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Cases have been filed at the District Court Kaski against four individuals, including Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President and former Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, who have been implicated in the Pokhara-based Surya Darshan Cooperatives fraud scam.

The cases are on the charge of money laundering.

Assistant District Attorney at the District Government Attorney Office, Shanti Devi Sharma, said that along with Lamicchane, cases on money laundering have been filed today against Ram Bahadur Khanal, Chhabilal Joshi and Lila Pachhai.

According to Sharma, a case has been filed against Lamichhane, claiming that he misappropriated Rs 278. 94 million. Similarly, a rcase has been filed against Joshi, claiming that he misappropriated Rs 743. 47 million.

Assistant District Attorney Sharma said that chargesheets have been filed against other persons also, making claim of the misappropriated amount and punishment for the same.

Cases have been filed against 19 persons including Lamichhane on the charge of organized crime and against 31 individuals including Lamichhane on the charge of cooperatives fraud.

The Government Attorney Office said that cases have been registered at the District Court Kaski against 63 people so far on the charge of cooperatives fraud.

Information Officer at the District Court, Suraj Adhikari, informed that chargesheets have been filed against various persons including the RSP Presidenf Lamichhane on the charge of cooperative fraud, organized crime and money laundering, and calling for penalizing them.

Lamichhane is alleged of embezzlement of the funds of Pokhara-based Surya Darshan Savings and Cooperatives Limited and he remains in police custody since October 18.

He was apprehended from Kathmandu and was escorted to Kaski.

He is being investigated for accusations of misuse of cooperative funds in other districts as well.

 Janakpur Bolts have secured a place in the final of the ongoing Nepal Premier League (NPL) by defeating Karnali Yaks in today's second qualifier match.

Chasing a 119-run target set by Karnali in 19 overs, Janakpur achieved the goal with ease.

James Neesham was the top scorer for Janakpur, scoring 45 runs with two boundaries and five sixes off just 17 balls. Sher Malla was not out with 16, while Harsh Thakur contributed 17 runs. Mayan Yadav and Akash Tripathi scored 15 and 13, respectively.

On the bowling side, Karnali's Bipin Prasad Sharma took three wickets, while Sompal Kami, William Bosisto, and Zeeshan Maqsood each claimed one wicket.

Earlier, Karnali Yaks lost the toss and was put into to bat first.

The team posted 118 runs in 20 overs, losing nine wickets Gulshan Jha was the top scorer for Karnali with 25 runs, including one four and two sixes off 20 balls.

Opener Dev Khanal made 24 runs, hitting three boundaries and one six in 20 balls, while William Bosisto scored 14 runs off 15 balls, including one boundary. Zeeshan Maqsood and Unish Thakuri each contributed 12 runs, but no other players reached double digits.

Sompal Kami was dismissed for five runs, and Jaykishan Kolsawala made just one run.

For Janakpur, James Neesham, Mohammad Mohsin, and Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi took two wickets each, while Harsh Thakur and Sher Malla claimed one wicket each.

With this victory, Janakpur will face Sudurpaschim Royals in the final on December 21. The NPL is underway at Tribhuvan University's Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

A powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu on Tuesday, causing widespread destruction.

The quake reduced buildings to rubble, triggered landslides, and disrupted power and telecom infrastructure. Multiple aftershocks have further compounded the challenges, leaving communications disrupted and the airport closed.

“The destruction caused by this earthquake is heart-wrenching. Our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones and the many others whose lives have been upended,” said Bhagyashri Dengle, Regional Director of Plan International Asia-Pacific.

“We are committed to ensuring that those most in need, especially girls, young women, and people with disabilities, receive the necessary care and support in these critical moments.”

As of 18 December 2024, the earthquake has affected an estimated 80,000 people, claimed over 14 lives and left 200 injured. According to the National Disaster Management Office, the numbers are expected to increase.

The Vanuatu government has declared a state of emergency and activated the national emergency response. Immediate needs identified include water, medical teams, and medical supplies.

Mudasser Siddiqui, Deputy CEO of Plan International Australia, echoed the urgency of the situation. “We must act swiftly and inclusively to provide essential aid such as emergency food, water, shelter, and psychosocial support. In collaboration with our partners on the ground, Plan is exploring opportunities to secure funding through mechanisms such as the Australian Humanitarian Partnership.”

Plan International remains steadfast in its mission to promote children’s rights and equality for girls, especially during times of crisis.

By working closely with local organizations and stakeholders, Plan aims to prioritize immediate relief while laying the groundwork for long-term recovery.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has reiterated that all would be treated equally as per the law and the government is committed to take action against anyone involved in criminal activities.

Talking to journalists in Chitwan today, Minister Lekhak said all the accused in the cooperative fraud would be brought to book, adding that there would be fair investigation on all those charged in cooperative fund misappropriation and the guilty would face action.

He said that police have been instructed to take action against the person who posted in the social media site a photo of Rabi Lamichhane, the President of Rastriya Swatantra Party, who is in police custody in Kaski on a case of cooperative fraud.

The Home Minister also said a directive has been given to take action against the police persons involved in neglecting the security and sensitivity of the custody.

On a different note, he said the present government would not be changed and the ministers too.

He insisted that the present coalition will continue until 2084 BS.

Two persons died in a motorbike in Damak, Jhapa.

DSP Krishna Kumar Chand of the District Police Office, Jhapa informed that the accident took place last night.

