KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
NOC lowers fuel prices
Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has reduced the prices of petrol, diesel, and kerosene. In a board meeting held on Thursday, the corporation decided to decrease the price of petrol by Rs 5 per liter, and the prices of diesel and kerosene by Rs 3 per liter. Following this decision, petrol will now cost Rs 165 per liter, while diesel and kerosene will be priced at Rs 155 per liter in Kathmandu. The new prices will take effect at midnight.
Shekhar Koirala announces candidacy for Nepali Congress presidency
Shekhar Koirala has declared his intention to run for the presidency of the Nepali Congress in the upcoming party general convention. Speaking to the media at Biratnagar Airport, Koirala confirmed his candidacy and emphasized his commitment to the role. He also addressed the recent coalition between the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML, stating that it was formed to ensure political stability in the country.
Newly elected parliamentary committee presidents take oath of office
Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR), Devraj Ghimire, administered the oath of office and secrecy today to the newly elected presidents of two parliamentary committees. Ishwari Devi Neupane, a lawmaker from the Nepali Congress, was sworn in as the President of the Parliamentary Hearing Committee, while Thakur Prasad Gaire, a UML lawmaker, took the oath as the President of the Committee on Monitoring and Evaluation of the Implementation of the Directive Principles, Policies, and Obligations of the State.
Dahal dismisses party split reports, confirms agreement with Janardan Sharma
Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Chairman of the CPN (Maoist Center), has dismissed recent reports of a party split as “baseless.” Speaking after a party standing committee meeting, Dahal asserted that he has reached an agreement with party leader Janardan Sharma, making a split unlikely. “These are merely rumors and have no substance,” Dahal stated. He further emphasized that the party is currently free of internal issues.
NEPSE index surpasses 3,000 points, records historic Rs 29.96 billion turnover
The NEPSE index achieved a significant milestone today, surpassing the 3,000-point mark, a key psychological threshold. The index closed at 3,000.81 points, registering a substantial gain of 1.45% or 43.05 points. The trading session was highly active, with 334 stocks traded across 311,536 transactions. The market capitalization for the day stood at Rs 4.69 trillion, while the float market capitalization reached Rs 1.64 trillion. A total of 68,980,346 shares were traded during the session.
Gattaghar accident turns chaotic after truck hits and kills scooter rider
Chaos erupted in Ghattaghar, Bhaktapur, after a tragic accident in which a truck struck a scooter, leading to the death of the female rider. The truck hit the scooter and dragged it for approximately 100 meters, severely mutilating the rider’s body. The identity of the deceased has yet to be confirmed, but a bag containing books was found at the scene, indicating that the victim might have been a student. In the aftermath of the accident, an enraged crowd vandalized the truck, further escalating tensions. As a result, the Bhaktapur-Kathmandu road was temporarily closed.
Nepal Telecom reports 16.44% drop in Q4 FY 2080/81 net profit
Nepal Telecom (NT) has announced its financial results for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2080/81, showing a 16.44% decrease in net profit, which fell to Rs. 6.62 billion from Rs. 7.92 billion in the same quarter of the previous year. This drop is primarily due to a 4.99% reduction in revenue from operations, which totaled Rs. 34.46 billion. The company also experienced a substantial 22.52% decrease in investments, now at Rs. 55.76 billion, and a 16.68% fall in finance income, which came to Rs. 6.48 billion. Meanwhile, Nepal Telecom saw a modest 0.83% increase in reserves and surplus, reaching Rs. 76.58 billion.
Govt to waive handling fees, ticket-related charges, in Bhairahawa and Pokhara Airports
The government has announced a series of concessions for Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa and Pokhara International Airport to help them operate at full capacity. These measures include waiving ground handling fees, ticket-related charges, and VAT on air tickets. A meeting led by Prime Minister KP Oli, along with ministers and relevant officials, was convened based on recommendations from a task force tasked with exploring options to optimize the operations of these two airports. Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, said that an action plan has been developed to offer concessions on air tickets, ground handling fees, and aviation fuel until September 2026.
Gold price remains unchanged today
The price of gold has remained unchanged today. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the fine gold is traded at Rs 150,500 per tola today. It should be noted that gold was traded at Rs 150,500 per tola per tola on Wednesday. Additionally, the price of silver increased by Rs 5 per tola, with silver trading at 1,740 rupees per tola today.
Mukul Dhakal demands resignation of RSP Chairman Lamichhane
Dr. Mukul Dhakal, the suspended General Secretary of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has called for the resignation of Chairman Rabi Lamichhane. Mukul challenged Lamichhane, demanding his resignation in response to an explanation requested by the Acting General Secretary regarding Mukul’s potential suspension from even ordinary membership in the party. Mukul stated, “I have not made false accusations against you or any other leader; all my claims are based on truth. You should be able to confirm that you stand on moral ground before asking me for an explanation.” He also brought up the issue of two passport cases linked to Chairman Lamichhane and accused him of manipulating transfers and promotions, alleging that only policy work is being addressed during his tenure as the Home Minister.
Two killed, 11 injured in Bolero accident in Sindhuli
Two passengers died and eleven others injured in a Bolero accident in Sindhuli today. SP Gobinda Kafle, head of the District Police Office Sindhuli, stated that the incident occurred involving Bolero No. 20 Cha 8283 in Kamalamai Municipality-4 on the BP Highway. The injured were transported to Sindhuli Hospital for treatment.
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