Parisdanda on Tuesday while welcoming leaders and cadres of Mukti Samaj Dolakha, affiliated with CPN-UML, into the party, Prachanda claimed that the NCP is poised to secure victory in most constituencies in the forthcoming polls.
Devraj Ghimire objects to remarks by Rabi Lamichhane, says hate politics won’t sustain
andidate from Jhapa Constituency No. 2 and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Devraj Ghimire, has objected to what he termed as the spread of hatred against him. Speaking at a program organized in Birtamod on Monday, Ghimire expressed strong dissatisfaction over remarks made by Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane, who had referred to him as a “Speaker who cuts off microphones when people’s voices are raised.”
Lamichhane hits Jhapa alone as Balen stays in Sunsari for election rally
While Rabi Lamichhane, Chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), continues his campaign across Jhapa, senior party leader Balendra Shah has been concentrating his efforts in Sunsari, raising speculation about a possible rift in the party. Lamichhane, who had been recovering from a leg injury sustained during a rally in Janakpur on January 19, was previously silent in campaigning while Shah traveled across the country, covering districts from Jhapa to Kanchanpur and Bajura. With his recovery, Lamichhane was seen campaigning alone in Jhapa on Tuesday.
Only 1,213 of 3,406 direct candidates open bank accounts for House polls
Out of 3,406 direct candidates who have filed nominations for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, only 1,213 candidates have opened bank accounts so far, according to the Election Commission. Among the 68 political parties participating in the election, only nine have opened bank accounts to date. The parties include Nepali Congress, Rastriya Janamorcha, Nepal Communist Party (Unified), Nepali Communist Party (NCP), Nepali Party for Nepal, Janata Samajbadi Party, Unified Citizens Party, Miteri Party and Nepal Janata Sanrakshan Party.
Kulman Ghising reaches Chainpur for poll campaign
Chair of the Ujyalo Nepal Party, Kulman Ghising, reached the historic Chainpur Bazaar in Sankhuwasabha on Tuesday as part of his election campaign. Ghising participated in a door-to-door outreach program to bolster the campaign of his party’s candidate, Ghanshyam Rai. A notable presence of local residents was seen during the door-to-door visits organized in different neighborhoods of Chainpur. On the occasion, Chair Ghising urged voters to elect capable leadership for development and prosperity.
Two women killed in family stabbing in Virginia, suspect shot dead by police
Two women of a Nepali-origin family were killed in a brutal stabbing incident in Fairfax County, Virginia, the United States, local media reported. According to reports, 50-year-old Chhatra Bahadur Thapa fatally attacked his wife and daughter with a sharp weapon inside an apartment on Persimmon Drive in Virginia. Police responded to the scene after receiving information about a domestic violence incident. Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis described the scene as “beyond imagination” and horrific, according to media reports.
Gold price rises, silver edges down
The price of gold has increased with the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association reporting that gold is trading at Rs 314,800 per tola, up Rs 1,300 from the previous day. On Monday, gold was bought and sold at Rs 313,500 per tola. In contrast, the price of silver has declined slightly. Today, silver is trading at Rs 5,585 per tola, down Rs 10 from Monday’s Rs 5,595 per tola.
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