KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Election Commission asks political parties to register for Rupandehi-3 by-election
The Election Commission has called on all political parties to register for the upcoming by-election in Rupandehi constituency number 3, scheduled for November 3. According to a notice issued by the Commission today, political parties can submit their registration applications at the Commission’s central office from July 6 to July 12. The EC has already approved the election schedule for the by-election. Candidate nominations will be registered on October 7 between 10 AM and 5 PM at the Office of the Election Officer, and the candidate list will be published the same evening.
Baburam Bhattarai likens Nepal’s communist movement to Soviet-era stagnation
Nepal Samajbadi Party (Naya Shakti) chair and former prime minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai has launched a sharp critique of Nepal’s communist leadership, likening the current state of the movement to the era of stagnation under Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev. Posting on social media alongside a photograph of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Maoist Centre chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” in conversation, Bhattarai questioned what he described as the directionless and intolerant tendencies within the country’s communist parties. Citing the well-known adage, “We learn from history that we do not learn from history,” Bhattarai said it applied precisely to Nepal’s communist movement. “The hard-earned achievements of people’s struggles and the decade-long Maoist war have now ended in utter decline,” he said.
Two killed, three injured in tree collapse in Sindhuli
Two people were killed and three others injured after a tree collapsed in Bastipur, Hariharpurgadhi Rural Municipality-1, Sindhuli, on Friday afternoon. The incident occurred when a tree fell on a hut due to a landslide triggered by continuous rainfall, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police Suryaksha Subedi of the District Police Office. Nine-year-old Sarki Thing and 16-year-old Shanta Gole, who were inside the hut at the time, died on the spot.
NC leader Baniya requests CM Lama to resign
Nepali Congress Bagmati Province parliamentary party leader Indra Bahadur Baniya has urged Chief Minister Bahadur Singh Lama Tamang to step down and clear the way for a new government. Speaking to the media on Thursday morning, Baniya, who was recently elected as the party’s parliamentary leader, called on Lama to give up his stance and pave the way for change. “He has already lost the confidence of the parliamentary party and should step aside on moral grounds,” Baniya said, while clarifying that he had no personal conflict with the chief minister.
Driving license validity extended to 10 years
The government has extended the validity period of driving licenses from five years to 10 years. An amendment to the Vehicle and Transport Management Act, 2049, has officially revised the license duration. Previously, driving licenses were valid for only five years, after which drivers were required to renew them. With the new provision, licenses will now be valid for up to ten years.
Interest on Nepal’s foreign loans to double as economy upgrades
Nepal’s improving economic indicators, particularly the rise in per capita income, have led to an increase in the interest rates on foreign loans obtained from bilateral and multilateral development partners. The change will naturally raise the cost of foreign-funded projects, government officials confirmed. According to the Ministry of Finance, agencies such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), International Monetary Fund (IMF), and bilateral lenders including China, Japan, and India adjust interest rates based on a country’s income level and debt repayment capacity.
17 injured in school van accident
Seventeen people, including the driver, were injured when a school van carrying students veered off the road and overturned in Khuttidangi, Mechinagar Municipality-9, today. According to Khagendra Bahadur Khadka, Information Officer at the District Police Office, the student-carrying van (Me 1 J 3107) belonging to Parijat Public School veered off the road and crashed.
Bagmati Province declared a fully immunized zone
Bagmati Province was officially declared a fully immunized zone today. At a program organized by the Ministry of Health of Bagmati Province in Bhaktapur, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli made the declaration, confirming that all children under 15 months of age in the province’s 13 districts and 119 local levels have received all routine vaccines. On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli presented a certificate—provided by the National Immunization Coordinating Committee under the Ministry of Health and Population (federal government)—to Bagmati Province Health Minister Kiran Thapa.
Aging Chatara Canal puts eastern Tarai irrigation at risk
Once a flagship project of Nepal’s irrigation development, the Chatara Canal in Sunsari and Morang districts is now showing its age, raising alarms about the future of irrigation for 68,000 hectares of farmland in the eastern Terai. The canal, built under the 1954 Koshi Agreement to provide reliable irrigation to fertile farmlands in Sunsari and Morang, has been in operation for over 53 years, surpassing the standard 50-year lifespan of concrete irrigation structures. Officials now warn that major reconstruction is urgently needed to prevent water shortages and protect the country’s food security.
Gold prices down marginally
The price of gold has gone down marginally on Friday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold has gone down by Rs 500 per tola. With this, the price of gold has been set at Rs 193,100 per tola on Friday. Similarly, the price of silver has also decreased. The Federation said the price of silver has gone down by Rs 35 and is being sold at RS 2,235 per tola.
