KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Congress completes preparations for 15th general convention
The Nepali Congress has completed preparations for its 15th general convention, which is scheduled to begin at Tundikhel’s Khula Manch on Sunday. The convention will be inaugurated at 2 pm at the site where party founder and Nepal’s first elected prime minister BP Koirala delivered his first public address after returning from exile. Another party founder, Ganesh Man Singh, had also announced the success of the 2046 BS people’s movement from Tundikhel. Party President Gagan Kumar Thapa will inaugurate the convention. Senior leaders of the Nepali Congress and leaders of major political parties are also scheduled to address the inaugural session.
Congress convention: Central-level candidates barred from contesting at provincial, district levels
Individuals contesting for any central-level position in the Nepali Congress’ 15th General Convention will not be allowed to contest for positions in provincial or district working committees, according to the party’s Central Election Committee. The committee issued a press statement drawing attention to the relevant provisions of the Nepali Congress Statute, 2017, as amended. According to the statement issued by committee member-secretary Raju Katuwal, a person who contests for a position at any level of the party during a convention cannot contest for a position in the working committee of any higher or lower level during the same period. Reminding party members of the provision, the committee said candidates contesting for central-level positions in the 15th General Convention would therefore be barred from contesting at the provincial and district levels.
Fuel shortage hampers repair of Beni-Jomsom road
A shortage of fuel has emerged as a major challenge in repairing the Myagdi section of the Beni-Jomsom-Korala road, which was obstructed by floods and landslides following heavy rainfall last week. The continuous rainfall from September 24 to 27 triggered floods and landslides at more than 46 locations along around 50 kilometres of the road between Maldhunga and Ghasa. Following repairs, one-way traffic has resumed along the sections from Bhurung Tatopani in Annapurna Rural Municipality to Mustang and from Maladhunga in Parbat to Rahughat in Myagdi. However, repair work has been affected by a shortage of fuel after existing supplies ran out and due to delays in removing a gantry tower located at the powerhouse and switchyard premises of the Rahughat Hydropower Project in Tilkenichaur, Raghuganga Rural Municipality-3.
PM Shah says housing rights of every citizen will be guaranteed
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has said the government will ensure the right to housing for every citizen. In a social media post on Saturday, Shah said a bill to amend the existing legal framework, titled the ‘Building Act, 2083’, has been registered at the Federal Parliament Secretariat with the objective of ensuring housing rights for all citizens. According to Shah, the bill, registered on Friday, proposes measures to ensure housing for low-income families and safe and well-managed housing for middle-income families. The proposed legislation includes a provision to provide free river-based and natural construction materials required for citizens building a house for the first time, in accordance with standards and designs prescribed by the government.
Congress arranges accommodation for 10,000 delegates, well-wishers
Hotels in various parts of Kathmandu have been booked to accommodate delegates attending the Nepali Congress’ 15th General Convention, which is set to begin Sunday. The Accommodation Management Committee, coordinated by central member Ramesh Prasad Dhamala, has arranged hotels in Gaushala, Koteshwor, Lazimpat, Thamel, New Bus Park, Sundhara, Balaju and Kalanki. According to Lilaprasad Dhakal, president of the Nepal Democratic Small Hotel Entrepreneurs’ Association, accommodation has been arranged for around 10,000 delegates and well-wishers. Delegates from Koshi and Madhes provinces will be accommodated in Gaushala and Koteshwor, while those from Bagmati will stay in Lazimpat and Thamel. Hotels in Balaju and New Bus Park have been allocated for delegates from Gandaki and Lumbini, while those from Karnali and Sudurpaschim will stay in Sundhara and Kalanki.
