KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
PM Oli arrives in Beijing by train after SCO Plus Summit
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has arrived in Beijing following the conclusion of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus summit in Tianjin, according to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat. Oli traveled from Tianjin to Beijing by train, where he was welcomed by Chinese officials. During his visit, the Prime Minister is scheduled to meet Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and attend a state dinner hosted by the Vice President with the Nepali delegation.
PM Oli and Vice President Han hold bilateral meeting
A bilateral meeting was held between Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Vice President of the People’s Republic of China Han Zheng at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing today. At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Oli is currently on an official visit to China.
National Assembly passes long-awaited Civil Service Bill
The much-anticipated Federal Civil Service Bill, 2080, has been passed by the National Assembly. In Tuesday’s meeting, Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration Bhagwati Neupane tabled a proposal to endorse the bill, which had been received from the House of Representatives with amendments. The proposal was unanimously approved by the Assembly, announced Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal. Today was the final deadline for the National Assembly to endorse the bill as per constitutional provisions.
National Assembly committee endorses Federal Civil Service Bill unanimously
The Legislative Management Committee under the National Assembly has unanimously endorsed the Federal Civil Service Bill. The decision was made during a committee meeting held at Singha Durbar on Tuesday. The committee reached consensus on the long-debated issue of the retirement age for civil servants. As per the provision already passed by the House of Representatives, the retirement age will be implemented in phases: 58 years in the first year after the law comes into effect, 59 years in the second year, and 60 years from the third year onward.
National Assembly committee finalizes mandatory retirement provision for civil servants
The Legislative Management Committee of the National Assembly has endorsed the mandatory retirement provision for civil servants as passed by the House of Representatives, resolving earlier disagreements over the issue. During a meeting held at Singha Durbar on Tuesday, the committee reached an agreement on the Federal Civil Service Bill, 2023, deciding to implement the retirement age provision in three phases. According to the agreement, once the bill becomes law, civil servants will retire at the age of 58 in the first year, 59 in the second year, and 60 from the third year onward.
Parties can register for Manang by-election between September 4 and 10
The Election Commission has announced that political parties can register to contest the by-election for the Province Assembly seat in Manang Constituency No. 1(2) from September 4 to 10. The seat became vacant after Rajiv Gurung, also known as Deepak Manange, was imprisoned in a criminal case. Parties seeking to participate in the by-election must submit their registration applications at the Commission’s central office in Kantipath during office hours. The applications must follow the format outlined in Schedule-12 of the Political Parties Regulations, 2017, and include the party’s full and abbreviated name, date of establishment, central office and correspondence addresses, contact details, and social media accounts.
Koshi minister blocks secretary from assuming office, sparking dispute with chief minister
A secretary transferred to Koshi Province by the federal government nearly three weeks ago has been unable to assume office after the Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Development of Koshi Province, Bhupendra Rai, refused to let him report for duty. On August 11, the federal government reassigned Secretary Milan Acharya to Koshi Province. The Chief Minister’s Office then decided to post him to the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Development. However, Minister Rai rejected the decision, preventing Acharya from formally taking charge.
Kalanki–Basundhara road section work to begin in October
The government has announced that expansion of the main section of the Ring Road from Kalanki to the Dhobikhola bridge in Basundhara will begin in October. According to Department of Roads spokesperson Prabhat Kumar Jha, the project will move forward once China, the funding partner, provides final approval of the detailed design. “Discussions with the Chinese survey team have concluded, the survey has been completed, and work is underway on the detailed design. The design will be finalized within a month, and by October we plan to secure approval in China and enter the tender process,” Jha told Khabarhub.
RSP confirms Lekh Jung Thapa as Rupandehi-3 candidate
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has confirmed Dr. Lekh Jung Thapa as its candidate for the Rupandehi-3 by-election, following scrutiny over his polygamy issue. After news emerged about Thapa’s marital status, RSP leaders had investigated the matter and had warned that his candidacy could be revoked if he failed to provide proof of divorce from one of his wives. On Tuesday, following discussions with party leaders, Thapa publicly shared documents on Facebook confirming his divorce from his first wife.
