KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
President Paudel raises alarm over rural depopulation due to lack of employment opportunities
President Ramchandra Paudel has expressed concern over the increasing depopulation of villages due to outmigration caused by the lack of dignified employment and income opportunities, despite infrastructural development and facilities reaching these areas.
Speaking at the centenary celebration of Purkot Secondary School in Basantapur, Bhanu Municipality-7 in Dumre (Tanahu) today, he lamented the situation where villagers are moving away, leaving behind the facilities intended for their benefit.
“We are striving to extend asphalted roads to all these villages within the next two to four years. However, the concern remains – will there be enough residents in these villages to benefit from these facilities?” he questioned. “We seem captivated by the allure of foreign shores when similar opportunities exist within our own country. Why has this happened? I ask myself this question, and the answer lies within.”
Curfew imposed in Barahathawa, Sarlahi
The District Administration Office in Sarlahi announced the enforcement of a curfew in Barahathawa on Friday.
This decision follows a dispute over the upgrade of a primary health center in Barahathawa Municipality.
The disagreement escalated into clashes, resulting in the death of one individual and injuries to eight others, including the police. Consequently, the authorities imposed the curfew.
Chief District Officer (CDO) Komal Prasad Dhimal stated that the curfew order was issued due to potential risks to public safety. There were concerns about property damage, stone throwing, aggressive behavior, and possible disruptions to peace and order during public protests.
PM Dahal directs Education Minister to rectify vacancy announcement for TU Vice-Chancellor
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, also the Chancellor of Tribhuvan University (TU), has instructed the Education Minister to rectify and reissue the advertisement for the Vice-Chancellor position.
Prime Minister Dahal called upon the Minister for Education, Science, and Technology, and also the Pro-Chancellor of TU, Ashok Kumar Rai, at his office on Friday, directed him to amend the provisions in the advertisement and re-release it.
According to to Prime Minister Dahal’s Secretariat, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for a qualified individual, from anywhere in the world, to lead TU and stressed that the appointment should be through an open competition.
Travel agency operators apprehended for trafficking into Russian Army
The police have arrested two operators of a travel agency on charges of trafficking individuals to enlist in the Russian army.
The apprehended individuals are Arjun Shrestha, alias Arjun Sunar, 31, from Gorkha, currently residing in Kathmandu, and Sher Bahadur Rai, alias Shekhar, 35, residing in Jorpati, Kathmandu, originally from Solukhumbu.
They reportedly enticed unemployed youth with promises of high-paying jobs at a Russian hotel, demanding an upfront payment of NPR 600,000.
According to police reports, they received NPR 600,000 from each of the victims—Shankar Karki, Rajan Rai, and Bikas Rai—and arranged their travel to Russia. Upon arrival, the victims were coerced into paying an additional $800. However, Karki, upon reaching Russia, discovered that the promised hotel job was nonexistent. Instead, he was advised to undergo training and enlist in the army. He fled back to Kathmandu and filed a report with the Crime Investigation Bureau.
PM Dahal acquitted in long-pending defamation case
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has been granted a clean chit in a defamation case that was filed seven years ago.
The case was filed by senior advocate Dinesh Triphati in Jestha 2073, accusing PM Dahal of defaming the court.
The joint bench of Justice Ishwar Khatiwada and Kumar Regmi, presiding over the hearing, delivered the verdict, granting a clean chit to Prime Minister Dahal.
UML Chair Oli holds talks with RSP Chairman Lamichhane
KP Oli, the Chairman of the main opposition party CPN-UML, held a significant meeting with Rabi Lamichhane, the Chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). The meeting took place at Balkot, marking a notable encounter between the two political figures.
This meeting unfolded just hours before the scheduled Central Committee meeting of the UML today, indicating the strategic consultations and engagements taking place within the party.
The UML, currently immersed in discussions with the ruling coalition, is focusing on seat allocations for the upcoming National Assembly (NA) election.
UML to nominate 19 candidates for National Assembly elections
The CPN-UML has decided to register candidates for 19 seats in the National Assembly (NA) elections scheduled for January 25.
During a meeting held at the UML’s central office in Chyasal on Friday, the leaders initiated discussions on potential candidates for the NA elections. According to General Secretary Shankar Pokharel names of three individuals from each cluster were requested for recommendation during today’s Secretariat meeting.
He further informed that after screening the proposed names, they would publicly announce the names of the 19 candidates by narrowing down the list.
India pledges support for Nepal’s cricket journey ahead of T-20 World Cup
In a promising gesture of cross-border collaboration, the Indian government has pledged its support to Nepal in the lead-up to the upcoming T-20 Cricket World Cup.
During his official visit to Nepal, Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar met with members of the Nepali National Men’s Cricket Team to extend congratulations on their qualification for the forthcoming world cup. Expressing optimism for Nepal’s cricketing future, Minister Jaishankar committed India’s support for the team’s preparations for the global tournament.
Foreign Minister Jaishankar returns to India
Completing a two-day visit to Nepal, Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar departed on Friday afternoon.
At Tribhuvan International Airport, Foreign Minister NP Saud bid a farewell to Minister Jaishankar, marking the conclusion of his stay.
Minister Jaishankar’s visit to Kathmandu, which commenced on Thursday morning, was primarily for attending the seventh edition of the Nepal-India Joint Commission meeting. During his brief stay, significant milestones were achieved, including the signing of a historic electricity deal and an agreement on High-impact Community Development Projects between Nepal and India.
Disbursement of Rs 200 million rupees provided by India will follow a regulated process: PM Dahal
Prime Minister (PM) Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has clarified that the disbursement of Rs 200 million rupees provided by India will strictly follow a regulated process.
India cannot unilaterally spend the amount, he clarified.
Responding to queries during the State Affairs Committee meeting under the Federal Parliament on Friday morning, he said India cannot allocate the funds on its own.
The statement follows the signing of an agreement on Thursday, in the presence of Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, allowing India to directly invest up to Rs 200 million in Nepali projects.
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