Energy Minister inspects Kulekhani Dam following heavy rains
Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Birajbhakta Shrestha inspected the Kulekhani Hydropower Project dam in Makwanpur on Saturday to assess its condition following heavy rainfall that pushed the reservoir water level close to a critical threshold. The minister visited the project site to review the situation after intense rainfall from September 25 to 29 caused a significant rise in the reservoir level. During the inspection, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Executive Director Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha briefed him on the condition and operation of the facility. Following the inspection, Minister Shrestha said the dam is currently safe and stable. He said the project had remained on high alert throughout the period of heavy rainfall, with necessary measures taken to manage the rising water level and minimize risks downstream.
Speaker Aryal pledges legislation to protect Newar cultural heritage
Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR) Dol Prasad Aryal has pledged to introduce necessary legislation to protect the linguistic, artistic, cultural and heritage assets of the Newar community across the country, with particular focus on Lalitpur. Addressing the inauguration of the 33rd annual general meeting of the Jyapu Society in Lalitpur today, Speaker Aryal said preserving cultural heritage is a responsibility that must be fulfilled by the present generation. He praised the Newar community for its longstanding efforts to preserve Lalitpur’s monasteries, cultural heritage, traditions and indigenous practices. Highlighting the community’s significant contribution to Nepal’s cultural identity and heritage conservation, as well as its participation in various social and political activities, Aryal stressed the need to protect authentic cultural and heritage practices and pass them on to future generations.
Nepali Congress to accept candidacy nominations for General Convention on Monday
The registration of nomination papers for the election of the Central Working Committee under the 15th General Convention of the Nepali Congress is scheduled to take place on Monday. According to a press release issued by the Nepali Congress Central Election Committee today, candidates can register their nomination papers from 2 pm to 6 pm on Monday, October 5 at the Rastriya Sabha Griha in Kathmandu. Election Committee Member-Secretary Raju Kaduwal said in the statement that all Central General Convention delegates and those eligible to contest the election can register their nomination papers within the stipulated period. The Election Committee said a detailed election schedule for the election of the Central Working Committee under the 15th General Convention will be published later.
Health desk with 30 health workers set up at Nepali Congress General Convention
A health desk staffed by 30 health workers has been set up at the 15th General Convention of the Nepali Congress to provide medical services to delegates attending the event. According to Dr. Kedar Narsingh KC, coordinator of the Health Committee under the General Convention Organizing Committee, the health desk has been established on the western side of the open stage at the convention venue. The five-room facility will provide general health check-ups as well as emergency medical services. Dr. KC, who is also a central member of the Nepali Congress, said the health desk will operate in two shifts. Eight doctors, along with paramedics and nurses, will be deployed at the facility. Free services, including blood sugar and blood pressure checks, will be available, while medicines and essential supplies such as citalopram, Jeevan Jal, and medicines for treating wounds will also be provided.
Over 3,500 police personnel to be mobilised across Kathmandu during festive season
Over 3,500 police personnel will be mobilised across the capital during Dashain, Tihar and Chhath to strengthen security amid increased travel, large gatherings and other festival-related risks. The Kathmandu District Police Range said the deployment is aimed at addressing heightened security risks during the festival season, when increased movement of people, large gatherings and homes being left unattended can create opportunities for criminal activities. Additional reserve teams from higher police offices will also be mobilised if required. Police have identified religious sites such as Pashupatinath, Guhyeshwari and Dakshinkali as sensitive locations, along with crowded commercial areas including New Road, Asan, Koteshwar and Kalanki. Shopping malls, jewellery stores, government and private offices, and ATM booths have also been placed under heightened security surveillance.
Six killed, 10 injured in Daunne road accident
Six people were killed and 10 others injured in a road accident at Daunne along the East-West Highway in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat-Susta East) this morning. According to Anil Pandit, information officer at the District Police Office, the accident occurred when a passenger bus traveling from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu met with an accident at the S-shaped road section in Binayi Triveni Rural Municipality-2, Daunne. The injured passengers have been taken to Madhyabindu Provincial Hospital for treatment. Police said the identities of those killed in the accident have not yet been released. Further details about the incident are awaited.
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