KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Supreme Court upholds appointments of 52 constitutional office bearers
The Supreme Court (SC) has upheld the appointments of 52 constitutional office bearers, declaring them valid despite ongoing disputes. In a verdict announced at midnight, a five-judge bench ruled by a 3-2 majority to uphold the appointments. Three judges ruled the appointments legal, while two dissented, favoring annulment. The majority decision is final, thereby securing the positions of the 52 office bearers.
Unified Socialist confirms seeking clarification from Ram Kumari Jhakri
The CPN (Unified Socialist) has officially confirmed that it has sought a clarification from its Standing Committee member Ram Kumari Jhakri over her recent remarks.
Speaking to reporters after Thursday’s Central Secretariat meeting held at the party’s Aloknagar headquarters, party Vice-Chair Jagannath Khatiwada said that the party’s Disciplinary Commission had sent a formal notice to Jhakri requesting an explanation within a stipulated timeframe.
Cooling-off period controversy: Speaker seeks party nominations for probe committee
Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire has initiated discussions with major political parties to form a parliamentary investigation committee to probe alleged tampering in the Federal Civil Service Bill 2080, particularly concerning the ‘cooling-off period’ provision.
On Thursday afternoon, Speaker Ghimire held talks at his office in Singha Durbar with CPN-UML Chief Whip Mahesh Kumar Bartaula, Nepali Congress Chief Whip Shyam Kumar Ghimire, and CPN (Maoist Centre) Chief Whip Hit Raj Pandey. Deputy Speaker Indira Rana was also present at the meeting.
During the discussion, Speaker Ghimire proposed the formation of a committee in accordance with Rule 180 of the House of Representatives Regulations, 2079. He requested parties to submit their proposed member names, define the scope of the committee’s work, and suggest a time frame for the investigation.
Court demands Rs 25,000 bail amount from journalist Dilbhusan Pathak
The Kathmandu District Court has ordered journalist Dilbhusan Pathak to post bail of Rs 25,000 in connection with a cybercrime case filed by Nepal Police.
The Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police had filed the case against Pathak, accusing him of cybercrime based on a video news report. He was charged as a fugitive defendant in the case.
Judge Khemraj Bhatt of Bench No. 31 issued the bail order following a statement from Pathak during the preliminary detention hearing.
Fake school, forged committee, and misused funds: Four charged in corruption case
Nepal’s anti-corruption body has filed a case at the Special Court against four individuals for embezzling Rs 760,000 by faking the construction of a school building in Dolpa, a school that never existed.
The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) on Tuesday charged former Chief of the District Technical Office in Dunai, Dolpa, Rabi Chandra Pajiyaar, along with accountant Maniram Kurmi, and two locals, Nand Singh Budha and Sangita Budha. The case involves forging documents, creating a fake consumer committee, and siphoning off public funds in the name of a non-existent school.
According to the CIAA, the alleged corruption took place nearly 14 years ago during the fiscal year 2067/068 BS. The scam revolved around a fictitious ‘Durga Primary School’ in Wards 2 and 3 of then-Dunai VDC. Investigations revealed that no such school ever existed, nor was any building constructed under the claimed project.
Dinesh Koirala: Donating to the party doesn’t grant a license to do anything
Nepali Congress central committee member Dinesh Koirala has taken aim at fellow leader and billionaire businessman Binod Chaudhary, saying party donations should not be used as a justification to claim leadership or act with impunity.
Speaking at Thursday’s Central Working Committee meeting of the Nepali Congress, Koirala criticized what he described as the arrogant attitude of those who believe financial contributions alone entitle them to leadership roles in the party.
“Some people boast about donating to the party. While donating transparently is welcome, no one should have the audacity to say, ‘I gave money, so I must be considered a leader,’ or ‘I can do anything because I contributed,’” Koirala said, without naming Chaudhary directly.
Sudurpaschim Forest Minister Chaudhary dismissed from post
Sudurpaschim Province’s Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment, Rameshwar Chaudhary, has been relieved of his duties.
The provincial cabinet meeting held on Thursday decided to dismiss Minister Chaudhary, which has been confirmed by the Chief Minister’s Office.
Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah has retained the ministry under his own portfolio. A few days ago, Shah had asked Chaudhary to resign from his post, but the minister—appointed from the Nagarik Unmukti Party (NUP) on Jestha 4—defied the instruction.