The deceased have been identified as Jamuna Dhimal (32) of Gauradaha Municipality-5 and Om Kumari Rai (25) of Gauradaha Municipality-5 in Jhapa district.

Similarly, motorcycle rider Biraj Thapa (27) of Ratumai Municipality-8, Morang, who was injured in the incident, is undergoing treatment at Birtamode-based B&C Hospital.

Further investigation into the incident is underway.

The motorbike has been kept at the Area Police Office, Damak. 

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Nepal organized the ‘2024 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Forum’ on Dec 14 in Kathmandu to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Nepal. The forum highlighted the enduring partnership between the two countries, focusing on the contributions of Korean companies to Nepal’s social and economic development.

The seminar’s guest of honor, Baburam Adhikari, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, praised South Korea’s significant support in Nepal’s development, especially in the areas of social progress and investment. He described the 50-year journey as a shared tale of mutual respect and values, which has contributed to both personal and economic development in Nepal.

Park Taeyoung, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, underscored the importance of policy development and investment in key potential areas. He reaffirmed Korea’s commitment to supporting Nepal as a ‘RAMRO SATHI’ (Good Friend) and emphasized the need for collaboration to foster sustainable development.

In his speech, Ambassador Park stated, “This year holds special significance as we mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Nepal. This milestone reflects the depth of friendship, cooperation, and shared aspirations between our peoples.”

He highlighted the significant contributions of Korean companies in supporting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and CSR activities in Nepal. These initiatives, including sustainable development projects and community empowerment programs, reflect the unwavering commitment of Korean companies to positively impact the environment and society.

The ambassador expressed gratitude to the visionary Korean companies whose donations and capacity-building efforts have not only strengthened economic ties but also improved the lives of many Nepalis. He also called for continued cooperation from the Government of Nepal to ensure a favorable environment for foreign investment.

“This forum represents an opportunity to deepen our understanding of how CSR initiatives can drive sustainable growth and inclusive prosperity,” Park added. “It also symbolizes the enduring friendship between Korea and Nepal, built on mutual respect and shared goals. Let us work together to make the next 50 years of our partnership even more remarkable.”

Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak has said that consensus from all political parties will be ensured to amend the Constitution.

He was speaking at a press meet organized by the Nepal Press Union, Chitwan chapter today.

He stressed the need of the constitution amendment for strengthening the federal democratic republic and the inclusion. "The preliminary dialogue on this issue has commenced. But, the constitution amendment will not be determined by two political parties."

He went on to say that the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML, the largest parties in the parliament, had decided to form the incumbent coalition government to promote political stability, prevent corruption, strengthen good governance and economic activities and accelerate the pace of development.

The Minister announced that the existing political alliance between the NC and UML has no issues and it will continue until the next general election to take place in 2084 BS. On a different note, he claimed that the government is highly aware of the guarantee of human rights of each citizen.

He added that the government has no feeling of 'revenge' against Rabi Lamichhane, the Chair of Rastriya Swatantra Party, as the current investigation against him is a legal issue. "It is not expected to raise questions over the legal proceedings in the case," he added.

Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has urged the entire party rank and file to move ahead in unison and with activeness for bringing positive change in people's lives.

He said so while addressing a two-day national workshop entitled 'Problems of Party's Works at Local Level and Solution', organized by the UML Central Organization Department at the party's central office at Chyasal, Lalitpur today.

PM and Party Chair Oli on the occasion called on the party's leaders and workers, in their capacity as the leaders and workers of a party established in favour of the people and the country, to actively and with unity be dedicated to the national campaign of improving the living standard of the people.

Referring to the struggle and success of the Communist Party of China, and China's present rapid economic development as examples, Chairman Oli said the party needs to be one on bringing positive change in the lives of the people.

He pointed out that ideological clarity and unity should be maintained within the party and it should be oriented towards the journey of socialism, stressing on the need of the workshop's participants to reach its message to the masses.

Presenting the example of the Communist Party of China reaching to power from a situation of nought and achieving supremacy and thereby making China an economic super power now, the UML Chairman reminded that in China there is no system of any party leader opposing the party leadership.

Stating that China has started its journey of socialism with its unique features without copying from other socialist nations, he said in Nepal the UML is also moving ahead towards the goal of socialism.

"Our party is born not only for the sake of politics. It is a party that was born to make the country developed and bring positive change carrying with it the goals of socialism and nationalism. It has been consistently working from the beginning to give the advanced shape to the social condition. The Communist Party of Nepal was established with the objective of fulfilling the people's basic needs like food, clothes, health care and education, and their political rights. The political rights have been achieved and now is the time to work towards economic production and prosperity by maintaining political stability," PM and Party Chair Oli said.

Stating that the desired achievements could not be secured due to the lack of ideological clarity and unity within the party since the historical period, he said a tendency to express one's differences but failing to explore the right way ahead has been seen within the party.

He called for the party to be free of such tendency now. Although the reactionaries have adopted the policy of dividing the Communist Party and rule the country, the Party Chair Oli recalled how the founding leader Pushpalal had made efforts at maintaining the party unity.

He urged one and all to be free from the tendency of 'my way or highway' and to work for the interest of the people and the country by adopting the right thinking. The chairpersons, secretaries and chiefs of the organization departments of the UML's all the province and district committees, two additional women from province committees, the central chairpersons and general secretaries of the people's organizations and the mayors and deputy mayors elected from the party are attending the National Workshop that kicked off on Saturday.