KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
PM Karki calls for national unity to resolve dissensions
Prime Minister (PM) Sushila Karki has stressed that the country’s ongoing disturbances, irregularities, and corruption should be addressed through mutual cooperation and coordination. Speaking at the first convocation ceremony of Nepal Open University, held in Kathmandu today with Prime Minister Karki as the chief guest and Chancellor, she emphasized the importance of solving national challenges by creating employment opportunities through quality higher education.
Congress becomes largest party in National Assembly following Deuba-Thapa decision
Following the National Assembly election results on Sunday, the Nepali Congress has become the largest party in the upper house of Parliament. Out of 19 vacant seats, Congress secured 9, winning half of the 18 seats contested. This brings Congress’s total in the National Assembly to 25 members, surpassing other parties. Prior to the election, Congress held 16 seats. From March 4 onward, the party will officially assume the position of the largest party, with the CPN-UML now becoming the third-largest party.
Sarlahi-4, Gagan’s constituency, classified as ‘most sensitive’
Sarlahi Constituency-4, where Nepali Congress (NC) President Gagan Thapa is contesting for the House of Representatives, has been placed on the most sensitive list in terms of security. According to the District Election Office, more than 92 percent of polling stations in Sarlahi for the upcoming elections on March 5 are categorized as sensitive. All 81 polling stations in Sarlahi-4 fall under the “most sensitive” category. Some of these stations were inspected by officials from the District Security Committee on Saturday afternoon.
UML to vote for ‘Eye’ symbol in Prachanda and Janardan’s constituencies
The CPN-UML and the Pragatisheel Loktantrik Party led by Janardan Sharma have reached an electoral alliance for the upcoming House of Representatives election. According to the agreement reached on Sunday, the CPN-UML will vote for the ‘Eye’ election symbol in favour of Pragatisheel Loktantrik Party candidates Janardan Sharma in West Rukum and Sandip Pun in East Rukum. In East Rukum, Sandip Pun is contesting against Nepal Communist Party chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’.
Balen Shah refuses to join public debate with Oli
Former Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah has announced that he will not participate in a public debate with CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli. Shah, nominated as the prime ministerial candidate for the March 5 elections by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), reacted strongly to Oli’s statement about being ready for a public debate. He stated that he will not join such a debate, objecting to accusations circulating on social media that portray him as a terrorist or someone who “burns the country.”
SC orders retrieval of new evidence cited in decision to withdraw cases against Rabi and his partners
The Supreme Court, on Sunday, has ordered the retrieval of new evidence that was cited when the Office of the Attorney General approved the withdrawal of money laundering and organized crime charges against Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) chairperson Rabi Lamichhane and his business partners. A bench comprising Justices Manoj Kumar Sharma and Shrikant Poudel issued the order, directing the Attorney General’s Office to submit the files containing the newly discovered evidence that formed the basis for amending the charge sheet and withdrawing the cases. The order followed arguments by Attorney General Sabita Bhandari, who told the court that additional evidence had been found after the charge sheet was filed, prompting the decision to revise it.
UML Chair Oli signals possible action against senior leaders
CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli has signaled possible disciplinary action against senior party leaders, including Deputy General Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai, Surendra Pandey, Gokul Baskota, and Binda Pandey. Oli’s remarks, during a television interview ast week, triggered internal debate, with targeted leaders publicly criticizing his statements, highlighting growing factional tensions just weeks before the March 5 elections. UML Chair Oli made strong remarks about Bhattarai, Pandey, Baskota, and Binda Pandey. Oli stated that “Surendra Pandey and Yogesh Bhattarai are not in a position to win this time” and added that “Binda Pandey has no basis.”
Balen Shah avoids questions over use of luxury vehicle during campaign
Senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Balen Shah, avoided answering journalists’ questions regarding his use of a luxury vehicle allegedly provided by a controversial businessman facing multiple legal cases. After returning from an election tour of Jhapa Constituency No. 5 and several districts of Koshi Province, Shah was staying at the residence of his associate Kumar Ben in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, on Sunday. As he was leaving the house, journalists surrounded him and raised questions about the vehicle he has been using during the election campaign.
Resham Chaudhary barred from contesting election following Supreme Court order
Resham Lal Chaudhary, patron of the Nagarik Unmukti Party (Nepal), has been barred from contesting the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5. Hearing a writ petition filed by Chaudhary seeking permission to contest the election, the Supreme Court ruled that he is not eligible to run. A single bench of Justice Balkrishna Dhakal issued only a show-cause order, effectively leaving his candidacy invalid. Chaudhary had moved the Supreme Court challenging the Election Commission’s decision to cancel his candidacy. The commission had disqualified him on the grounds that, despite receiving a presidential pardon, records of his conviction and prison sentence remain legally valid.
Balen to begin door-to-door campaign in Damak from Monday
Balendra Shah, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) candidate for Jhapa–5 in the House of Representatives elections, will start a door-to-door campaign in Damak on Monday. According to the party, the campaign will begin at 8 a.m. in the Uraon Basti of Damak–9, where supporters have been asked to gather. The door-to-door program will proceed from Uraon Basti to Panini School, then through Devsingh Tol, Noubhai Chowk, and Buddha Chowk, before returning to Uraon Basti for the conclusion, the candidate’s secretariat stated.
Demand and price of eggs rise ahead of election
As the House of Representatives (HoR) election approaches, the demand for eggs has surged, leading to a gradual increase in their price. The Nepal Layers Poultry Breeders Association has raised egg prices with effect from today. Accordingly, the farm price of a crate (30 eggs) of large eggs has increased to Rs 495, up from Rs 465, marking a Rs 30 rise. Similarly, the farm price of medium eggs has been set at Rs 475, up from Rs 445. Egg prices had previously peaked last December, when large eggs were sold at Rs 565 per crate and medium eggs at Rs 550. According to the association’s chairman, Binod Pokharel, the election atmosphere in Nepal, combined with stricter border controls during this period, has contributed to the price hike.
TU to award academic credits for students’ extracurricular achievements
Students at Tribhuvan University (TU) will now receive academic credits not only for their academic performance but also for their talents and contributions in extracurricular activities. This marks the first time in the country that a university has introduced a policy formally recognizing extracurricular involvement as part of academic credit. Dr. Dipendra Parajuli, Director of the Directorate of Student Welfare and Sports, explained that students who excel in areas such as social service, disaster management, sports, fine arts, science and technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and management will have their achievements evaluated and reflected on their academic certificates.
Six travel agency operators arrested in fake rescue scam
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police has arrested six operators of various travel agencies involved in fake rescue operations. At a press conference on Sunday, the CIB said the suspects allegedly created fake rescue documents from mountain regions to claim insurance fraudulently. Those arrested include Jairam Rimal and manager Bibek Pandey of Mountain Rescue, Rabindra Adhikari and operations manager Bibekraj Thapliya of Nepal Charter Service, and Mukti Pandey and Subhash KC, directors of Everest Experience & Assist.
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