Nepal U-16 storms into ACC East Zone Cup final with dominant win over Malaysia
Nepal has advanced to the final of the ACC U-16 East Zone Cup Cricket Tournament with a resounding nine-wicket victory over host nation Malaysia. In the semifinal match played today in Malaysia, Nepal chased down the modest target of 91 runs in just 11.4 overs, losing only one wicket in the process. Opener Parimardan Yadav starred with the bat, scoring a blistering 59 runs to lead Nepal’s charge. He was well supported by Shivansh Bajgain, who contributed 23 runs. Malaysia’s only breakthrough came from bowler Naginishwaram, who took the sole wicket to fall.
Facing monsoon risks: How prepared is Nepal?
Monsoon-related disasters have surged significantly in Nepal over the past decade. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), a total of 2,317 people lost their lives in such incidents from 2015 to 2024.
During this period, Nepal recorded 8,418 disaster incidents triggered by floods, inundations, landslides, heavy rains, lightning, and flash floods. These events affected 56,705 families, damaged 36,479 houses, destroyed 195 bridges, and impacted 1,346 cowsheds.
In 2024 alone, 495 people died due to monsoon-related disasters. The data shows that 344 people died in landslides, 91 in floods, eight due to heavy rainfall, and 52 from lightning strikes. Additionally, 18 people remain missing due to floods and 48 due to landslides that year.
Ram Kumari Jhakri says she has not received official clarification letter from party
CPN (Unified Socialist) leader Ram Kumari Jhakri has said she has not received any official clarification letter from the party, despite widespread media reports suggesting otherwise.
Speaking to reporters outside the party’s central office in Aloknagar before attending the ongoing secretariat meeting on Thursday, Jhakri remarked, “It seems clarification is being sought through the media by some powerful leaders. I haven’t received anything directly from the party.”
She criticized the leadership for public statements threatening disciplinary action, including expulsion, based on a recent speech she gave at a youth gathering.
PM Oli tells Spanish investors Nepal among most investment-friendly nations in South Asia
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has called on Spanish investors to explore business opportunities in Nepal, claiming the country is one of the most investment-friendly destinations in South Asia.
Addressing a business interaction organized jointly by the Embassy of Nepal in Spain and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce and Industry, PM Oli said Nepal offers political stability, open-market policies, a competitive workforce, and legal safeguards that make it a compelling choice for international investors.
Nepali singers spark national debate on online abuse after naming trolls
In a bold and unprecedented move, popular Nepali singers Eleena Chauhan and Samikshya Adhikari have launched a campaign to publicly expose individuals who send them abusive and vulgar comments online.
Their decision to name and shame social media trolls has sparked national attention and ignited a critical conversation around cyberbullying, freedom of speech, and the need for stronger online abuse laws in Nepal.
The two singers, both widely known for their music careers, took to their personal social media accounts to share screenshots of messages and comments they received. These included explicit threats, sexual harassment, and demeaning language that had previously gone unchecked.
PM Oli requests Nepali diaspora representatives in Spain to return home
Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli held an interaction with office-bearers and representatives of the Non-Resident Nepali Forum (NRNF) in Spain on Tuesday night.
The meeting took place at the official residence of the Nepali Ambassador in Madrid, following Prime Minister Oli’s participation in the UN Financing for Development Conference held earlier in Seville.
During the interaction, the NRNF officials, affiliated with the UML, welcomed and honored PM Oli and expressed their best wishes for the success of Nepal’s development and prosperity journey under his leadership.
Dengue scare: Cases may exceed 60,000 this year
The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) has warned that dengue infections could surpass 60,000 cases nationwide this year, as the peak season approaches.
According to Dr. Gokarna Dahal, chief of the Insect Disease Control Branch, dengue cases typically rise in mid-July, peak in August and September, and then begin to decline. “We are entering the high-risk period. The number of cases could increase significantly over the next four months,” he said.
HoR committee to review implementation of Human Trafficking Control Act
The Women and Social Affairs Committee under the House of Representatives (HoR) has decided to conduct a comprehensive review of the implementation of the Human Trafficking and Transportation (Control) Act, 2008.
At a meeting held on Wednesday, the Committee concluded that a review was necessary to strengthen the prevention of human trafficking, ensure better protection for vulnerable communities, and guarantee access to justice for survivors.
Work on Sanga–Dhulikhel road stalls due to monsoon
Road widening under the upgradation of Araniko Highway’s Sanga–Dhulikhel section has come to a halt due to the monsoon rains.
According to the Suryabinayak–Dhulikhel–Sindhuli–Bardibas Road Project, work will resume once the monsoon ends.
While construction is stalled across the section, work in Pulbazar has remained completely halted for the past four months due to local obstruction.