BP Highway still in despair
Nearly a year after devastating floods and landslides, key stretches of the BP Highway remain in a fragile and disrupted state, forcing the government to expedite emergency restoration with foreign aid support. The strategic highway, which connects Kathmandu to the eastern Terai, sustained severe damage during last year’s monsoon, with multiple sections washed away and traffic frequently halted. Around 25 kilometers of the road were critically affected, leaving residents and traders in surrounding districts grappling with risky travel and interrupted supply chains.
Over 70,000 foreign tourists visit Nepal in July
Nepal welcomed a total of 70,193 foreign tourists in July 2025—an increase of 8.7 percent compared to July of the previous year. According to the Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal has recovered 99 percent of pre-pandemic tourist arrivals compared to April 2019, signaling a strong rebound in the tourism sector after the disruptions caused by COVID-19. From January to July 2025, a total of 647,882 foreign tourists arrived in Nepal. This is the highest number of arrivals recorded in any year since the pandemic.
Minister Adhikari calls for speedy law to resolve land issues
Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives, and Poverty Alleviation Balram Adhikari has stressed the urgent need to draft and pass legislation to enable the newly formed National Land Commission to carry out its mandate of resolving land-related problems. Speaking at the meeting of the Agriculture, Cooperatives, and Natural Resources Committee of the House of Representatives on Thursday, Minister Adhikari said that although the commission has a three-year term, one year has already passed without progress due to the absence of necessary legal frameworks.
Nepal-China diplomatic relations enter 70th year
Today marked the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China. To commemorate this milestone, various events were organized both here in Kathmandu and in Beijing on Friday. The historic ties between the two countries date back informally to the marriage of Nepalese Princess Bhrikuti with Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, a relationship that has strengthened further in the modern era. Official diplomatic relations were established on August 1, 1955, with China.
Notorious gangster Chakre Milan among 47 arrested during lavish birthday celebration in Kathmandu
Police in Kathmandu have arrested 47 people, including notorious gangster Milan Gurung, better known as Chakre Milan, during a lavish birthday celebration that spilled onto the streets with a display of pomp and obstruction of traffic. In a joint operation by Kathmandu District Police Range and the Valley Crime Investigation Office, the arrests were made on Wednesday from Thamel and Maharajgunj areas, where the group was found engaged in activities described as criminal in nature. According to police, Chakre Milan had organized a birthday party at Hotel Sambala in Maharajgunj. The event, marked by loud celebrations and heavy street processions, caught the attention of law enforcement. Dozens of vehicles were paraded in convoy style, blocking traffic and raising alarms, prompting police to intervene and raid the hotel.
DDA orders halt to sale of unverified medicines promoted on social media
The Department of Drug Administration (DDA) has ordered the immediate halt of sales and distribution of several unverified medicinal products being promoted across social media and online platforms without scientific backing. In a public notice issued with the names and photos of the products, the DDA warned that such items could pose serious risks to public health. The products have been advertised on platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, making unsubstantiated claims of curing chronic illnesses such as thyroid disorders, prostate problems, diabetes, uric acid buildup, obesity, sexual dysfunction, alcohol dependence, and even cancer.
Home Minister Lekhak calls for ending drug abuse
Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak has emphasized the urgent need for effective action to eliminate narcotic drugs from the country. While inspecting the office of the Narcotics Control Bureau of Nepal Police in Koteshwor, Kathmandu today, Minister Lekhak stated that the production, storage, and use of narcotic drugs have recently become a serious challenge. “The abuse of narcotic drugs contributes to road accidents, suicides, and cybercrimes. We have launched a year-long campaign against drug abuse, and it is proving to be meaningful,” he said, urging collective support for the initiative.
Education Bill must reflect equal role of private sector, says N-PABSON
The National Private and Boarding Schools’ Association Nepal (N-PABSON) has called for the immediate enactment of the proposed School Education Act, urging the government to revise and issue the bill in a timely and farsighted manner. Speaking at a press conference today, N-PABSON stressed that the Act should reflect the constitutional vision of an advanced Nepal, with participation from public, private, and cooperative sectors, and should be drafted without discrimination. The association demanded that private schools currently registered under the Company Act be allowed to continue operating within the same legal framework.
Water supply expanded to 338 households in Myagdi
A total of 338 households in Malika Rural Municipality-2 have gained access to clean drinking water through three newly constructed water supply projects this year. The Khawang Sheredhara, Dhuwang, and Ghanglepani water supply, sanitation, and hygiene projects were developed with financial and technical support from Nepal Health for Water (NEWA), contributions from Malika Rural Municipality, and voluntary labor from local residents. According to Uday Kumar Budhathoki, ward chair of Malika-2, the projects were completed at a total cost of Rs 17.171 million and have provided tap connections to 338 households.
