Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Former Minister Joshi found guilty of corruption charges
Former Minister and ex-Nepali Congress leader Govinda Raj Joshi has been convicted of corruption by the Supreme Court. The court has sentenced Joshi to nine months in prison and imposed a fine of Rs 6,915,000. The verdict was delivered by a joint bench of Judges Binod Sharma and Bal Krishna Dhakal on Sunday. The Special Court had previously convicted Joshi of illegally amassing Rs 21,614,376 and sentenced him to one and a half years in prison. Joshi had challenged this decision at the Supreme Court.
Suspended Chief Secretary Aryal released on Rs 50,000 bail
Suspended Chief Secretary Baikuntha Aryal has been released on bail of Rs 50,000. Aryal, who was previously suspended following corruption charges, appeared before the Special Court on Sunday to give his statement. This court appearance comes 35 days after the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed a charge sheet against him. Aryal is accused of involvement in financial irregularities during his tenure as Secretary of the Ministry of Communications, specifically concerning the printing of excise duty stickers. The case involves allegations of embezzlement totaling Rs 386,671,640.
Sharma refutes claims of government change to halt investigations
Bishwa Prakash Sharma, the general secretary of the Nepali Congress, has denied allegations that the recent government change was intended to obstruct investigations into high-profile individuals. Speaking at the House of Representatives (HoR) meeting on Sunday, Sharma argued that the outgoing Home Minister, Rabi Lamichhane, had not initiated any significant investigations, apart from the arrest of Kailash Sirohiya, Chairman of Kantipur Media Group, a case that ultimately proved unfounded. Sharma’s comments came in response to earlier remarks by lawmaker Hari Prasad Dhakal, who had accused the new coalition government of forming to halt ongoing corruption investigations and undermining good governance.
Strategy in motion to win 2084 elections solo: Prachanda
Chairman of Maoist Center, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ said that discussions are underway about the plan to contest and win the 2084 BS elections independently. “The meeting of party officials is ongoing. We are discussing the strategy to contest and win the 2084 elections alone. Your presence in the party at this crucial time is significant. It will strengthen the Maoists and send a vital message about maintaining good governance in the country,” Dahal told newly-joined party members on Sunday. Reflecting on his tenure as the Prime Minister, Dahal emphasized his commitment to good governance and social justice during his 18 months as the head of government.
Nepal exports electricity worth nearly Rs 17 billion to India
Nepal exported electricity worth Rs 16.93 billion to India during the last fiscal year, according to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). The export mainly occurred during the monsoon season when the country had excess hydropower production, with electricity being sold at Rs 8.72 per unit. Conversely, Nepal imported electricity worth Rs 16.81 billion from India during the same period.
RSP accuses ruling coalition of stalling investigations by transferring DIG KC
Hari Prasad Dhakal, a lawmaker from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has accused the new ruling coalition of Nepali Congress and CPN-UML of transferring the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Nepal Police to halt corruption investigations. Speaking at the House of Representatives (HoR) meeting on Sunday, Dhakal claimed that the previous government was committed to good governance and had initiated investigations into corruption cases. He alleged that the new coalition was formed to obstruct these investigations, particularly against high-profile leaders.
CM Lama of Bagmati Province to seek confidence vote on Tuesday
Newly appointed Chief Minister of Bagmati Province, Bahadur Singh Lama, will seek a vote of confidence on Tuesday. The provincial assembly meeting is scheduled for 3 PM. Lama, the parliamentary party leader of the Nepali Congress, was appointed to the position on July 23 with the support of the CPN-UML. He received backing from 37 Nepali Congress lawmakers and 27 UML lawmakers. Out of the 110 members in the provincial assembly, Lama needs the support of at least 56 members to secure his position.
Karnali govt collects Rs 21.47 million in tourism revenue last fiscal year
The Karnali Province government collected Rs 21.475 million in revenue from various tourism destinations within the province during the last fiscal year 2023/24. The revenue breakdown includes Rs 4.112 million from Rara National Park, Rs 9.090 million from Surkhet Provincial Martyrs Park, Rs 1.150 million from Kakrebihar, and Rs 7.114 million from Bulbule Park.
51 people die in road accidents in Parsa in one year
As many as 51 individuals lost their lives in road accidents in Parsa in the last one year. This includes 43 men and eight women. District Traffic Police Office Inspector Bhaskar Khatiwada stated that the number of traffic accident fatalities in Parsa has increased by one-third in 2023/24 compared to the previous year. In the year 2022/23, there were 39 fatalities, consisting of 29 men, five women, and five children.
Gold price up by Rs 1,000 per tola today
The price of gold in the domestic market increased by Rs 1,000 per tola today. According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, fine gold is now priced at Rs 145,700 per tola, while standard gold is trading at Rs 145,000 per tola. On Friday, the price of fine gold was Rs 144,700 per tola while standard gold is trading at Rs 143,700 per tola. In addition, the price of silver today is Rs 1,740 per tola.
Five missing in a landslide in Gorkha
A landslide in Dharche Rural Municipality of Gorkha has resulted in five people going missing and two others being injured. Two people have been rescued, police said. According to Chief District Officer Bhola Dahal, the landslide struck around 3:00 this morning, destroying a house. Teams from the Nepali Army, Armed Police, Nepal Police, and health workers have been deployed to search for the missing individuals and rescue the injured.
Earthquake jolts Taplejung
An earthquake of magnitude 4.1 struck at 10:13 PM on Saturday night, with its epicenter in Fattanglung Rural Municipality of Nepal’s Taplejung district. The National Earthquake Measurement and Research Center described the quake as normal. The tremor was felt in several neighboring districts, including Taplejung.
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