Red Voice Nepal

Tag: Kathmandu

  • Balen Shah sworn in as Nepal’s Prime Minister, forms new cabinet

    Balen Shah sworn in as Nepal’s Prime Minister, forms new cabinet

    KATHMANDU: Balen Shah has taken the oath of office as Nepal’s new Prime Minister.

    He was sworn in by President Ram Chandra Poudel during a special ceremony held at Shital Niwas on Friday.

    Mr Shah became Prime Minister under Article 76(1) of Nepal’s constitution, after leading his party to a majority in the House of Representatives. Officials say this is the first time a Prime Minister has been appointed under this provision since the 2015 constitution came into effect.

    His appointment is also being described as historic, as he is the first Prime Minister from the Madhesi community.

    Mr Shah, who was previously the Mayor of Kathmandu, resigned from his post to contest the February elections. He entered parliament for the first time and went on to secure a major victory, defeating former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli by nearly 50,000 votes in Jhapa-5.

    New cabinet announced

    Prime Minister Shah has formed a new cabinet, keeping the Defence and Industry portfolios himself.

    Other key appointments include:

    • Swarnim Wagle as Finance Minister
    • Sudan Gurung as Home Minister
    • Shishir Khanal as Foreign Minister
    • Sunil Lamsal as Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Urban Development
    • Biraj Bhakta Shrestha as Energy Minister
    • Khadkaraj Paudel as Tourism Minister
    • Sasmit Pokharel as Education and Youth Minister
    • Nisha Mehta as Health Minister
    • Bikram Timilsina as Communications Minister
    • Pratibha Rawal as General Administration Minister
    • Dipak Sah as Labour Minister
    • Sobita Gautam as Law Minister
    • Geeta Chaudhary as Agriculture and Forest Minister
    • Sita Wadi as Women and Children Minister

    The new government made up of several fresh faces is expected to bring a new direction to Nepal’s politics and governance.

  • Nepal spends over Rs 123 billion on fuel imports in 7 months

    BIRGUNJ: Nepal imported petroleum products worth Rs 123.67 billion in the first seven months of the current fiscal year, according to officials in Birgunj.

    The government earned Rs 52.15 billion in revenue from these imports.

    Diesel made up the biggest share, with more than 702,000 kilolitres brought in, costing Rs 63.65 billion. Petrol imports stood at over 200,000 kilolitres, worth Rs 25.30 billion.

    The country also imported liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) worth Rs 20.85 billion during the same period.

    Overall, fuel imports have increased compared to the same time last year.

  • Colombian Military Plane Crash Kills Dozens Investigation Underway

    COLOMBIA: A military plane crash in southern Colombia has left at least 66 people dead and many others injured, according to officials.

    The aircraft went down shortly after taking off near the town of Puerto Leguízamo in Putumayo province, close to the border with Peru.

    Air force commander Carlos Fernando Silva Rueda said there were 114 army personnel and 11 crew members on board.

    The plane was a US made Lockheed C-130 Hercules, commonly used to transport troops.

    Rescue teams rushed to the crash site and were seen searching through the wreckage for survivors. Authorities say the cause of the crash is still under investigation.

    Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez described the incident as “a tragic accident” that happened during takeoff while carrying security forces.

    He said the crash is “deeply sad for the country”.

    Later, officials added that a fire broke out on the plane, causing ammunition on board to explode, making the situation even worse.

  • Nepal Warns of Heavy Rain and Strong Storms Over Next Three Days

    Nepal Warns of Heavy Rain and Strong Storms Over Next Three Days

    KATHMANDU: Authorities in Nepal have warned of heavy rain, snowfall and strong winds across several parts of the country over the next three days.

    The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has urged people to remain alert and take precautions as bad weather is expected to affect multiple regions.

    According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology heavy rainfall and snowfall are likely in the hilly and mountainous areas of Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces.

    Strong winds are also expected in parts of Lumbini Province including Dang and Nepalgunj as well as across the Tarai region.

    The department said wind speeds could reach up to 119 kilometres per hour in eastern areas such as Biratnagar, Dhankuta and Dharan by Saturday.

    Officials have warned that the storm could damage buildings and disrupt electricity and communication services.

    Ram Bahadur KC an under secretary at NDRRMA, advised people in affected areas to avoid unnecessary travel, stay in safe places and limit vehicle use to reduce risks.

  • Prachanda Says Party Needs New Direction, Plans Early General Convention

    Prachanda Says Party Needs New Direction, Plans Early General Convention

    KATHMANDU: Pushpa Kamal Dahal a senior leader of the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) has said the party needs to move forward in a new way and is preparing to hold its general convention soon.

    Speaking at a meeting with leaders of affiliated organisations on Thursday Prachanda said, “There is a need to take the party forward in a new way. We will soon move towards the general convention.”

    He said that although his party did not achieve the expected results in the recent elections the overall outcome was still important for the country.

    According to him, the elections helped protect democracy, federalism and the constitution.

    “If the elections had not taken place, the country could have gone into uncertainty,” he said, adding that keeping the constitution on track was the most important achievement.

