October 17, 2024: Snapshot of today's main news

Kathmandu, October 17 — In this section, we present the key headlines of the day. If you've been busy and missed the news, we’ve got you covered. Here are the highlights.

ANNFSU (R) protests Israeli assaults at Maitighar Mandala

The All Nepal National Free Students Union (Revolutionary) has called for an immediate cessation of the brutal attacks against the peoples of Lebanon and Palestine. During a protest at Maitighar Mandala on Thursday, the student organization expressed its opposition to the Israeli assaults.

The organization also extended its condolences and sympathy to the people of Lebanon and Palestine. Additionally, it urged the Nepali government to take necessary steps to ensure the safe return of the Nepali community residing in Israel and Lebanon.

Furthermore, the organization appealed to the Israeli embassy, the Nepali government, and the international community to advocate for the release of Nepali student Bipin Joshi, who is reportedly in Hamas custody.

Complaint filed against PM Oli at CIAA

A complaint has been filed against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA). The allegation pertains to the acquisition of land under the pretext of constructing a party office, with claims that a businessman would also undertake the building project.

The complaint was submitted today by Yuvraj Paudel (Safal) from Sindhuli. The petition calls for a thorough investigation in accordance with the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2002, and seeks stringent action against the accused.

The complaint asserts that the amended Prevention of Corruption Act categorizes the acceptance of donations, gifts, or contributions as a corrupt practice, thus alleging that the Prime Minister has violated the law.

Supreme Court issues show-cause order against NBA President Ghimire

The Supreme Court has issued a show-cause order in the contempt proceedings initiated against Gopal Krishna Ghimire, the President of the Nepal Bar Association.

The bench comprising Justices Kumar Regmi and Kumar Chudal issued the show-cause order on Thursday, electing to maintain the writ without dismissal.

Following this joint bench order, it appears that the ongoing tension between the Bar and the Bench will persist. It had been anticipated that the dispute would conclude after the Supreme Court's spokesperson, Govinda Ghimire, announced the withdrawal of the report.

However, with the bench's decision to keep the matter alive, it seems that only the Bar and Bench Coordination Committee will seek a resolution. A judge noted that as the procedural course of the case continues, the friction between the Bar and the Bench may intensify.

The Supreme Court has mandated a specific timeframe for Ghimire to clarify his statements. Ghimire has responded by affirming his intention to comply with the Supreme Court's esteemed directives.

Agreement reached on Search Committee for TRC

A meeting of the top leaders from three political parties has concluded at the Prime Minister's residence in Baluwatar. Discussions during the meeting focused on transitional justice.

Sources indicate that there was an agreement on finalizing a search committee for the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission and a Commission on the Disappeared, which is expected to be approved by the Cabinet on Friday.

Participants in the meeting included Prime Minister and Chairman of the CPN (UML) KP Sharma Oli, Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, Chairman of the main opposition CPN (Maoist Centre) and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Deputy General Secretary of the Maoist Centre Shakti Bahadur Basnet, and Attorney General Ramesh Badal.

Air pollution in Kathmandu: Hazy conditions persist, AQI hits 155

With the drop in temperature in the Kathmandu Valley, air pollution has increased.

The atmosphere in Kathmandu has been hazy since Thursday morning.

According to the Air Quality Index measured by the U.S. Embassy, the AQI in the Kathmandu Valley reached 155 as of 11 AM on Thursday.

This indicates that the air quality in Kathmandu is unhealthy.

The World Health Organization (WHO) considers air quality unhealthy when the AQI exceeds 150.

An AQI above 300 is regarded as hazardous.

Minister Pandey orders halt to vacate Pashupati Gaushala Dharamshala

Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey has directed the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) to halt work on the Pashupati Gaushala Dharamshala.

As the chairperson of PADT, Minister Pandey expressed concerns in a letter on Wednesday about issues arising in “peace and security,” instructing the Trust to cease efforts to vacate the Dharamshala.

Despite a seven-point agreement to transfer management responsibilities of the Dharamshala to the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, the Marwadi Sewa Samiti has been protesting against this decision. As the dispute escalated, the minister intervened and ordered that efforts to vacate the Dharamshala be stopped.

Gold price reaches historic high

The price of gold has reached a historic high in the Nepali market on Thursday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association, the price of hallmark gold increased by 600 rupees, reaching 162,400 rupees per tola (11.66 grams).

On Wednesday, the price had been 161,800 rupees per tola.

Government achieves 17.49% of revenue target in first quarter of fiscal year

In the first three months of the current fiscal year (Shrawan, Bhadra, and Ashwin), the government has achieved a revenue collection of 17.49% of its target.

During this period, the total revenue collected amounts to NPR 248.26 billion. The government has set a revenue collection target of NPR 1.419 trillion for the fiscal year.

According to the Finacial Comptroller General Office, NPR 81.87 billion was collected in Ashwin alone. Previously, by the end of Bhadra, the revenue for the first two months reached NPR 166.38 billion.

90 days of Oli government: Economists express discontent

Economist Deependra Bahadur Kshetri stated that the current government's actions do not demonstrate the validity of a government with a near two-thirds majority from the two major parties. While it may not be fair to make comments based solely on the first 90 days, he believes the indicators are not very promising.

According to him, the current government could primarily focus on two areas. First, it could have made solid progress towards eradicating corruption, but it has fallen short in that regard. The government has not been able to reach conclusions in investigations, including those related to cooperative fraud.