38 gates of Koshi Barrage opened as river flow surges
In response to rising water levels in the Saptakoshi River, authorities have opened 38 out of 56 gates at the Koshi Barrage to manage the increased flow and reduce flood risk. Heavy and continuous rainfall in the hills has caused the river’s discharge to surge. By 10 p.m., the flow reached 273,925 cubic feet per second (cusecs), up from 256,010 cusecs at 4 p.m., when 34 gates were open.
Acting PM Singh, World Bank VP discuss urban development projects
Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development Prakash Man Singh held talks with Johannes Zutt, Vice President of the World Bank for South Asia, at the Ministry of Urban Development on Tuesday. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between the ministry and the World Bank in upcoming projects. Discussions centered on the Greater Lumbini Area Development Project, urban infrastructure development in Kathmandu, solid waste management, and river cleanliness.
Delay in tree-cutting orders slows transmission line project
Construction of the Dandakhet–Rahughat transmission line, operated by the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), has been delayed as the Division Forest Office in Myagdi has not yet issued tree-cutting orders. The project has so far achieved 80 percent physical progress. The transmission line project was originally scheduled for completion by November 2025. The cabinet had approved the use of 25.62 hectares of community and national forest land for tower sites and right-of-way on February 18, 2024. The construction site contains 3,936 trees.
Floodlight installation underway at TU Cricket Ground
Installation of floodlights is progressing rapidly at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. The first phase of work around the ground involves setting up six floodlight poles, four of which have already been installed, while the remaining two are expected to be completed today and tomorrow.
Nepal to introduce electronic tracking system for tourists
The Department of Immigration has announced that foreign tourists arriving in Nepal on visit visas will now be registered and monitored through an electronic system. Issuing a notice on Tuesday, the department said the new system will be implemented to enhance the security of foreign nationals, streamline information management, curb potential crimes, and support the promotion of Nepal’s tourism industry.
Dr. Govinda KC ends hunger strike after three days
Dr. Govinda KC, who had been on a hunger strike for the past three days demanding reforms in medical education, ended his protest on Tuesday afternoon. He had begun his 23rd hunger strike at the proposed Dasharathchand Health Sciences University in Geta, Kailali. Unlike his earlier indefinite fasts, this time he had announced the strike would last for only three days.
UML calls Secretariat meeting to discuss three key reports
The ruling CPN-UML has called a Secretariat meeting in preparation for its upcoming statute convention, scheduled for September 5-7. According to Rajendra Gautam, head of the party’s Publicity Department, the meeting will be held at 3 PM on September 4 at the party’s central office in Chyasal. The meeting will focus on three key reports: the political report by Chairman KP Sharma Oli, the statute amendment report by Vice Chair Bishnu Paudel, and the organizational report by General Secretary Shankar Pokharel.
Nepal cricket team returns ater Australia tour
The Nepal national cricket team returned home on Tuesday after completing a T20 series and practice matches in Australia. The tour was organized as part of Nepal’s preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers. During the visit, the team played a series of competitive games to fine-tune their skills and assess their performance ahead of the global qualifying tournament.
Earthquake jolts Dolakha’s Lapilang
A 4.1-magnitude earthquake struck near Lapilang in Dolakha district at 3:13 PM today, according to the National Seismology and Research Center. Earlier this morning, a separate tremor measuring 4.0 on the Richter scale was recorded with its epicenter in Hanspur, Ajirkot Rural Municipality-3 of Gorkha.
NEPSE drops 17.76 points, closes at 2,744.97
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) fell by 17.76 points on Tuesday, a decline of 0.64 percent, closing at 2,744.97. Despite the fall in the benchmark index, trading volume remained strong, though it did not cross Rs 5 billion. A total of Rs 4.43 billion worth of shares, amounting to 10.53 million units, were traded throughout the day. At market close, share prices of 29 companies had gained, while 221 companies saw declines. No company’s share price remained unchanged.
21 people injured in Gorkha bus accident
Twenty-one people were injured in a road accident that happened this morning at Tariphant in Bhimsenthapa Rural Municipality-3 of Gorkha district. The passenger bus (Ba 01-006 Kha 4131) was travelling to Arughat Soti in Gorkha district from Kathmandu. All together 22 people were travelling by the bus.
