KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Prachanda briefs at Parisdanda: May need to partner with Congress, UML to fight ‘forces that burn the nation’
With just a week remaining before the midterm elections, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, coordinator of the Nepali Communist Party (NCP), has said that circumstances may arise requiring renewed cooperation with Nepali Congress and CPN-UML. Speaking at an interaction program with left-leaning intellectuals at the party’s central office in Parisdanda on Wednesday, Dahal indicated, apparently targeting the Rastriya Swatantra Party, that collaboration with the two major parties might be necessary to fight those who “burn the country.”
Tourist vehicles require permit to operate service on election day
An arrangement has been made to operate transportation service for the movement of tourists by acquiring permission at least two days before the day of the election to the House of Representatives scheduled for March 5. As per the ‘Procedure related to operation of vehicles-2082’ issued by the Election Commission, arrangement for the permission of operation of tourists vehicles has been made as international flights would be operated regularly even on election day.
NA implementing integrated security plan for elections
The Nepal Army has made arrangements for security management in three phases, namely before, during and after the election, in the context of the House of Representatives elections to be held on March 5. According to Nepal Army Spokesperson Assistant Lieutenant Colonel Rajaram Basnet, the necessary preparations have been completed by conducting election-focused training and joint exercises.
Cabinet meeting: 16th Plan Implementation Action-Plan approved
The meeting of the Council of Ministers convened on February 24 has approved the 16th Plan Implementation Action-Plan (2081 BS-2086 BS). Unveiling the major decisions of the Cabinet meeting here today, Minister for Home Affairs, Om Prakash Aryal, shared that two under-secretaries have been promoted and appointed to the position of Gazetted First Class Officers in the country’s judicial service.
Rabi Lamichhane in Sarlahi: Stop those claiming to be ‘Madhesh’s son’ after arriving from Kathmandu
Rabi Lamichhane, Chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), reached Sarlahi on Wednesday as part of his election campaign. Addressing a gathering in Sarlahi Constituency No. 4, represented by Gagan Kumar Thapa of the Nepali Congress, Lamichhane urged voters to defeat the Congress leader at any cost. He claimed that RSP candidate Dr Amaresh Singh would secure victory in Sarlahi-4. “I know that Dr Amaresh will win in Sarlahi-4,” Lamichhane said. “Even if not him, another son of Madhesh should win. But this time, someone has come from Kathmandu claiming to be Madhesh’s son. He must be stopped right there.
Election manifestos: Congress offers detailed roadmap for migrant workers, others make moderate pledges
Political parties have unveiled their election manifestos targeting the House of Representatives polls scheduled for Falgun 21, with a notable focus on foreign employment amid rising unemployment in Nepal. With a large number of youths working abroad, migrant workers and their families are increasingly seen as a decisive voter base. Major parties have accordingly addressed issues concerning foreign employment in their manifestos, though with varying depth and commitment.
Kathmandu-1 voters disillusioned as election nears
With only seven days remaining until the election to the House of Representatives (HoR) scheduled for March 5, preparations have entered the final stage. The Election Commission (EC) has already dispatched ballot papers and election materials to around 70 districts, and election officials are working under pressure to complete the remaining tasks. The Commission is set to enforce the election code of conduct from midnight on March 2. As a result, candidates now have just five days left to reach out to voters. However, in Kathmandu-1, election enthusiasm appears subdued.
Durga Prasai released following Supreme Court order
Durga Prasai, owner of B&C Medical College and a Hindu religious activist, was released on Wednesday following a Supreme Court order. The court had issued the release order on Tuesday while hearing a writ petition for habeas corpus. However, Prasai could not be released immediately as procedural formalities were not completed, and he was freed from the Kathmandu Police Complex the following day.
HoR polls: EC delivers election materials to 75 districts
The Election Commission (EC) has delivered election materials and ballot papers to 75 districts in preparation for the House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5. According to the Election Commission, materials have been dispatched to all districts except Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. Ballot papers for both the first-past-the-post and proportional representation electoral systems have already reached the 75 districts, Assistant Spokesperson Kul Bahadur GC said.
Tiger census in Shuklaphanta National Park to begin from March 7
Preparations are underway for the tiger census in Shuklaphanta National Park, set to begin from March 7. Purushottam Wagle, Information Officer of Shuklaphanta National Park, stated that the census will start immediately after the House of Representatives election, as park staff will be deployed for election duties. “From March 7, automatic cameras will be installed in the Laljhadi-Mohana Protected Area, as well as in Shuklaphanta and Jogbuda in Dadeldhura, to carry out the tiger census,” he said.
Two more arrested in fake rescue scam
Nepal Police have arrested two more individuals for their alleged involvement in conducting fake rescue operations in the mountaineering sector. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police apprehended Rajendra Bahadur Singh, 56, former vice-president of the Air Service Operators Association, and Sandeep Tiwari, 28, a representative of Royal Holidays Adventure and Travel Company in Thamel.
Jhulaghat border checkpoint to remain closed for three days
The Jhulaghat border checkpoint in Baitadi, which connects Nepal with India, will remain closed for three days in view of the upcoming elections. Chief District Officer Krishna Thapa said the checkpoint will be sealed 72 hours prior to voting. According to him, the Jhulaghat border point will be closed from 12:00 pm on March 2 until 12:00 pm on March 5 to ensure that the elections are conducted in a free, fair, and secure environment.
Gold price stable, silver increases by Rs 130
The price of gold remained stable in the local market today compared to Tuesday, while silver increased by Rs 130. According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Federation, the price of fine gold has been fixed at Rs 314,800 per tola today. Meanwhile, silver is being traded at Rs 5,715 per tola. On Tuesday, fine gold was also priced at Rs 314,800 per tola, while silver was traded at Rs 5,585 per tola. On Monday, gold was bought and sold at Rs 313,500 per tola, and silver at Rs 5,595 per tola.
Lingden faces tough challenge in bid for Jhapa-3 hat-trick
Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chairman Rajendra Lingden is seeking a third consecutive victory in Jhapa-3, having previously won in 2074 bs and 2079 BS with the support of the CPN-UML. This time, Lingden is contesting independently. The race is expected to be highly competitive. The Nepali Congress (NC) has fielded Rajendra Ghimire, a local figure with strong ties to the constituency, replacing Shyam Sitaula, son of Nepali Congress leader Krishna Prasad Sitaula. The CPN-UML has nominated former Constituent Assembly member Hari Rajbanshi, while the Nepali Communist Party fields Dilliram Ghimire, and the Rastriya Swatantra Party has put forward District President Prakash Pathak, who Lingden defeated in 2079 BS.
Kanchanpur border points with India to close for HoR polls
All border crossings between Kanchanpur and India will be sealed to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful House of Representatives (HoR) election. Assistant Chief District Officer Mohan Chandra Joshi of the District Administration Office, Kanchanpur said the decision targets the upcoming HoR election. According to him, all border points in the district adjoining India will remain closed from 12:00 midnight on March 2 until 12:00 midnight on March 5.
Snow clearance begins on road to Sangta polling station in Mustang
Snow clearance has begun on the road leading to the Sangta polling station in Baragung Muktikshetra–5 (Mustang–Dolpa) in preparation for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5. Ward Chairperson Surendra Gurung said snow removal work started Tuesday to allow vehicle movement along the route, which has remained completely blocked due to heavy snowfall. Sangta village, situated at an altitude of 4,500 meters above sea level northwest of Mustang’s district headquarters Jomsom, is considered one of the most remote settlements in the district. The polling station is located at Himali Basic School, about 40 kilometers from Jomsom. There are 39 registered voters in the village.
Comment