FEB 20: 6 things to know by 6 PM today

Published On: February 20, 2018 06:00 PM NPT

80 pc newborn deaths attributed to complications during birth

A report published by UNICEF shows that newborn mortality is high in low-income countries where the rate is 27 deaths per 1,000 births. Newborns from the riskiest places are up to 50 times more likely to die than those from the safest places. In Nepal, one in 48 babies dies in their first 28 days of life making up to 13,000 newborn deaths every year in Nepal.

President overturns NA members, NC calls foul

President Bidya Devi Bhandari today overturned Sher Bahadur Deuba led government’s NA nominations and recommended three persons, Yubraj Khatiwada, Ram Narayan Bidari and Bimala Paudel to the post of National Assembly Members at the recommendation of the Oli led government. The Nepali Congress (NC) has expressed reservation to the government recommendation saying that the decision would create more gaps between the government and opposition in coming days. The Deuba-led government had recommended the names of Chandani Joshi, Gopal Basnet and Krishna Prasad Poudel as the NA members.

Bomb diffused in Baglung, Kathmandu terrorized by hoax

A bomb disposal team of the Nepal Army defused a bomb planted by an unidentified group at Purano Bus Park of Baglung Municipality-2 on Monday night. Similarly, a bomb hoax at New Baneshowr terrorized residents of Kathmandu valley today. A general strike was called by Biplav led Maoist today.

Maoist Centre to send ministers today

CPN (Maoist Center) will recommend three of its party leaders to join the KP Sharma Oli led government today. Maoist Centre had earlier denied joining the government after merger talks were halted. Following yesterday’s seven-point agreement, the party is sending its ministers to join the government.

Slovenia hockey player tests positive for doping at Olympics

A Slovenian hockey player who became the third athlete to be caught doping at the Pyeongchang Olympics said Tuesday he tested positive for an asthma drug that he took under doctor's orders. The Court of Arbitration for Sport said Ziga Jeglic tested positive for fenoterol in an in-competition test. Fenoterol is a drug designed to open the airways to the lungs.

Saudi prince woos investors after corruption crackdown

Three months after Saudi Arabia detained scores of people in a crackdown on corruption, its rulers are trying to reassure investors that the kingdom remains open for business. Foreign and local investors have long complained about corruption and confronting it is an important part of reforms unveiled by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to transform the country and reduce the economy’s reliance on oil exports.