Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Saurya plane crash: Govt fly national flag at half-mast today
In solemn recognition of Wednesday’s devastating Saurya Airlines plane crash that claimed the lives of 18 passengers, the government flew the national flag at half-mast today (Thursday). Additionally, a 5-member commission, led by Ratish Chandra Lal Suman, former Director General of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), has been formed to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. The commission, chaired by Karna, has been given a mandate to deliver its findings within 45 days, accompanied by recommendations aimed at preventing future tragedies.
38 industries face legal action for selling substandard food items
The Food Technology and Quality Control Division Office has initiated legal proceedings against 38 industries for producing substandard food and beverages. These actions were taken under the Food Act 2023 BS during the fiscal year 2080/81 BS. According to Jyoti Acharya, the office chief, 38 out of 77 monitored industries were found to be in violation of food hygiene and quality standards. The Food Act stipulates that businesses producing and selling contaminated or substandard food items face up to five years in jail, a fine of Rs 50,000, or both. Starting August 3, the new Food Hygiene and Quality Act, 2081 BS, will increase the penalties to five-year imprisonment, a fine of Rs 500,000, or both for such violations.
Nepal’s Captain Rohit Paudel and all-rounder Airee to depart for Global T20 League in Canada
Captain Rohit Paudel and all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee of Nepal’s national cricket team flew to Canada this evening to participate in the Global T20 league. Meanwhile, spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, another member of the national team, has already arrived in Canada for the tournament. Sandeep and Dipendra have been signed by the Vancouver Knights, while Rohit will join the Toronto Nationals. Both Sandeep and Dipendra have prior experience playing in the Global T20 League, but this will be Rohit’s debut in the tournament.
UML and Nepali Congress agree on ambassadorial appointments
Following the formation of a new government under Prime Minister and UML Chair KP Oli, the CPN-UML and Nepali Congress have reached an agreement on ambassador appointments. According to the high-level agreement, the UML will appoint ambassadors to the United States, China, England, and Russia. The Nepali Congress will recommend ambassadors to India, Japan, Australia, and Malaysia.
Gold price drops by Rs 2,400 per tola
The price of gold in the domestic market fell by Rs 2,400 per tola today. According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, fine gold is now priced at Rs 145,000 per tola, while standard gold is trading at Rs 143,000 per tola. On Wednesday, the price of fine gold was Rs 147,400 per tola. In addition, the price of silver today is Rs 1,750 per tola.
Karnali Province records 112 road accident fatalities in a year
Karnali province recorded 1,445 road accidents in the past fiscal year, resulting in 112 fatalities, according to the Karnali Province Police Office. Surkhet district experienced the highest number of accidents, with 259 incidents leading to 28 deaths. Salyan reported 130 accidents resulting in 19 fatalities, while Rukum Paschim had 93 accidents with 23 deaths. Additionally, Kalikot recorded 48 accidents with seven fatalities, Jajarkot had 68 accidents resulting in five deaths, Dailekh had 70 accidents with 10 deaths, and Jumla reported 41 accidents resulting in seven fatalities. Mugu and Dolpa had 12 and 13 accidents, respectively.
Madhav Nepal expresses concern over potential party split
Chairman of the CPN (Unified Socialist), Madhav Kumar Nepal, has raised concerns about an alleged conspiracy against his party. Speaking at the Central Committee meeting on Thursday, Chairman Nepal urged party leaders and members to be vigilant against these conspiracies. Nepal did not specify who might be conspiring against him. However, he has previously accused KP Sharma Oli, the current Prime Minister and Chairman of CPN-UML, of attempting to split the CPN (Unified Socialist). Madhav Nepal has expressed growing concerns about a potential party split, especially following Oli’s appointment as Prime Minister.
Landslide blocks Pasang Lhamu Highway: Over 100 vehicles stranded at Rasuwagadhi
A landslide triggered by incessant rainfall on Wednesday night has caused partial damage to the Pasang Lhamu road along the Majhgaun-Bogatitar section. The landslide has stranded heavy vehicles on the highway, the main route leading to Rasuwagadhi, after a gabion wall constructed last year collapsed. Chief District Officer Bed Nidhi Khanal stated that the movement of heavy vehicles has been restricted on this road section until further notice. There is concern for the surrounding settlements, as the gabion box wall has fallen along the roadside. The District Disaster Management Committee reported that the landslide damaged the Pasang Lhamu road due to negligence in cleaning drainage systems, providing alternative water outlets, and opening alternative routes.
