Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Pradeep Yadav takes oath as Nepal’s Minister for Health and Population
In a significant development, Pradeep Yadav from the Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) has assumed the role of Minister for Health and Population. In a ceremony held on Monday, President Ram Chandra Poudel administered the oath of office and secrecy to Yadav. Moreover, Hasina Khatun, representing the Janata Samajwadi Party under the leadership of Ashok Rai, has been appointed as a State Minister.
PM Dahal, Oli, and Home Minister Lamichhane meet amid NC’s stand on demands
As the government prepares to unveil its programs and policies, the three leaders of the ruling party are currently in discussions, while the main opposition party, Nepali Congress (NC), remains adamant on its demands. NC has maintained its stance to continue obstructing parliamentary proceedings until the government forms a probe committee to investigate the involvement of Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane in a cooperative fraud case. Amidst the ongoing parliamentary impasse, key leaders of the ruling parties are discussing the further proceedings, with the government scheduled to unveil its policies and programs on Tuesday. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Chairman of CPN-UML KP Sharma Oli, and Home Minister and Chairman of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) are currently engaged in a meeting at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers at Singha Durbar.
Fire incidents claim 26 lives in a month; Baisakh records highest cases, possibly for the first time
In the month of Baisakh (mid-April to mid-May), twenty-six deaths were reported nationwide due to fire incidents. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, various parts of the country witnessed 861 cases of infernos and 573 incidents of forest fires over the past month. The surge in such disasters is attributed to increased temperatures and inadequate winter rainfall. Of the reported cases, twenty people lost their lives and seventy-three sustained injuries in fire incidents, while six fatalities and thirteen injuries resulted from forest fires, stated Dijan Bhattarai, the Authority’s spokesperson and information officer. A total of 1,364 families were affected by infernos, with an additional 404 families impacted by wildfires. During this period, eight deaths were caused by lightning strikes, two by altitude sickness, and one each by flooding and animal assault.
Speaker engages in political dialogues to end parliament impasse
Speaker Devraj Ghimire continued his efforts to resolve the ongoing parliament impasse by engaging in discussions with major opposition Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba and Home Minister and President of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) on the eve of the government’s scheduled unveiling of policies and programs for the upcoming fiscal year. During the meeting, the Speaker urged the major opposition party and the Home Minister to reach a consensus to resolve the impasse before a joint sitting of both houses of the Federal Parliament, which is to be addressed by President Ramchandra Paudel on May 14. He stressed the importance of cooperation to ensure the smooth functioning of the House, especially considering the gravity of the upcoming joint session where the Head of State will present the government’s policies and programs for the next fiscal year, with diplomats invited for observation. In response, Deuba clarified that the NC has not demanded the resignation of the Home Minister over his alleged involvement in the misappropriation of cooperage funds. He reiterated the party’s stance on the formation of a parliamentary committee to investigate the matter.
Upendra Yadav challenges EC’s recognition of Janata Samajbadi Party, files writ at Supreme Court
Upendra Yadav, Chairman of Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal, has lodged a writ petition at the Supreme Court challenging the Election Commission’s (EC) decision to recognize the Janata Samajbadi Party as a new political entity. Yadav contends that the registration of the new party occurred during a period of legal dormancy concerning political party divisions. Furthermore, he argues that the formation of the new party is illegal, citing that the required majority to split the Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal is 163, whereas the total central committee membership stands at 406. The hearing for the petition is slated for May 15. Following the petition’s filing, Yadav expressed confidence in the court’s ability to deliver justice.
CM Karki secures vote of confidence in Koshi Province amid political turbulence
Chief Minister (CM) Hikmat Karki of Koshi Province has emerged victorious in the vote of confidence, securing 57 votes in his favor. CM Karki received support from 40 lawmakers of CPN-UML, 13 from CPN (Maoist Center), three from CPN (Unified Socialist), and one from Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP). Meanwhile, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) opted to maintain neutrality during the confidence vote, while 29 lawmakers of the Nepali Congress boycotted the provincial assembly meeting. In the 93-member provincial assembly, a majority of 47 votes was required to secure the confidence vote.
Nepal braces for above-average rainfall and temperature rise, warns Hydrology Department
Nepal is anticipated to experience above-average rainfall and a rise in temperature this year, as per the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. The department stated, “There is a 35 to 55 percent likelihood of experiencing higher-than-average rainfall this year.” Similarly, there is a 35 to 65 percent chance of witnessing an increase in temperature compared to the average for this year, according to the department’s predictions.
JSP-N Chair Upendra proposes Mahantha to form coalition govt in Madhes
After resigning as Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister, Janata Samajwadi Party-Nepal Chairman Upendra Yadav met with Loktantrik Samajwadi Party (LSP) Chairman Mahantha Thakur. In the meeting held at Thakur’s residence, Yadav urged Thakur to cooperate and move forward to form the government in Madesh Province. It should be noted that the Maoist Center and CPN-UML withdrew their support to the JSP-Nepal-led government in Madhes Province. Sources said that Thakur said he would consider the proposal.
NC to not seek Home Minister’s resignation following parliamentary probe committee formation
The Nepali Congress (NC) has said that it will refrain from demanding the resignation of Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane after the formation of a parliamentary inquiry committee. It should be noted that CPN-UML Chairman KP Oli on last Friday expressed his suspicion that the Nepali Congress might seek Home Minister Lamichhane’s resignation even after the formation of the inquiry committee. A Nepali Congress leader stated that NC has assured Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal that no demand for Home Minister Lamichhane’s resignation will be made after formation of the committee. Nepali Congress has clarified that the Prime Minister aims to avoid a scenario where the Home Minister refuses to resign upon the inquiry committee’s establishment. “We’ve conveyed to the Prime Minister that we won’t seek Rabi Lamichhane’s resignation,” the NC leader said.
Janata Samajwadi Party-Nepal quits government
The Janata Samajwadi Party-Nepal (JSP) has quit the government. Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Upendra Yadav has sent his resignation letter to the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar. Accompanying Yadav, another JSP minister, Deepak Karki, also submitted his resignation, as confirmed by his Secretariat. In their resignation letters, both ministers cited the current political climate as untenable for their continued cooperation within the government.
Gold price down by Rs 300 per tola today
Gold price decreased by Rs 300 per tola in the domestic market today. As reported by the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of fine gold has been fixed at Rs 138,100 per tola, while standard gold is currently traded at Rs 137,450 per tola. The price of fine gold was Rs 138,400 per tola, while standard gold was traded at Rs 137,750 per tola on Sunday.
Two Indians arrested at Tribhuvan Int’l Airport with 5kg of gold
Two Indian nationals, Suresh Kumar, 33, and Mohan Kumar Ganesan, 34, have been arrested at Tribhuvan International Airport for smuggling five kilograms of gold. Airport Security Office Police Chief, SSP Krishna Hari Sharma, disclosed that the individuals were intercepted upon their arrival from Dubai.
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