KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Govt to present five ordinances in parliament on Wednesday
The government is set to present five ordinances in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, following discussions among ruling and opposition parties.
According to Nepali Congress Chief Whip Shyam Ghimire, the decision was made after extensive talks, with parties including the Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) and Loktantrik Samajbadi Party (LSP) agreeing to move forward with ordinances beyond the contentious land ordinance.
He said that while discussions on the land ordinance are still ongoing, other ordinances will proceed as planned.
UML and Nepali Congress issue whip for lawmakers to compulsorily attend House meeting tomorrow
Nepali Congress and the UML have issued a whip requiring its lawmakers to be present at the parliamentary meeting scheduled for Wednesday.
The whips were issued as the government prepares to table five ordinances in the session, following discussions with JSP Nepal and LSP.
The ordinances, except for the land-related ordinance, are set to be presented after failing to reach the National Assembly earlier due to a lack of quorum.
Govt’s move to revive Political Parties Bill sparks fears of political manipulation
The government is set to introduce the long-dormant Political Parties Bill in the upcoming House of Representatives session on March 5, triggering widespread concern among smaller political parties.
The bill, which aims to amend the Political Parties Act 2017, could make it easier for parties to split—a move that opposition groups suspect is designed to weaken them.
The government, led by the Nepali Congress (NC) and the UML, has been facing hurdles in passing six ordinances, including one on land reforms, due to internal disagreements within the seven-party ruling coalition.
Prachanda calls for separate law to regulate gold and silver business
Former Prime Minister and Chair of the Maoist Center, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, has highlighted the need for a separate law to regulate the large-scale gold and silver business in Nepal.
Speaking at the 12th foundation day of the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Federation in Kailali, Dahal said that such a significant industry cannot be adequately regulated without specific legal provisions.
“As the Prime Minister, I had initiated discussions on how to regulate this business. The demand for a separate law is justified, as businesses across the country have been raising their voices on this matter for a long time,” he said.
Dahal urges Resham Chaudhary to merge with Maoist party
CPN (Maoist Centre) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has stated that protecting, utilizing, and furthering the political rights achieved through the leadership of the Maoist movement and the sacrifices of millions is the party’s responsibility.
Speaking at the fourth National Conference of the Tharu National Liberation Front, which began today in Tikapur, Kailali, Dahal stressed the need to safeguard federalism, inclusion, and proportional representation; rights gained through the people’s struggle.
“Corrupt and opportunistic forces are trying to roll back the rights secured for oppressed communities and regions. It is the Maoists’ duty to defeat such conspiracies and uphold these achievements with unwavering commitment,” he said.
JSPN maintains support for government despite opposing land-related ordinance
The Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal (JSPN), led by Upendra Yadav, has decided to continue its support for the current government.
Following a three-day central committee meeting in Lalitpur, the party resolved to maintain its backing for the government led by KP Sharma Oli.
After the meeting, JSPN spokesperson Manish Suman stated that there had been no decision to withdraw support and confirmed that the party’s stance remained unchanged.
NOC clarifies LPG price remains unchanged
Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has stated that the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) remains unchanged.
Following an agreement between the government and the Nepal LP Gas Industry Association on Tuesday, planned protest programs have been withdrawn, ensuring a smooth supply of LPG.
As per the five-point agreement reached today, the government had agreed to increase the price of LPG by Rs 12.75 per cylinder as per industry demands. However, NOC clarified that the retail price of LPG will remain unchanged.
Women face intimidation and violence amid Pathibhara protests
Women protesting against the Pathibhara Mukkumlung cable car project in Taplejung are facing increasing threats, violence, and intimidation as the government intensifies its crackdown.
Social activist Niranti Tumbapo, who has been actively involved in the movement, has gone semi-underground after witnessing firsthand the harassment faced by women protesters, local residents, and even bystanders.
Tumbapo, who also serves as the General Secretary of Kirat Yakthung Chumlung, arrived in Kathmandu from Taplejung on Sunday and spoke at an event organized by Khabarhub. She described the growing fear among women in Taplejung, saying that arbitrary arrests, police brutality, and vigilante attacks have made it impossible for them to move freely.