    Prachanda also mentioned that the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is preparing to form a new government and wished them success.

    During the meeting, leaders also discussed plans to soon integrate various party wings including workers, farmers, women and student groups.

    Another leader Rajendra Shrestha said the party will review the election results and announce new programmes shortly.

  • Ghode Jatra Festival Celebrated in Kathmandu Valley

    Ghode Jatra Festival Celebrated in Kathmandu Valley

    KATHMANDU: The Ghode Jatra festival is being celebrated today across the Kathmandu Valley with traditional enthusiasm.

    Observed every year on the new moon day of the Nepali month of Chaitra, the festival is marked with special events and cultural significance. On this occasion, the Nepali Army organizes a grand show at Tundikhel, featuring horse riding skills, motorcycle stunts, physical exercises, and demonstrations of military techniques.

    According to legend, a demon named Gurumapa once lived in the Tundikhel area and troubled local children. It is believed that horses trampling over the ground help keep the demon’s spirit away, which is why the horse parade became a tradition.

    The festival is also observed in Lalitpur, where a horse is raced as part of the celebration.

    The government has declared a public holiday in the Kathmandu Valley to mark the occasion.

  • Prachanda says ‘populist politics’ without ideology harming democracy and socialism

    Prachanda says ‘populist politics’ without ideology harming democracy and socialism

    CPN coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has warned that ideology-less populist politics and social media “stunts” are weakening democracy and socialism in Nepal. Speaking in Kathmandu, he called for stronger left unity and said the upcoming elections are key to addressing the concerns of youth and safeguarding the republic and federal system. #Prachanda #NepalPolitics #CPN #Populism #Democracy #Socialism #Elections #Kathmandu #LeftUnity #RedVoiceNepal

    Kathmandu: Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that “populist politics” without clear ideas or principles is weakening Nepal’s democracy and socialist movement.

    Speaking at a programme in Kathmandu on Monday, the former prime minister criticised what he described as social media-driven “stunts” and surface-level popularity campaigns. He said some groups are trying to win public support through online trends and slogans rather than serious policies and long-term vision.

    According to him, such trends are not just local but part of a wider international pattern influenced by global power politics.

    “Even without ideas, principles or history, some forces are trying to gain support through social media stunts,” Prachanda said. “This kind of populism has been used in many countries and is now being repeated in Nepal to attack democracy and socialism. It is linked to broader geopolitical interests.”

    Prachanda said his party stands for the protection of the republican system, federalism and the rights of marginalised communities. He described the CPN as a progressive and ideology-based party that aims to provide stable leadership at a time of political uncertainty.

    He also said Nepal needs a strong national political force to address the expectations of young people, including the emerging Generation Z. The party, he added, has been built by bringing together 26 small and medium-sized leftist, socialist and nationalist groups.

    With the House of Representatives elections set for 21 Falgun, Prachanda said elections are the best way to reach out to the public and respond to the concerns of young voters. He argued that a newly elected parliament with a fresh public mandate would be better placed to tackle the country’s challenges.

    He stressed the need for unity among leftist forces and called on youth and progressive groups to work together to build a more socialist-oriented political system.

    Political analysts say the speech is part of the CPN’s efforts to strengthen its base and draw clear ideological lines ahead of the upcoming elections, as newer parties continue to gain attention.

  • ANTUF Wins Solti Hotel Workers’ Election

    ANTUF Wins Solti Hotel Workers’ Election

    ANTUF Wins Solti Hotel Workers’ Election

    KATHMANDU: The hotel workers’ union affiliated with the All Nepal Trade Union Federation (ANTUF), close to the Nepali Communist Party has won the workers’ organisation election at Solti Hotel in Kathmandu.

    The election, held after a gap of nearly seven years, attracted keen interest from hotel-sector workers and was seen as a significant moment for labour politics in the hospitality industry.

    According to the final results, the ANTUF-backed panel secured 75 votes to take first place. The workers’ organisation affiliated with the Nepali Congress came second with 67 votes, while the CPN-UML aligned union finished third with 20 votes.

    Following the result, Suman Maharjan has been elected as president of the workers’ organisation. The newly elected committee is expected to prioritise issues related to workers’ rights, service benefits and overall labour welfare at Solti Hotel.

    Kumar Panta, President of All Nepal Hotel and Restaurant Workers Union (ANHRWU)  described the election as a message of workers’ unity, noting that labour organisations close to the Maoist movement have historically enjoyed strong support in the hotel sector.

    This latest victory is being viewed by analysts as a continuation of long-standing labour mobilisation among hotel workers. Union representatives say the organisation’s campaign for the restoration of a 10% service charge for hotel workers played a key role in attracting voter support.

    Labour leaders have termed the outcome “the beginning of a victory march”, stating that they will now intensify efforts to ensure a dignified working environment, social security and stronger labour rights for hotel workers.

    The result is expected to reshape labour politics in the hotel sector, bringing renewed balance and activism.

