KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
NOC reduces petrol price by Rs 5
The price of petroleum products has been reduced, with the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) adjusting the rates effective from midnight. As per the new rates, the price of petrol has been lowered by Rs 5 per liter, and diesel by Rs 4.
Now, petrol will be sold at Rs 163 per liter, while diesel and kerosene will be priced at Rs 151 per liter in the Kathmandu Valley.
Socialist Front gears up for protest rally to counter royalist activities
The Socialist Front, a coalition of leftist parties in Nepal, is gearing up for a large-scale protest rally on March 28 to counter recent royalist activities.
The protest comes in response to former King Gyanendra Shah’s renewed call for a third term as monarch, which has sparked concerns among republican forces.
Royalists rally in front of Narayanhiti Palace, demand Gyanendra Shah’s reinstatement
Royalist groups demonstrated in front of the Narayanhiti Palace Museum on Saturday, demanding the restoration of the monarchy and the reinstatement of former King Gyanendra Shah as monarch for a third term.
Led by the organization Royal Youth Power Nepal, the protesters blocked traffic while waving national flags and carrying banners that read, “Let’s declare Gyanendra Shah king for a third time. The king and the people are one.”
This rally follows a series of royalist demonstrations in Kathmandu, including a show of force on March 9, which has alarmed major political parties. The royalist resurgence comes amid calls for reinstating the monarchy, prompting heightened political tension in the capital.
51% Nepali households still rely on firewood for cooking
More than half of Nepal’s households still rely on firewood for cooking, according to the final results of the National Census 2021.
The data reveals that 51% of the country’s 6.66 million households regularly use firewood for cooking.
Although the number of households using firewood has decreased by 13% compared to the previous census in 2011, when the figure stood at 64%, the shift towards cleaner energy remains slow. The census also shows that 44.3% of households now use liquefied petroleum (LP) gas for cooking.
NC leader KC denies land encroachment allegations, vows legal action against RSP
Nepali Congress leader Dr. Kedar Narsingh KC has accused lawmakers from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) of attempting to tarnish his reputation by falsely linking his name to public land encroachment.
Speaking at a press conference today, Dr. KC stated that the remarks made by RSP lawmakers Shishir Khanal and Sumana Shrestha during the House of Representatives meeting on March 12 were politically motivated and unfounded.
FSU election process stalled in 11 TU constituent campuses
The Free Students Union (FSU) election process has come to a halt in 11 constituent campuses of Tribhuvan University (TU) due to ongoing disputes among student organizations, according to Pashupati Adhikari, Director of the Directorate of Student Welfare and Sports.
The primary issue stems from disagreements between student groups regarding the admission process, leading to delays in initiating the election procedures. Out of the 62 constituent campuses under TU, six are located within the Kathmandu Valley and five are situated outside.
Consumer Court inaugurated by CJ Raut
Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut inaugurated Nepal’s first Consumer Court today, established under Clause 44 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2018.
The court aims to provide judicial redress for consumers and address disputes related to quality goods and services.
Padam Sundas to receive Karmayogi Badri Pahadi Samaj Sewa Puraskar
Social activist and former ambassador Padam Sundas has been selected to receive this year’s ‘Karmayogi Badri Pahadi Samaj Sewa Puraskar’ for his unwavering commitment to social justice.
The Human Rights and Peace Society announced that Sundas will be honored with a cash prize of one lakh ten thousand rupees in recognition of his decades-long contribution to fighting caste discrimination and promoting social harmony.
Two dead in tipper accident in Tinkune
Two people died in a tipper accident at Tinkune, Kathmandu, on Saturday morning.
The victims have been identified as Sukram Tamang of Panauti Municipality-11 and Ramesh Tamang of Bethanchowk Rural Municipality-6, both from Kavre.
Texas State Legislature declares March 13 as ‘Nepali Lumbini Advocacy Day’
The Texas State Legislature has officially declared March 13 as ‘Nepali Lumbini Advocacy Day’ to recognize the cultural and spiritual significance of Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
The Texas House of Representatives passed Resolution 530 on March 13, granting formal recognition to ‘Nepali Lumbini Advocacy Day.’
17 plays from 12 countries to be showcased at 3rd NITFest
The third edition of the Nepal International Theatre Festival (NITFest) is set to feature 17 plays from 12 countries, bringing a global cultural experience to the stage.
The festival, organized by Mandala Theatre, will be held from March 19 to 25.
Festival coordinator Kedar Shrestha stated that the selection was made from a total of 115 plays submitted from around the world.
G7 urges Russia to accept ceasefire or face further sanctions
Top diplomats from the Group of Seven leading democracies urged Russia on Friday to accept a U.S.-proposed ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war or face the possibility of additional sanctions.
“We called for Russia to reciprocate by agreeing to a ceasefire on equal terms and implementing it fully,” the diplomats said in a joint statement from the site of their talks in Canada.
Provincial Health Minister warns of transfers for underperforming staff during Bhaktapur Hospital monitoring
Bagmati Province Health Minister Kiran Thapa Magar, along with a team of officials, conducted a surprise monitoring visit at Bhaktapur Hospital on Friday.
The hospital, declared the best among provincial hospitals, was assessed for its service operations and management.
The inspection team included Provincial Assembly member Suresh Shrestha, Bagmati Province Health Secretary Dr. Sumitra Gautam, and Bhaktapur Hospital Management and Operations Committee Chairman Shashi Jung Thapa.
External support essential to address climate crisis: Minister Thakuri
Minister for Forests and Environment, Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, has emphasized the significant impacts of climate change on Nepal and stressed the necessity of external aid to mitigate its effects.
In his address at a reception hosted by the Nepali Embassy in London on Friday evening, the Minister highlighted that climate change has affected key sectors in Nepal, including agriculture and tourism.
Birgunj Customs Office collects Rs 1.09 billion in revenue in first eight months
The Customs Office in Birgunj has collected Rs 1.09 billion in revenue during the first eight months of the current fiscal year, falling short of its target of Rs 1.39 billion.
Customs Chief Administrator Deepak Lamichhane stated that the revenue collection ranged from Rs 12.15 billion in the first month of the fiscal year (Shrawan, mid-July to mid-August 2024) to Rs 15.47 billion in the month of Magh (January-February 2025).
NA Chair calls for focus on improving people’s living conditions
National Assembly (NA) Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal has emphasized the need for the government and political parties to prioritize improving the living conditions of the people.
Speaking at a program organized today, he stated, “Although the political system has changed, the standard of living for the people has not improved in a way that is truly noticeable.”
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