Melamchi drinking water pipe bursts in Thapathali
Less than a month after the Melamchi drinking water pipe burst in Babarmahal, another pipe has ruptured in Thapathali.
The latest burst occurred on Tuesday morning in the Thapathali area. A video showing the water gushing out like a flood on Bani Road has been shared on social media.
Previously, a drinking water pipe burst in Babarmahal while a technical team from the Nepal Electricity Authority was conducting drilling work.
KUKL reports 500,000 liters of water wasted due to pipe burst in Thapathali
Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL) has reported that approximately 500,000 liters of water were wasted following a pipe burst in Thapathali this morning.
This is the second such incident in recent weeks, with a previous pipe burst on February 12 in Babarmahal leading to the loss of 1 million liters of water.
KUKL spokesperson Prakash Kumar Rai informed that the issue in Thapathali was resolved quickly. He noted that while the cause of the burst is still under investigation, it is believed to be related to high water pressure.
KUKL assured that water distribution in Thapathali will return to normal in a few days, as the technical team continues to work on repairs.
Gas leak triggers fire during boring at Tikathali
A fire caused by a gas leakage during water drilling in Tikathali, Mahalakshmi Municipality-5, has been extinguished, but gas continues to leak from the site, raising concerns among locals.
The fire broke out at a boring site near the Godavari River around 8:30 am on Tuesday after gas erupted from the ground during drilling.
Lalitpur Police confirmed that the incident occurred when workers were digging approximately 900 feet deep.
Gold price up by Rs 1,400 per tola today
The price of gold and silver, which had remained stable for the past three days, increased today.
The price of gold increased by Rs 1,400 per tola, while silver has increased by Rs 25 per tola, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers.
As a result, gold was traded at Rs 169,500 per tola.
Lalitpur tests electric buggies to boost tourism
Lalitpur Metropolitan City has recently tested electric buggies (e-buggies) as part of an initiative to promote tourism in the city.
The e-buggies are being tested to transport both domestic and foreign tourists to various heritage sites, including monasteries and temples.
City Police Chief Sitaram Hachethu shared that the e-buggies are currently being tested in collaboration with Hotel Goodwill.
Rs 11 billion sought for expansion of airports in Lumbini and Karnali provinces
The Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation has requested the Finance Ministry to secure Rs 11 billion for the expansion of three key airports in Karnali and Lumbini Provinces.
The proposed funding aims to enhance Surkhet and Jumla airports in Karnali Province and Tarigaon Airport in Dang, Lumbini Province. This comes after the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) recommended land acquisition to improve airport capacity, prompting the Council of Ministers to approve financial guarantees on Monday.
Trump places pause on US aid to Ukraine
US President Donald Trump has placed a pause on aid to Ukraine, the White House announced late Monday.
“The President has been clear that he is focused on peace,” a senior administration official told VOA in an email. The official is not being named, as is customary when engaging with reporters.
“We need our partners to be committed to that goal as well. We are pausing and reviewing our aid to ensure that it is contributing to a solution.”
Earlier Monday, Trump was pointed in saying a deal for rare earth minerals was key to continued U.S. support of Ukraine, and said he would make an announcement on the matter Tuesday when he speaks before a joint session of Congress.
Lawyers protest at Bar building over voter roll controversy
Legal practitioners affiliated with the Democratic Lawyers Association (DLA) have staged a demonstration at the Bar Building in Ramshaha Path, Kathmandu, demanding that all voters approved by the Nepal Bar Association Central Committee be allowed to participate in the Bar Central Working Committee elections.
The protesters have raised concerns that preparations are underway to systematically exclude some members of the Kathmandu Bar following complaints about the voter roll.
Sushil Raj Poudel, the Kathmandu President of DLA, emphasized that once the voter roll has been approved by the Central Working Committee and submitted to the Election Committee, all those listed should be allowed to vote.
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