    Madhav Pandey, deputy general secretary of ANTUF, said the high participation and competitive nature of the election had helped strengthen internal democracy within the workers’ movement.

  • सोल्टी होटलबाट ‘ताराको विजययात्रा’ सुरु, मजदुर संगठनको निर्वाचनमा ANTUF विजयी

    सोल्टी होटलबाट ‘ताराको विजययात्रा’ सुरु, मजदुर संगठनको निर्वाचनमा ANTUF विजयी

    सोल्टी होटलबाट ‘ताराको विजययात्रा’ सुरु, मजदुर संगठनको निर्वाचनमा ANTUF विजयी

    काठमाडौं। सोल्टी होटलमा सम्पन्न मजदुर संगठनको निर्वाचनमा नेपाली कम्युनिस्ट पार्टी निकट अखिल नेपाल ट्रेड युनियन महासंघ (ANTUF) आवद्ध होटल मजदुर संगठन विजयी भएको छ। करिब सात वर्षपछि भएको यो निर्वाचनलाई होटल क्षेत्रका श्रमिकहरूले विशेष चासोका साथ हेरेका थिए।

    निर्वाचन परिणामअनुसार ANTUF निकट संगठनले ७५ मत प्राप्त गर्दै पहिलो स्थान हासिल गरेको हो। उसका निकटतम प्रतिद्वन्द्वी नेपाली कांग्रेस निकट मजदुर संगठनले ६७ मत ल्याएर दोस्रो स्थानमा सीमित भयो भने एमाले निकट मजदुर संगठनले २० मत मात्रै प्राप्त गरी तेस्रो स्थानमा रह्यो।

    यस निर्वाचनबाट सुमन महर्जन अध्यक्ष पदमा निर्वाचित भएका छन्। उनी नेतृत्वको नयाँ कार्यसमितिले अब सोल्टी होटलका श्रमिकहरूको पेशागत हकहित, सेवा–सुविधा तथा श्रम अधिकारका सवाललाई प्राथमिकताका साथ उठाउने अपेक्षा गरिएको छ।

    सोल्टी होटलमा लामो अन्तरालपछि भएको यो निर्वाचनलाई श्रमिक एकताको सन्देशका रूपमा पनि हेरिएको छ। होटल क्षेत्रमा विगतदेखि माओवादी निकट मजदुर संगठन लोकप्रिय रहँदै आएको पृष्ठभूमिमा यस पटकको जितलाई निरन्तर श्रमिक आन्दोलनको परिणामका रूपमा विश्लेषण गरिएको छ।

    विशेषगरी होटल श्रमिकको १० प्रतिशत सेवा शुल्क पुनःप्राप्तिका लागि भइरहेको पहल र संघर्षका कारण पनि श्रमिकहरू उक्त संगठनप्रति आकर्षित बनेको बताइन्छ।

    श्रमिक नेताहरूले यस जितलाई “ताराको विजययात्राको सुरुआत” भन्दै अब होटल क्षेत्रका मजदुरहरूको सम्मानजनक श्रम वातावरण, सामाजिक सुरक्षा र अधिकार सुनिश्चित गर्न थप सशक्त ढंगले अघि बढ्ने बताएका छन्।

    यस परिणामले होटल क्षेत्रको श्रमिक राजनीतिमा नयाँ सन्तुलन र सक्रियता ल्याउने अपेक्षा गरिएको छ। श्रमिकहरूको सहभागिता र प्रतिस्पर्धात्मक निर्वाचन प्रक्रियाले संगठनात्मक लोकतन्त्रलाई समेत बलियो बनाएको संगठनका उप – महासचिव माधव पाण्डेले बताए।

  • Talks Held on Cross-Border Digital Payments Between Nepal and India

    Talks Held on Cross-Border Digital Payments Between Nepal and India

    Kathmandu — Nepali citizens travelling to India are expected to benefit from easier QR code–based digital payments, following discussions between the central banks of Nepal and India.

    The issue was raised during a meeting between Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Biswanath Paudel and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra at the RBI headquarters in Mumbai last week.

    According to Nepal Rastra Bank, the talks focused on enhancing cross-border electronic payment systems between the two neighbouring countries, with particular emphasis on simplifying QR code payments for Nepali visitors in India.

    The meeting also covered broader areas of financial cooperation, including monetary policy, liquidity management, foreign exchange regulation, and technology-driven supervision, including the use of artificial intelligence in financial oversight. Indian authorities shared their policy experiences and best practices in these areas.

    Discussions further addressed emerging issues in the financial sector and avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two central banks.

    Senior officials from Nepal Rastra Bank, including executive directors from the Foreign Exchange Management, Payment Systems, and Bank Supervision departments, participated in the visit. They expressed interest in expanding technical collaboration with their Indian counterparts.

    During the same visit, Governor Paudel also met senior officials of the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The discussions included the development of Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), its regulatory framework, investment promotion policies, and potential areas of cooperation with Nepal Rastra Bank.

    The move is seen as part of ongoing efforts to improve cross-border financial connectivity between Nepal and India, where millions of citizens travel each year for work, trade, and tourism.

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