Service recipients benefit from Embassy’s mobile camp in America
The Nepali Embassy has conducted a mobile camp in Columbus, Ohio, aimed at delivering various consular services. According to the embassy in Washington, DC, around 400 individuals benefited from services provided during the camp held on Tuesday and Wednesday. The camp was organized under the coordination of Dr. Damodar Poudel, Honorary Consul General for the State of Ohio, with support from local non-resident Nepali associations. Dr. Poudel emphasized the importance of bringing embassy services closer to the community, noting that traveling to the embassy in DC for services such as passport renewal can be costly and time-consuming for Nepalis living in other states.
Farmers in Mahottari still waiting for rain as drought threatens rice cultivation
In the parched fields of Mahottari, anxious farmers continue to gaze at the sky, hoping for rain that would allow them to plant rice before the season slips away. With August already here, the traditional planting window is closing fast, leaving farmers worried about an impending food crisis. “This time of year, rice seedlings should be swaying in the fields,” said Ramkisan Mandal of Bhangaha-1. “Instead, we are still waiting for rain, praying we can at least do some late planting.” He lamented that the traditional schedule for sowing seeds, transplanting seedlings, and finally planting the kharuan (secondary transplantation after seedlings mature) has been completely disrupted by the prolonged dry spell.
Price of petrol down, diesel and kerosene up
Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has announced a fresh revision of fuel prices, making petrol slightly cheaper while increasing the cost of diesel and kerosene. The new rates came into effect from midnight on Friday. According to a notice issued by the corporation, petrol has been reduced by Rs 1 per liter to Rs 159. In contrast, diesel and kerosene have each increased by Rs 2 per liter, bringing their new price to Rs 150 per liter.
Sexual violence survivors demand stronger support and justice systems in Nepal
Survivors of sexual violence, particularly women and girls from Dalit, Indigenous, Madhesi, Muslim, and disabled communities, continue to face entrenched stigma, systemic barriers, and weak state support systems despite gradual legal reforms in Nepal, a national consultation in Lalitpur concluded on Thursday. The event brought together more than 30 representatives from marginalized communities, civil society, legal experts, media, and policymakers, who shared a collective concern: justice remains largely elusive for survivors.
Breastfeeding week shows challenges and gaps in Nepal
Once upon a time, even royal children in Nepal, Britain, Japan, and other monarchies were breastfed by nurses. Healthy women were selected to nurse and nurture royal infants, ensuring their growth and well-being, while the queens often avoided breastfeeding, fearing it would affect their beauty or hasten aging. Though times have changed, the stigma and gaps surrounding breastfeeding remain visible. Data shows that breastfeeding rates are declining in Nepal, particularly in urban and educated communities, where many mothers either fear physical changes or are too engaged in work.
Dengue infects 20 people in Chitwan in 15 days
Dengue infection has been confirmed in 20 individuals who visited various hospitals in Chitwan for treatment since the beginning of Shrawan. These cases were reported within just 15 days of the current fiscal year. According to Public Health Officer Anshu Pokharel of the Public Health Office, a total of 798 people were tested for dengue, with 20 testing positive. Of the infected, 14 are from Chitwan district, while six are from outside the district.
Nepal to host first-ever international fitness expo
Nepal is set to host its first-ever international-level Nepal Fitness Expo 2082, aimed at promoting fitness as a field of education and professional growth. Organized by Classic Fitness Academy and managed by Ringle Events, the expo will take place on August 30 at the Hotel Mall in Kathmandu. The total estimated cost of the event is over Rs 7 million, said Rojal Shahi, founder and director of Classic Fitness Academy Nepal, at a press conference on Friday.
Transformation of society through journalism possible: CM Karki
Chief Minister of Koshi Province, Hikmat Kumar Karki, emphasized that the media should highlight the positive initiatives of the government while also critically addressing its shortcomings. Inaugurating the office of the Press Club in Bhadrapur today, he stated that journalism is not merely about reporting news but also a powerful medium for social transformation.
Ministry to print postage stamps in-house soon: Minister Gurung
Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has announced that postage stamps will be printed in-house by the Ministry starting this year. Speaking to media persons after affixing a cancellation mark on 14 newly issued postage stamps by the Department of Postal Services on Friday, Minister Gurung said that until now, the stamps had been printed through the Janak Education Materials Centre (JEMC).
One drowns in Itahari
A man drowned in a pond at Dakaha in Itahari Sub-Metropolitan City-18 on Friday evening. The deceased has been identified as 48-year-old Sanjeev Chaudhary. According to police, Chaudhary went missing while fishing in the pond at around 6:00 pm. His body was recovered by a team from the Armed Police Force (APF) at approximately 7:30 pm.
Comment