Earthquake strikes Hanspur, Gorkha
An earthquake with its epicenter in Hanspur, Ajirkot Rural Municipality-3, Gorkha, was recorded early this morning. According to the National Seismology and Research Center in Lainchaur, the quake measured 4.0 on the Richter scale and occurred at 6:15 a.m.
Baitadi on high alert as continuous rain raises risk of floods and landslides
The District Administration Office, Baitadi, has urged residents to remain on high alert as continuous rainfall heightens the risk of floods, landslides, and other monsoon-related disasters. Chief District Officer (CDO) Punya Bikram Paudel said people should avoid unnecessary travel and refrain from staying in vulnerable areas during the ongoing heavy downpour. “We have asked all responsible agencies and stakeholders to remain prepared to respond immediately in case of a disaster. Continuous rainfall has increased the chances of floods and landslides, so residents are advised not to travel unless it is absolutely necessary,” he said.
Koshi Province on high alert as monsoon storm system intensifies
A weather system capable of producing thunderstorms and rainfall has developed over Koshi Province, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. Radar monitoring from Udayapur shows the system forming over Jhapa, Morang, and Sunsari districts, spreading northwestward. As a result, most parts of the province are likely to experience moderate rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning.
Dailekh petroleum exploration awaits final report
The once-bustling petroleum exploration site in Jaljale, Bhairavi Rural Municipality–1 of Dailekh, has now fallen quiet. Where Chinese and Nepali technicians once worked round the clock, only the presence of Armed Police Force guards signals the significance of the area. Excitement remains high nationwide after preliminary findings confirmed a massive reserve of natural gas in the region.
Lekh Jung Thapa publishes divorce paper to counter polygamy claims
Dr. Lekh Jung Thapa, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) candidate for Rupandehi-3 by-election, has released a court document confirming his divorce from his first wife, responding to allegations of polygamy. The document from Rupandehi District Court shows that Thapa legally separated from Sulochana Ghimire on January 29, 2023. After being nominated, questions arose about him having two wives. Posting on Facebook, Thapa admitted marrying twice but clarified: “It is equally true that I divorced one of my wives. I also remain a father to my child from that marriage.”
Nepal earns over Rs 640 million from mountain climbing in a year
The number of mountain climbers in Nepal has been steadily increasing in recent years. According to the Department of Tourism, Nepal collected Rs 638.29 million in revenue from mountaineering and peak climbing activities last year. Between March 1 and April 21 alone, 41 climbers — 26 men and 15 women — successfully summited the 8,586-meter main peak of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain, located in Taplejung. This climb generated revenue of Rs 197,460.
Gold prices hit new record
Gold prices in Nepal continued to rise on Tuesday, setting a new record. Following Monday’s increase of Rs 1,700 per tola, gold rose by another Rs 600 per tola on Tuesday. According to the Nepal Gold, Silver, and Jewelers Association Federation, gold traded at Rs 205,300 per tola on Monday and surged to Rs 205,900 per tola on Tuesday.
Floods and landslides block roads in 13 districts across Nepal
Continuous rainfall has triggered floods and landslides, blocking roads in 13 districts across Nepal, police authorities said. According to the Nepal Police Headquarters, landslides have obstructed parts of the Koshi Highway in Bhojkhola and Makalu rural municipalities of Sankhuwasabha. Sections of the Pasang Lhamu Highway in Gosaikunda rural municipality and the Galchi–Trishuli–Mailung road are also closed.
Student organizations submit memorandum demanding student-friendly Education Act
A coalition of student organizations submitted a memorandum to Acting Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh on Tuesday, urging the government to enact a student-friendly School Education Act. The move comes in protest against the Education Bill registered in Parliament. The student groups allege that the proposed bill contravenes the Constitution of Nepal 2015 and violates the natural rights of citizens. They further claimed that the legislation would push Nepal’s education system toward extreme privatization, undermining public education. The memorandum calls for free and equitable education for all.
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