Gurung returns as Home Minister, Pun takes charge of Science and Innovation portfolio
Sudhan Gurung and Mahabir Pun were sworn in as Home Minister and Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, respectively on Tuesday. President Ram Chandra Paudel administered the oath of office and secrecy to the two ministers amidst a function at Sheetal Niwas this afternoon. Prime Minister Balendra Shah had recommended their appointments earlier in the day today. Gurung returned to the Home Ministry, which he previously held in the Shah-led government. He resigned after being embroiled in a money laundering controversy. The government had also formed a committee to investigate him. After the committee gave him a 'clean chit', Prime Minister Shah reinstated him to the post. Similarly, Pun had previously served as the Minister of Education in the interim government led by Sushila Karki. He resigned ahead of the March 5 election and contested the poll as an independent candidate from Myagdi. He was elected as a member of the House of Representatives, defeating candidates of the major political parties.
Somali referee Artan barred from entering US
Omar Artan, who was set to be the first Somali to referee at the World Cup finals, has been dropped from the list of officials after he was denied entry to the United States, BBC reported. Artan, the 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) men's referee of the year, was barred from entering the country at Miami International Airport and is currently in Turkey. No reason for Artan's repatriation has been issued by US immigration authorities, but Somalia is one of several countries on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump's administration.
