KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Rabi Lamichhane set for India visit, Modi meeting likely
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane is expected to visit India next week. Lamichhane will be the first senior leader from the ruling coalition to visit India after the government was formed under the leadership of Prime Minister Balendra Shah. The visit is scheduled for June 1–2 at the invitation of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, S Jaishankar. It is understood that Lamichhane may meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the visit. However, according to sources, the high-level meeting has not yet been formally confirmed.
Industry Minister says closure of Hetauda Cement Industry is unfortunate, vows government operation
Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Gauri Kumari Yadav on Sunday inspected the Hetauda Cement Industry, which has been struggling with financial problems for a long time. The minister visited the state-owned cement factory to assess its condition and also held discussions with the management and employees regarding the repeated shutdowns and operations the industry has been facing over the years. Speaking at an interaction program following the inspection, Minister Yadav said it was extremely unfortunate that a government-owned cement industry had remained closed, adding that the government was preparing to bring all shut-down industries back into operation.
Notice issued to remove encroachments in Pokhara Bus Park area
The Pokhara Valley Municipal Development Committee (PVMDC) has issued a public notice urging all concerned parties to remove constructions, including shops, set up in the Pokhara Bus Park area within 15 days. The PVMDC has requested business owners to cooperate in the process of constructing the Pokhara Bus Park by dismantling illegal structures, including shops. The notice seeks the immediate removal of encroachments in the Seti River area extending from Pokhara House to Seti Bridge, from the Prithvi Highway towards the south, and from the Airport towards the north and east. The notice, issued on Saturday, states that if the encroachments are not cleared within the stipulated time, the Committee will take action to remove the structures and recover the associated costs from the responsible individuals and organizations.
Nepal-China border meeting focuses on security, trade, and crime control
A regular border coordination meeting between Nepal and China concluded at the District Administration Office in Dhunche, Rasuwa. The Nepali delegation was led by Rasuwa Chief District Officer Rajesh Panthi, while the Chinese side was headed by Chinese official Chu Jinshun. According to officials, discussions during Saturday’s meeting focused on strengthening border security, facilitating trade, enhancing mutual coordination, controlling cross-border crime, and ensuring civilian security in border areas.
Opposition parties plan stronger protests against government in House
Opposition parties represented in the House of Representatives have decided to adopt a more aggressive stance against the government, accusing Prime Minister Balen Shah of ignoring parliament and failing to remain accountable to lawmakers. A meeting of chief whips from opposition parties held at the CPN-UML parliamentary party office in Singha Durbar concluded that protests in the House would continue and intensify in the coming days. The opposition parties have decided to strongly protest the government’s working style and what they described as the prime minister’s continued disregard for parliament during the upcoming House meeting scheduled for Tuesday.
Land management services to be operated from 35 local levels with required infrastructure
Land management-related services are set to be launched from 35 local levels that have prepared the necessary infrastructure. Issuing a public notice, the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation stated that although applications had been received from many local levels, services would initially be operated from 35 local units with adequate infrastructure due to existing limitations. According to the ministry, a total of 225 local levels have submitted applications following the notice published on Baisakh 10.
Only four UML office bearers defend Oli in Secretariat meeting
A Secretariat meeting of the CPN-UML has been underway for the past three days at party Chair KP Sharma Oli’s residence in Gundu, Bhaktapur, where leaders are also reviewing developments since March 5. During the meeting, which began on Friday, Secretariat members continued delivering their views on Sunday. According to party sources, only four among the 19 office bearers who have spoken so far openly defended Oli. With all office bearers having expressed their views by Sunday, preparations are underway to conclude the meeting. Sources claimed that while most vice chairs, the general secretary, deputy general secretaries, and secretaries stood against Oli’s current leadership style, only four leaders openly sided with him.
Govt committed to resolving citizen issues gradually, says Minister Pokharel
Minister for Education and Sports Sasmit Pokharel has expressed confidence that the government will gradually address all issues raised by citizens. Speaking at a public hearing organized in Kathmandu Constituency No. 5 on Sunday, Minister Pokharel pledged to take maximum initiative to resolve local concerns related to roads, sewage, electricity and drinking water. Elected from the same constituency, Minister Pokharel had earlier committed during the election campaign to hold one public hearing each month. Accordingly, he conducted the first session at the Bishal Milan Center in Ward No. 4 of Kathmandu Metropolitan City.
Gold price drops by Rs 2,800 per tola
The price of gold has dropped by Rs 2,800 per tola in the local market today (Sunday). According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, hallmark gold, which was traded at Rs 293,700 per tola on Friday, has been fixed at Rs 290,900 today. Similarly, the price of silver has decreased by Rs 15 per tola. Silver, which was traded at Rs 5,115 per tola on Friday, is being traded at Rs 5,100 today.
CAN names Dipendra Singh Airee new skipper
The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has removed Rohit Paudel from the national team captaincy and appointed Dipendra Singh Airee as the new skipper. CAN announced a 14-member squad under Airee’s leadership for the upcoming Asian Games qualifiers. Although Airee has been named captain, Rohit Paudel has also been included in the squad. Other members of the team include Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Sandeep Jora, Kushal Malla, Lokesh Bam, Sompal Kami, Sandeep Lamichhane, Shahab Alam, Nandan Yadav, Arif Sheikh and Karan KC.
British Minister Malhotra signals deeper collaboration in Nepal’s education sector
British Minister for the Indo-Pacific and Equality Seema Malhotra, currently on a three-day visit to Nepal, has said the United Kingdom (UK) is ready to expand cooperation with Nepal, particularly in education and technical skill development. Speaking at a high-level discussion on “Scope of UK’s Educational Partnership for Nepal” organized by the Nepal-British Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Sunday, Minister Malhotra said the UK will prioritize investment in human capital to further strengthen bilateral relations. She said expanding access to education and linking it with employment opportunities is essential to strengthen the connection between education and the economy.
Committee formed to study Bajura-Humla border issue
The government has formed a committee under the coordination of Survey Department Deputy Director General Sushil Dangol to study the technical aspects of the border issue between Bajura and Humla districts and submit a report. The decision was taken during a meeting held at Singha Durbar on Sunday under the chairpersonship of Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration Pratibha Rawal. The committee will include one representative each from the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, and the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration.
70 people killed in disasters across Nepal in past 40 days
Seventy people have lost their lives in disaster-related incidents across Nepal in the past 40 days, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). The Authority stated that 70 people were killed and 333 others injured in 1,342 disaster incidents recorded during the past 40 days. Floods accounted for the highest number of disaster-related deaths during the period, claiming 16 lives. According to NDRRMA spokesperson Shanti Mahat, 14 people died in flood-related incidents, while 11 lost their lives in fires. Similarly, nine people died in windstorms, eight in animal attacks, five from snake bites, two each in landslides and boat capsizing incidents, and one each due to forest fires, floods, and avalanches.
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