Nepal to face Uzbekistan in winner-takes-all clash for AFC Women’s Asian Cup spot
By sweeping past Laos (9‑0) and Sri Lanka (8‑0), Nepal’s women’s national team have moved to within one match of a first AFC Women’s Asian Cup appearance since 1999.
The decisive fixture comes on Saturday in Tashkent, where the Group F hosts, Uzbekistan, have posted identical results, 10‑0 against Sri Lanka and 7‑0 over Laos, leaving both nations level on six points with an identical +17 goal difference and no goals conceded.
Because only the group winner advances to the 2026 finals in Australia, the Nepal‑Uzbekistan meeting is effectively a final.
General convention must be held this year: Arjun Narsingh KC
Nepali Congress central committee member Arjun Narsingh KC has said that the party’s 15th General Convention must be completed by around December.
Speaking during Thursday’s meeting of the party’s Central Working Committee, KC highlighted a clear date for the general convention must be finalized from the ongoing meeting itself. “The general convention must be held within December. This meeting must fix the exact date,” said KC.
Why is a helicopter on a truck? It couldn’t fly from China to Nepal
A striking image of a helicopter being hauled into Nepal on a flatbed trailer via the Tatopani border has gone viral across Nepali social media, sparking widespread interest and intrigue.
The helicopter, manufactured by European aerospace giant Airbus, is being imported by Mountain Helicopters Pvt. Ltd., one of Nepal’s leading private aviation companies.
The aircraft, recently operated by a Chinese company, was purchased from the Chinese aviation firm Shanghai Technology and is now en route to Kathmandu for official deployment.
Animal Welfare Act to be introduced soon: Minister Adhikari
Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Ramnath Adhikari has announced that the much-awaited Animal Welfare Act will be introduced under the current government.
Speaking at a national discussion program on animal welfare challenges and legal provisions organized by Animal Nepal, Minister Adhikari said the draft of the Animal Welfare Act has already been prepared and that consultations with relevant stakeholders will begin soon to finalize the legislation.
Air quality measurement center established in Mustang
The Department of Environment, Government of Nepal, has established an air quality measurement center in Mustang.
The center is located at Shaligram Udhyan Park near the District Administration Office in Jomsom.
Director General Gyanraj Subedi said the government installed the necessary infrastructure and technology to set up the 31st air quality measurement center in the country.
Elephant tramples man to death in Jhapa
A 59-year-old man was trampled to death by a wild elephant in Birtamod Municipality-7, Jhapa, early this morning.
According to Khagendra Bahadur Khadka, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) at the District Police Office, Jhapa, the deceased has been identified as Lok Prasad Limbu. The fatal incident occurred in Phaktalung, right in front of Limbu’s residence.
Police said the elephant attacked Limbu without warning, and he died on the spot.
Banana farming blooms in Dhangadhi as Bhandari leads the way
Pushparaj Bhandari of Phulbari Echgaon, Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City-14, has been successfully running commercial banana farming for the past six years under his registered business, Bhandari Multi-Purpose Agricultural Farm.
Bhandari, who went to Malaysia for foreign employment at the age of sixteen, returned home after working abroad for 20 years and started banana farming during the COVID-19 lockdown.
US Aid cuts could cause over 14 million deaths by 2030, study warns
More than 14 million lives, including over 4.5 million children, could be lost by 2030 due to sweeping US foreign aid cuts under President Donald Trump, according to a new study published in The Lancet.
The research, conducted by an international team led by ISGlobal, suggests the cuts could reverse decades of progress in global health and development.
USAID, which had previously provided over 40% of global humanitarian assistance, has seen its budget slashed by 83% since Trump’s return to office in January. Days later, Trump’s close ally Elon Musk — now a senior advisor — boasted of having put the agency “through the woodchipper.”
Invert construction of Siddhababa tunnel completed
The invert construction of the Siddhababa Tunnel, a project of national pride, has been completed, Engineer Sabita Gyawali of the Tunnel Project Office said.
The invert construction of the main tunnel, measuring 1,089 meters, was finished recently.
She said, “The invert work was completed on Wednesday, and we are now progressing with the lining. So far, 834 meters of lining work has been done.”
The overall physical progress of the tunnel, located in Tinau Rural Municipality-3, Palpa, along the Siddhartha Highway, has reached 56.3 percent, while financial progress stands at 50.24 percent. The project gained significant momentum following the tunnel’s breakthrough.
22 species of seedlings distributed to Tanahu farmers
The Division Forest Office, Tanahu has distributed 22 different species of seedlings free of cost to farmers in the district, aiming to support the sustainable management of paddy fields and promote agroforestry.
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