Second, the government had the opportunity to significantly improve service delivery. However, Kshetri argues that the government has also failed in this area. Providing his own experience, he said, “I had to visit several government offices today for my own work, and I had to show my citizenship in four different places. The government has claimed to digitize services and has issued national identity cards, but the public has not felt their effectiveness. The government could have delivered on these issues immediately, but that has not happened.”

NAC pays Rs 6.32 billion loan

The Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has so far paid back Rs 6 billion 328 million 597 thousand of the loan it had taken for purchasing aircraft for international flights.     

The national flag carrier had taken a loan from the Employees Provident Fund and Citizens Investment Trust for the two narrow-body and two wide-body aircraft that it purchased, NAC said in a press release. 

NAC spokesperson Ramesh Poudel said the airlines on October 16 paid Rs 530 million 955 thousand 281 including the full instalment for the two narrow-body aircraft for the month of Asoj and the part instalment for two wide-body. 

'Gunyu Cholo' selected in US photo film market

Nepali film 'Gunyu Cholo' featuring the story of a gender minority transgender character has been selected in the prestigious photo film market in the United States.

Directed by Samundra Bhatta, the film has been selected for the photo film market to be held in Seattle, USA from October 17 to 20.

Prominent film organizations like Amazon MGM Studio, Pilars Fund, Blumhouse HBO, CAA, Creative Land Studio will also participate in the film market event.

Founder and director of the Photo Film Festival Rita Meher said the festival will be developed as an Oscar-worthy South Asian film festival.

Israel claims to have killed Hamas leader Sinwar

The Israeli military said Thursday it was looking into whether Hamas’ top leader Yahya Sinwar was killed in a military operation in Gaza. Authorities were conducting DNA tests on a body to determine if it is him, an Israeli security official said.

The military said in a statement that three militants were killed during operations in Gaza, without specifying where or elaborating further. It said the identities of the three were so far not confirmed, but it was “checking the possibility” that one of them was Sinwar.

The security official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation, said the tests on the body had not yet confirmed if it was Sinwar’s.

There was no immediate comment by Hamas on the report.

International Crimes Tribunal issues arrest warrant for Hasina

The International Crimes Tribunal has issued an arrest warrant for former prime minister Sheikh Hasina over mass killings during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in July and August,

The tribunal issued the warrant on Thursday following the formal commencement of the judicial proceedings, ordering that Hasina must be produced before it by November 18.

It also issued warrants for the arrest of Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and 44 others.

ICT Prosecutor BM Sultan Mahmud said two petitions had been submitted before the tribunal, the first for an arrest warrant for Hasina and the second for 45 others.

The tribunal had accepted the two petitions and asked for a report within November 18, he added.

Death toll in Bihar hooch incidents rises to 26

The death toll of hooch incidents in Bihar’s Siwan and Saran districts has risen to 26, officials said on Thursday.

While 20 people died after consuming illicit liquor in Siwan district, six lost their lives in a similar incident in Saran district. Siwan Superintendent of Police Amitesh Kumar confirmed the death of 20 people in Siwan’s Bhagwanpur, Madhar and Koundia over the last three days.

In Siwan, a postmortem of 20 victims was conducted at the government Sadar Hospital.

Relatives of the victims told the police that 20 people had consumed illicit liquor on Monday and Tuesday.

They complained of stomachache, vomiting, nausea and loss of vision soon after consuming illicit alcohol, a close relative of one of the victims said.

Health department officials in Siwan, however, said that 23 people have so far died during treatment and their postmortem was subsequently conducted. Four others admitted to Sadar Hospital in serious condition have been referred to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) for better treatment.

SAAF Women's Championship: India beats arch-rivals Pakistan 5-2

In an one-sided encounter at Dasarath Stadium, India faced off against arch-rivals Pakistan in the SAAF Women’s Championship, securing a decisive victory with a scoreline of 5-2.

The first half was dominated by the Indian team, which raced to a commanding 4-1 lead within the opening 45 minutes.

India struck early, netting two goals within the first 17 minutes, establishing a formidable advantage. Pakistan managed to score a penalty just before the half-time whistle, offering a glimmer of hope as they headed into the break.

Sajid Khan the star turn as Pakistan eye end to winless run

England 291 (Duckett 114, Sajid 7-111) and 36 for 2 need a further 261 to beat Pakistan 366 and 221 (Salman 63, Bashir 4-66)

With a twinkle in his eye and a twirl of his moustache, Sajid Khan helped turn the Multan rematch Pakistan's way.

A first-innings seven-for was followed up by crucial lower-order runs to help set England a daunting target of 297 to win the second Test.

Sajid then struck with his third ball to remove Ben Duckett, England's centurion on day two and a key man in their hopes of a successful chase.

Coldplay teaming with Barcelona for next clasico against Real Madrid

 Barcelona soccer team will wear special edition shirts with a logo of pop rock band Coldplay on their fronts for the upcoming clasico against Real Madrid.

Hansi Flick’s team will wear the shirts when it visits Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Oct. 26. Barcelona women’s team will also wear them for a Spanish league game against Eibar on Nov. 2.

The club is also launching versions of the shirts for sale in limited editions.

The proceeds will be donated to a project by UNHCR/ACNUR and the Barça Foundation to help fight the impact of climate change in refugee camps in Uganda.