KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Complaint filed with Election Commission over Balen’s remarks targeting Oli and Gagan
A complaint has been filed with the Election Commission against senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Balendra Shah ‘Balen’, alleging violations of the election code of conduct and prevailing laws. The complaint, lodged by Dharmaraj Timalsina, accuses Shah of making hateful, misleading, and defamatory remarks that go against democratic election norms. The complaint relates to statements Shah made a few days ago targeting CPN-UML chair KP Sharma Oli and Nepali Congress leader Gagan Kumar Thapa. The remarks were made amid discussions on holding a public debate among potential prime ministerial candidates after the election.
Complaint filed with Election Commission against Harka Sampang for using children in campaign
A complaint has been filed with the Election Commission against former Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City Mayor and House of Representatives candidate from Sunsari Constituency No. 1, Harka Sampang, over the alleged use of children in election campaigning. Sampang, who is also the chairperson of the Shram Sanskriti Party, has been accused of involving children during campaign activities for the March 5 elections. The complaint was lodged by the Dharan Municipal Child Network at the District Police Office and the Office of the Election Officer. The complaint cites provisions of the Act Relating to Children, 2018, which prohibit the direct or indirect use of children for political purposes. It alleges that Sampang violated these legal provisions during his campaign.
Printing of proportional ballots completed, work begins on first-past-the-post ballots
The printing of ballots for the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system has begun for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5. On Monday, Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari, along with other officials of the Election Commission, inspected the ballot printing process at Janak Education Materials Centre Limited in Sanothimi. Following the inspection, Acting Chief Election Commissioner Bhandari said that the printing of 20.323 million ballots for the FPTP system has started. He added that the task is expected to be completed within around 15 days.
Govt appoints Secretary Chandrakala Paudel as Nepal Insurance Authority chair
The government has decided to appoint Secretary Chandrakala Paudel as the chairperson of the board of directors of the Nepal Insurance Authority. According to government spokesperson and Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, the Cabinet meeting held at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar on Monday approved Paudel, Secretary at the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, to serve as chairperson until further notice. The meeting also approved the use of national forest land for several hydropower projects, including Sutikholā, Tamakoshi-5, Upper Sankhuwasabhā, and Setikhola hydropower projects.
Formal election spending for House polls to exceed Rs 37 billion
The upcoming House of Representatives election on March 5 is expected to see formal spending exceed Rs 37 billion. This includes an estimated Rs 27 billion by the government through the Election Commission and security agencies, and Rs 10.52 billion as the legal spending limit for over 6,000 candidates from various political parties. The government estimates spending around Rs 27 billion on the election, covering costs by the Election Commission, the three security agencies, and other related bodies. Initially, the Election Commission requested Rs 7.8 billion from the government. According to Ministry spokesperson Tank Prasad Pandey, Rs 6.72 billion has been released to the Election Commission, Rs 10.39 billion to the Ministry of Home Affairs, and Rs 1.99 billion to the Ministry of Defence.
Thapa says he has come to repay Madhesh’s debt as he enters Sarlahi from Kathmandu
Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa has said he is fully aware of the contribution Madhesh has made to Nepal, democracy, and the Nepali Congress. Thapa, who registered his candidacy from Sarlahi–4 for the March 5 election, visited his new constituency for the first time on Monday. Speaking at a program in Sarlahi, he said he has repeatedly raised the question of why Madhesh has not received the dignity, respect, and equal status it deserves. This time, however, he said he has come not just to raise questions, but to seek answers by representing Madhesh.
Balen Shah arrives in Nepalgunj for Sudurpaschim campaign
Senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Balen Shah arrived in Nepalgunj today as part of his Sudurpaschim election campaign. Shah visited Nepalgunj on Monday to engage in electoral outreach. He was warmly received at the Nepalgunj Airport by supporters and local leaders. A significant crowd had gathered to welcome him. He is contesting the upcoming House of Representatives election from Jhapa-5 and will be running against CPN-UML Chair and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
Police begin action against illegal social media expressions spreading misinformation
Police have initiated legal action against individuals spreading misinformation and making unlawful expressions on social media platforms. The Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police Headquarters has arrested a person for posting videos and statements on social media that allegedly incited violence against bank employees and spread misleading content. An investigation into the matter is currently underway. According to the Cyber Bureau, Ishwari Prasad Sangraula of Arjundhara Municipality–11, Jhapa, has been taken into custody for investigation. Bureau spokesperson Superintendent of Police Dipak Raj Awasthi said Sangraula has already submitted a written apology.
Ministry tells local bodies to strictly enforce election code of conduct
The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has issued a circular to all 753 local governments and 77 District Coordination Committees, reminding them to strictly implement the Election Code of Conduct, 2082. According to Dipesh Kattel, section officer at the ministry, subordinate bodies have been directed to ensure effective enforcement of the code within their respective jurisdictions.
US Acting Envoy, Home Minister discuss Nepal’s political situation and election preparedness
US Acting Ambassador to Nepal, Scott Urbom, held a courtesy meeting with Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal on Monday. The discussion, held at the Ministry of Home Affairs, focused on the latest political developments, the upcoming elections, and US assistance to Nepal. During the meeting, Minister Aryal said the government is working actively to ensure peace and security and to create a fear-free environment for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5.
Kathmandu Metropolitan City begins public bench management along streets and parks
Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has initiated a project to manage public benches along streets, parks, and river corridors for pedestrians. The plan includes repairing and repainting old benches, increasing the number of benches in high-traffic areas, standardizing bench designs, and making them more attractive and user-friendly. Suresh Rai, head of the Public Construction Department, said, “We are focusing on the needs of pedestrians based on age and physical condition. There is no plan to remove existing benches, but some may be relocated to maintain uniformity.”
Private sector urges review of Rs 500,000 cash transaction limit
Private sector organizations have raised concerns over the Rs 500,000 cash transaction limit, saying it is creating difficulties for business operations. The issue was highlighted during an event today marking International Customs Day. Finance Minister Rameshore Prasad Khanal attended the program, where umbrella organizations of the private sector, including the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and Nepal Chamber of Commerce, called for revising the rule that requires transactions above Rs 500,000 to be conducted exclusively through banking channels.
Nepal eliminated from ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier after heavy loss to Scotland
Nepal’s women’s cricket team has been knocked out of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier at the group stage after suffering a 72-run defeat to Scotland on Monday, ending their hopes of reaching the Super Six stage. Chasing a challenging target of 141 runs, Nepal were bowled out for 68 in 13.5 overs, losing nine wickets. Captain Indu Barma had to leave the field due to injury in the fourth ball of the seventh over and was unable to return. For Nepal, Bindu Rawal and Roma Thapa scored 14 runs each, while Rubina Chhetry added 10 runs.
Gold price continues to hit record high
Gold prices in the Nepali market have reached a new record high, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Traders’ Association. On Monday, the price of gold rose by Rs 5,200 per tola, reaching Rs 309,000, the highest ever recorded in the country. On Sunday, gold was priced at Rs 303,800 per tola, which itself was an increase of Rs 2,400 from Friday, when the rate was Rs 301,400 per tola. On Thursday, gold was trading at Rs 292,200 per tola. The market saw a sharp jump of Rs 9,200 in a single day on Friday.
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