Deputy Speaker Rana’s letter not registered at US Embassy: RSP
A letter sent by Deputy Speaker Indira Rana to the US Embassy in Kathmandu, recommending visa appointment dates, has been found to be unregistered, according to the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). Speaking after the central committee meeting on Thursday, party spokesperson Manish Jha stated that the RSP discovered the letter was not registered at the US Embassy. Jha also mentioned that those recommended for a visa appointment did not avail themselves of the service. “There is also no evidence of financial transactions as alleged against Deputy Speaker Rana,” Jha added.
Liladevi Gadtaula appointed as Nepal’s first female Chief Secretary
The government appointed Liladevi Gadtaula as the Chief Secretary on Thursday. The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting held earlier today. With this appointment, Gadtaula becomes the first female Chief Secretary in Nepal’s history. She previously served as Acting Chief Secretary under the government led by CPN (Maoist Center) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
Prof Adhikari appointed NPC Vice-Chairperson
The government has appointed new members to the National Planning Commission (NPC), including the Vice-Chairperson. During a meeting of the Council of Ministers held today, Prof. Dr. Shivaraj Adhikari from Palpa district was appointed as the NPC Vice-Chairperson, as announced by Minister for Communications and Information Technology and Government Spokesperson Prithvi Subba Gurung. Prof. Adhikari is an economics professor at Tribhuvan University. In addition to his appointment, the Cabinet also appointed RP Bichha, Dr. Ramesh Prasad Singh, Dr. Prakash Kumar Shrestha, Gita Kumari Poudel Adhikari, Dr. Jaya Bahadur Tandon, and Ganga Dutta Awasthi as NPC members.
Fake Bhutanese Refugees Scam: SC denies release order for Bechan Jha
The Supreme Court has refused to issue a release order for Bechan Jha, who was arrested in connection with the fake Bhutanese refugee scam. Jha has been in police custody for the past month following his arrest. A bench of Judge Tek Prasad Dhungana at the apex court denied the request for Jha’s release. The writ petition seeking his release was filed by Jha’s son, Dibyangshu Shekar Jha.
Bagmati Province CM Lama expands cabinet
Chief Minister Bahadur Singh Lama of Bagmati Province expanded his Cabinet on Thursday, appointing four new ministers from his party, the Nepali Congress. Prabhat Tamang has been appointed as the Finance Minister, while Suraj Chandra Lamichhane will serve as the Minister of Internal Affairs and Law. Min Krishna Maharjan has been named Minister for Youths and Sports, and Bimal Thakuri will take on the role of Tourism Minister. Additionally, Kundan Raj Kafle and Shyam Bahadur Khadka, who were appointed ministers on Wednesday, will be responsible for the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Energy, Drinking Water, and Irrigation, respectively.
Captain Shakya’s health stable: Hospital
Captain Manish Ratna Shakya of Saurya Airlines, who has been receiving treatment following a deadly plane crash, is in stable condition, according to Kathmandu Medical College, Sinamangal. In a press release issued on Thursday, Prof. Dr. Mina Thapa, Director at the Medical College, stated that Captain Shakya is currently out of danger. Captain Shakya is the sole survivor of the Saurya Airlines plane crash that claimed the lives of 18 other passengers and crew members on Wednesday morning. He was rescued alive from the crash site at Tribhuvan International Airport. Initially admitted to the ICU, Captain Shakya is now recovering without complications. “Shakya sustained minor facial wounds and fractures to three ribs and a vertebra,” Dr. Thapa noted.
Four cases of Cholera confirmed in Lalitpur
A cholera outbreak has been confirmed in four individuals in Lalitpur district. The National Public Health Laboratory detected the cholera virus in tests, according to Dr. Mukesh Poudel of the Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases Control Division of the Department of Health Services. All four cases were reported from a correction center in Godawari Municipality-14, Lalitpur. Of the affected individuals, two have fled the hospital, one is being treated at Shukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, and another at the Patan Academy of Health Sciences. The youths exhibited symptoms of diarrhea before being diagnosed with cholera.
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