KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Gagan Thapa-led NC leaders reach Election Commission to update party decisions
Leaders of the Nepali Congress led by Gagan Thapa have reached the Election Commission to formally update the party’s decisions following the Special General Convention. The move follows the first meeting of the newly elected Central Working Committee, held earlier on Thursday in Kupandole, Lalitpur, which decided to approach the Commission to record the outcomes of the Special Convention. Accordingly, party President Thapa, Vice President Sharma and other newly elected office bearers arrived at the Election Commission a short while ago.
Gagan Thapa to draft NC manifesto for March 5 election
The Nepali Congress led by Gagan Thapa has decided to prepare a party manifesto for the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5. The decision was taken by the first meeting of the newly elected Central Working Committee, held on Thursday in Kupandol, Lalitpur. The meeting resolved to form a Manifesto Drafting Committee under the chairmanship of party President Thapa. According to party spokesperson Devaraj Chalise, the meeting also decided to form an Election Mobilization Committee under Vice President Bishwa Prakash Sharma to steer the party’s campaign for the parliamentary polls.
Deuba faction removes Gagan, Bishwa and Mansoor from Nepali Congress website
The Sher Bahadur Deuba-led establishment faction of the Nepali Congress has removed the names and photographs of Gagan Thapa, Bishwa Prakash Sharma and Farumullah Mansoor from the party’s official website, further deepening the ongoing legitimacy battle within the party. Thapa and Sharma were serving as General Secretaries, while Mansur was a Joint General Secretary before the party’s Special General Convention. Their profiles are no longer visible on the Nepali Congress website, which remains under the control of the Deuba faction.
Shekhar Koirala claims ‘capital-centric and international conspiracy’ behind Congress split, urges unity for March polls
Senior Nepali Congress leader Dr Shekhar Koirala has acknowledged that efforts to keep the party united have failed, while alleging that a capital-centric national and international conspiracy played a role in weakening and splitting the party. In a statement issued on Thursday, Koirala said the “Bhagirath-like” effort to keep the Nepali Congress intact had not succeeded, forcing the party into a difficult phase just weeks ahead of the March 5 elections. “The attempt to take the Nepali Congress to the elections as a united force could not succeed,” he said, pointing to a combination of visible and invisible internal contradictions, external interference and organisational weaknesses. He claimed that political forces based in Kathmandu, along with international actors, had been actively working to undermine the party.
UML open to collaboration with Sher Bahadur Deuba-led NC faction
The UML has signaled its readiness to work with the faction of the Nepali Congress led by Sher Bahadur Deuba, if circumstances allow, amid the ongoing political realignments following the Nepali Congress split. UML leaders, including Secretary Mahesh Basnet, made the announcement during a press briefing, stating the party’s primary focus remains on creating an environment for free and fair elections while continuing its provincial and national campaigns.
Govt falls short of revenue target in first half of fiscal year
The government has failed to meet its revenue collection target in the first six months of the current fiscal year, raising concerns over fiscal performance and budget execution. According to the Ministry of Finance, the government managed to collect only 81.75 percent of its revenue target during the review period. For the current fiscal year, the government has set an annual revenue target of Rs. 1.480 trillion. Of this, it had aimed to collect Rs. 711.21 billion by the end of Poush. However, actual revenue collection during the period stood at just Rs. 581.41 billion, falling significantly short of the target.
Netra Bikram Chand and Miraj Dhungana reach four-point agreement for joint movement
Netra Bikram Chand, chair of the Nepal Communist Party (Maoist), and Miraj Dhungana, leader of the Gen-Z group, have reached an agreement to cooperate in a joint political movement. The two sides signed a four-point agreement in Kathmandu on Thursday, committing to work together to advance protests and political actions in the coming days. According to the agreement, both sides will struggle to address the demands raised by the Gen-Z movement, push for constitutional amendments in line with public aspirations, work toward the formation of a stable government, establish a special judicial body to combat corruption, and pursue the progressive restructuring of the state.
Oli: Lucifers have reached Jhapa to contest against me
KP Sharma Oli has raised concerns over the election campaign activities of Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah, questioning the sources of funding and the scale of publicity. Oli claimed that some individuals have been entering election areas with pomp and media attention, claiming they would contest against him. He specifically pointed to campaign events in Jhapa, highlighting the use of unfamiliar currency notes and questioning the legitimacy of the funds being used.
Kulman on unity with RSP: We were in an accident for 12 days, but emerged clean
Ujyalo Nepal Party Chair Kulman Ghising has said his party, which he described as having gone through a brief “accident,” has emerged purified and renewed. Speaking at a unification program with the Rastriya Paribartan Party (United Gen-Z) in Kathmandu on Thursday, Ghising said the party had faced a difficult phase for around 12 days before managing to come out “clean and clear.” “It took us 12 days to come out of the darkness, and that period was extremely challenging for us,” he said. Ghising added that the party is now determined not only to cleanse itself but also to seriously pursue a campaign to “clean and illuminate the country.”
Gen-Z Movement slams bid to shield Rabi Lamichhane, demands rule of law
Gen-Z Movement Nepal has strongly objected to what it called an attempt to grant immunity to Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane, who faces allegations of cooperative fraud, money laundering and organized crime. In a statement issued on Thursday, the movement accused the Sushila Karki-led government — which it claims was formed through the hijacking of the rebellion and seizure of power — and the Attorney General appointed by it of weakening the supremacy of law by shielding alleged criminals. The movement said such actions go against democratic values, victims’ right to justice and the responsibility of the state.
Nepal Telecom warns VAS providers over circulation of offensive SMS
Nepal Telecom has warned Value Added Services (VAS) providers after offensive and inappropriate messages were found being circulated to mobile users through its system. The state-owned telecom company said it has issued clear instructions to service providers not to send messages that could harm ethnic, class-based, religious, communal or political harmony. Nepal Telecom also signaled that strict action will be taken against any provider found sending such messages to the public in the future.
Gold and silver prices ease after record highs
Gold and silver prices dipped on Thursday after reaching record highs the previous day. According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Merchants Federation, the price of gold has been set at Rs. 276,500 per tola, a drop of Rs. 1,500 compared to Wednesday’s price. On the previous day, gold traded at Rs. 278,000 per tola, the highest level recorded so far. Silver prices also eased, falling by Rs. 170 per tola. After hitting a peak of Rs. 5,655 per tola on Wednesday, silver was traded at Rs. 5,485 per tola on Thursday.
Maghe Sankranti celebrated across Nepal as a festival of faith, renewal and cultural unity
Maghe Sankranti, one of Nepal’s most revered festivals, is being celebrated across the country today with religious devotion, cultural fervor and social gatherings, marking the end of the harsh winter of Poush and the beginning of the auspicious month of Magh. Observed every year on Magh 1, the festival signifies the sun’s transition into the northern hemisphere (Uttarayan), a period considered highly sacred in Hindu belief. The day is regarded as especially favorable for spiritual activities such as ritual bathing, prayers, meditation, fasting and charity.
US to halt immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Nepal
The United States (US) has announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, expanding the Trump administration’s immigration restrictions. The pause, which affects visas for employment or family reunification, will include nations such as Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Haiti, Somalia, and Russia. Non-immigrant visas, including tourist and student visas, are not affected, meaning travelers to events like the upcoming World Cup in the US will not be impacted, CNN reported.
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