Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.

NSP to adopt “Right to No Vote” policy in Bajhang by-election

Former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai-led Nepal Samajbadi Party (NSP) has decided not to participate in the by-election in Bajhang. The party’s central committee meetings held on Wednesday and Thursday decided to adopt the “Right to No Vote” policy in the Bajhang by-election. NSP has decided to support Dakendra Singh Thagim, an identity-oriented candidate, in Ilam-2 constituency during the by-election.

Home Ministry urges local administration to reclaim public property

The Home Ministry has instructed local administrations to redouble their efforts in reclaiming encroached public and government land and restoring it to its original state. Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane has urged all district administrations to accelerate the process of reclaiming public land that has been encroached upon or taken under false pretenses. The Home Ministry has mandated that all 77 district administration offices provide daily updates on their progress in this endeavor.

Over 31,000 foreign tourists explore Ghodepani in 2080 BS

 In the year 2080 BS, more than 31,000 foreign tourists ventured into the Ghodepani-Poon Hill area of Annapurna Rural Municipality-6 in Myagdi district. As per the records of the Tourist Police Post in Ghodepani, a total of 31,439 foreign tourists trekked through the region over the course of the year. While the Post diligently maintains records of foreign tourists entering and exiting Ghodepani, it does not track domestic tourists in the area. Senior Head Constable Tek Bahadur Sunari Magar from the Ghodepani Police Post reported that out of the total, 25,279 tourists entered the Ghodepani-Poon Hill area, with 6,160 visitors choosing to explore other destinations via Ghodepani.

Gandaki CM Adhikari assigns portfolios to Deepak Manange and Hari Chuman

Gandaki Province Chief Minister Khagaraj Adhikari has assigned ministerial responsibilities to non-portfolio ministers Deepak Manange and Hari Bahadur Chuman on Saturday. Independent lawmaker Manange and CPN-Maoist Center’s provincial parliamentary party leader Chuman, who were appointed as ministers without portfolio on April 7, have been given specific roles.

Nepali women cricketers to play Super Women’s Cup in Malaysia

Six Nepali women cricketers are set to participate in the Super Women’s Cup in Malaysia. According to the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), Indu Barma, Rubina Chhetri, Sita Rana Magar, Puja Mahato, Kavita Kunwar, and Ashmina Karmacharya will represent Nepal in the Super Women’s Cup. The tournament, organized by the Malaysia Cricket Association, is scheduled to take place from April 24 to May 5.

Survey reveals 120 snow leopards in Dolpa

The latest findings from a snow leopard survey disclosed recently has revealed a significant number of snow leopards inhabiting areas outside the conserved zones of Dolpa. A systematic camera trap survey conducted over five months from April to August 2023 confirmed the presence of a considerable number of snow leopards in the eastern Dolpa region outside the Shey-Phoksundo National Park. The survey, supported by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Nepal, estimated a snow leopard density of 1.5 per 100 square kilometers, culminating in the confirmation of 30 snow leopards in the study area.

550,000 acquire work permits by April of current fiscal year

Approximately 550,000 individuals have acquired work permits for overseas employment until April 12 of the current fiscal year 2023/24. Among them, 70,933 workers obtained work permits from March 14 to April 12. Kabiraj Upreti, Director at the Department of Foreign Employment, stated that of these, 64,241 are men and 6,692 are women.

Sagarmatha Ascent: Over Rs 500 million collected in royalties

As the Sagarmatha (Mt Everest) ascent season unfolds, the government has amassed over Rs 500 million in royalties. The Tourism Department reports a collection of Rs 505 million from 352 individuals who secured climbing permits for the world’s highest peak, Sagarmatha. Rakesh Gurung, Director of the Adventure Tourism and Mountaineering Section at the Department, noted a significant increase in adventure tourists this year. “The Department is following the revenue collection procedures from previous years and anticipates meeting its targets,” he added. The Department has updated a total of 352 mountaineers from 33 expeditions, including 65 women and 287 men, representing 55 countries.

UML’s NGCRC meeting features presentation of six reports (with full report)

The National General Convention Representatives Council (NGCRC) meeting of the CPN-UML commenced in Kathmandu on Saturday, witnessing the presentation of six comprehensive reports. The meeting kicked off at Sunrise Hall in Lalitpur’s Godawari on Saturday afternoon, drawing the participation of approximately 2500 leaders and cadres from all corners of the country. At the UML’s grand gathering, Chairman KP Sharma Oli and General Secretary Shankar Pokharel took the floor to present crucial reports. Chair Oli delved into a detailed political report, while Pokharel elaborated on the organizational aspects in his presentation. Additionally, reports from the Central Discipline Commission, Central Audit Commission, Central Election Commission, and the Central Advisory Council were also presented, encompassing various facets of the party’s functioning and governance.

Home Minister Lamichhane warns against vote-buying in by-election

Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane has issued a stern warning, promising strict action against those involved in distributing money for votes during the upcoming by-election. Speaking at an election rally in Ilam on Saturday, Minister Lamichhane assured that stringent measures will be taken against anyone caught engaging in such malpractices. “If any instances of vote-buying come to light, swift action will be taken within 24 hours,” he emphasized.