Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
World Press Freedom Day 2024 observed today
The 31st World Press Freedom Day is being observed today worldwide, including in Nepal, under the banner ‘Press for the World: Journalism in the Face of Environmental Crisis.’ This year’s theme underscores the crucial role of press freedom in addressing environmental issues. May 3rd commemorates Press Freedom Day, honoring the release of the Windhoek Manifesto for a Free and Pluralist Press. Since 1993, the United Nations has designated this day to honor the ‘Windhoek Declaration for a Pluralistic and Free Press,’ issued during a conference in Windhoek, Namibia, convened by UNESCO.
RPP leader Basnet out of contact after police issue arrest warrant in embezzlement case
Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) leader Gita Basnet has remained out of contact after police issued an arrest warrant against her regarding allegations of misappropriating cooperative funds. The search for Basnet intensified after a district court issued an arrest warrant, accusing her of embezzling funds from the Chhipchhipe Cooperative Society in East Nawalparasi (Nawalpur). Narahari Regmi, Chief of the Nawalpur District Police Office, confirmed the ongoing efforts to contact RPP leader Basnet. “We are looking for her, utilizing various means to establish contact,” SP Regmi stated. “We anticipate that a responsible figure of the state will step forward to address these allegations.”
PM Dahal commits to uphold press freedom and support journalists’ welfare
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has reiterated his commitment to upholding press freedom, stating that there will be no control or curtailment on the freedom of the press. Speaking at a program organized today on the occasion of the 27th General Convention of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), he emphasized the importance of self-regulation within the media industry. Prime Minister Dahal urged the press fraternity to safeguard press freedom while also ensuring responsible journalism to prevent the dissemination of false information. He highlighted the significant role of press freedom in the country’s political landscape, emphasizing its crucial role in achieving democratic milestones.
Police successfully conducts ‘Operation Laligurans’ to solve couple’s murder case in Parbat
An elderly couple was discovered murdered in Jaljala Rural Municipality-2 of Parbat district, reportedly for a robbery. Surya Bahadur GC, aged 69, and his wife Gamala GC, aged 67, were found dead in their home on April 1. After a month-long investigation, law enforcement authorities have apprehended two suspects in connection with the murder. The Central Investigation Bureau, Provincial Police Office Pokhara, and District Police Offices of Myagdi and Parbat collaborated on ‘Operation Laligurans,’ leading to the arrest of Krishna BK and Dipak Pariyar, both residents of the same Rural Municipality. According to police reports, the arrested individuals have confessed to the crime. It is alleged that they stole gold and other valuables from the GCs’ residence following the murder and subsequently sold them in Pokhara. Additionally, two individuals from Patbat and Baglung have been arrested for their involvement in purchasing the stolen gold.
Class 12 examinee shot in Jhapa
Anika Adhikari, a grade 12 examinee, was shot in Damak, Jhapa. The incident occurred as she was returning home after attending her exam at Himalayan Secondary School in Damak on Friday. Adhikari is currently receiving treatment at Life Line Hospital in Damak. Originally from Udayapur, Adhikari resided in Damak in a rented room. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident and are actively searching for those involved. One individual implicated in the shooting has been identified as Amit Kumar Yadav from Siraha.
Government to feature new map of Nepal on 100 rupee note
The government has announced its decision to incorporate a new map of Nepal on the 100 rupee notes. The Nepal Rastra Bank has been authorized to replace the existing map with the updated version on the currency note. The Minister for Communication and Information Technology, and government spokesperson, confirmed the decision made during the Cabinet meetings held on April 25 and May 2. The revised map of Nepal encompasses Limpiyadhura, Lipulek, and Kalapani in the far-western region as part of its territory.
Government decides to transfer six secretaries
In a recent Cabinet meeting held on Thursday, the government has approved the transfer of six secretaries to various ministries. Secretary Deepak Kafle will be transferred to the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, while Secretary Ganesh Pandey will move to the Tourism Ministry. Additionally, Secretary Radika Aryal will assume responsibilities at the Office of the Vice President, and Secretary Deepak Kharal will be transferred to the Agriculture Ministry. Furthermore, Secretary Rewatiraman Poudel will join the Agriculture Development sector, and Govinda Prasad Sharma will take up duties at the Forest Ministry.
Lawmaker Sharma of Loktantrik Samajbadi Party suspended
Abhiram Sharma, a lawmaker representing the Loktantrik Samajbadi Party in Madhesh Province, has been suspended from his position. Speaker of Madhesh Province, Ram Chandra Mandal, announced Sharma’s suspension following his conviction for the murder of police personnel Thaman BK during the 2072 Madhesh Protest. Sharma has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the District Court of Mahottari. The Provincial Assembly Secretariat confirmed Sharma’s suspension in accordance with the court’s verdict.
Provincial assembly meeting put off due to uncertainty over CM Sodari’s vote of confidence
The Sudurpaschim provincial assembly meeting, summoned to seek a vote of confidence for Chief Minister (CM) Dirgha Bahadur Sodari, has been postponed. The meeting has been rescheduled for 5 PM on Saturday. Rajendra Rawal, parliamentary party leader of CPN-UML in the province, had stated that the party would not support CM Sodari during the vote of confidence, citing Sodari’s failure to discuss the matter with the party beforehand. The UML also expressed concerns over CM Sodari’s unilateral decision-making without consulting the ruling partners.
22 arrested following attack on CG Foods Park in Lalitpur
On Friday, a group of individuals launched an attack on the CG Foods Park, operated by Chaudhary Groups in Lalitpur. According to spokesperson Madhu Sudan Poudel, the incident occurred around 3 PM when a group arrived in a bus (Ba 4 Kha 1085) and assaulted park employees. The assailants also vandalized the office premises of CG Foods Park and engaged in unruly behavior, including chanting slogans against the government and targeting the park’s manager. In response, law enforcement authorities have apprehended 22 individuals, comprising 17 males and five females, in connection with the incident.
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