Kathmandu, September 24
From the CPN-UML’s decision to reinstate former President Bidya Devi Bhandari as a senior leader to a planned opposition movement against the government, Thursday brought several significant developments in Nepal. Here are the day’s key stories, along with updates on currency, aviation, legal aid, security and more.
Bidya Devi Bhandari reinstated as UML senior leader
The CPN-UML has decided to make former President Bidya Devi Bhandari a senior leader of the party. A meeting of the party’s Secretariat held on Thursday proposed making Bhandari an honorary senior leader, placing her second in the party hierarchy after Chairman KP Sharma Oli. The proposal will now be presented to the Central Committee for approval.
Fire damages 10 houses in Taplejung’s Dobhan Bazar
Ten houses were damaged after a fire broke out at Dobhan Bazar in Taplejung district on Thursday afternoon, reportedly due to an electrical short circuit. The fire started from the house of local resident Dandu Sherpa after an electrical short circuit, according to authorities.
Mahesh Basnet announces post-festival movement against Balen Shah government
PN-UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet has said his party, along with other political parties, will launch a “strong movement” across the country after Dashain, Tihar and Chhath. Speaking to journalists at the venue of the UML Central Committee meeting, Basnet said the movement would target the government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah.
Resident doctors at National Medical College instructed to leave the college
National Medical College and Teaching Hospital in Birgunj has instructed its first-year postgraduate (PG) resident doctors to leave the college immediately. The college has announced that all academic activities for these resident doctors, including classes, clinical postings, departmental training, and ward and emergency duties, are suspended until further notice.
Nepal Rastra Bank to issue new Rs 1000 notes from Friday
Nepal Rastra Bank is set to put new Rs 1,000 banknotes into circulation from Friday. According to the Currency Management Department of Nepal Rastra Bank, the new notes will be brought into circulation from Friday. The new Rs 1,000 notes will retain the same dimensions as the existing notes but will feature a different colour scheme. The notes will be light green with a purple border, according to the central bank.
Himalaya Airlines resumes direct Kathmandu-Shanghai-Kathmandu flights
Himalaya Airlines will resume direct flights on the Kathmandu-Shanghai-Kathmandu route. Himalaya has announced to resume regular direct flight service from Tribhuvan International Airport to Pudong International Airport, Shanghai, starting Monday, September 28.
Bill on Free Legal Aid tabled
Sobita Gautam, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, has presented the Free Legal Aid Bill 2083 before the House of Representatives. She tabled the bill at Thursday’s meeting. While presenting it, Minister Gautam noted that the new bill has been drafted to effectively implement the fundamental right to justice enshrined in Article 20 of the Constitution, as well as the integrated legal aid policy issued in 2076 BS.
Indian national arrested at TIA with half a kilogram of gold
An Indian national has been arrested at Tribhuvan International Airport with half a kilogram of gold. The person arrested is 42-year-old Mohammad Chera Thodi, who arrived in Kathmandu via Doha, Qatar. Police said he was arrested from the airport’s parking area, with 536 grams of gold recovered from him.
