KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
House of Representatives meeting adjourned until Thursday
The House of Representatives (HoR) meeting was adjourned without being convened today. According to the Speaker’s Secretariat, the meeting has now been rescheduled for 1 PM tomorrow, Thursday. Earlier on Tuesday, a notice had been issued stating that the meeting was adjourned until 1 PM today, but no formal adjournment was carried out. The ongoing deadlock stems from opposition parties demanding the resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak and the formation of a high-level investigation committee, citing his alleged involvement in the visit visa scandal.
Opposition parties remain firm on demand for Home Minister’s resignation
A meeting convened by Speaker Devraj Ghimire ended without resolution on Wednesday, after the opposition parties, including the Maoist Center, reiterated their demand for Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak’s resignation.
Speaker Ghimire had initiated talks with the chief whips of both ruling and opposition parties in an effort to facilitate the smooth functioning of the parliament session. However, the discussion remained deadlocked.
Maoist Center Chief Whip Hitraj Pandey made it clear that the party’s position had not changed, stating that Lekhak must step down in light of the visit visa scandal, which he said was directly linked to issues of good governance.
Home Minister’s resignation not needed: Communication Minister
The government’s spokesperson and Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, stated today that there is no need for the Home Minister to resign over the recent visit visa controversy.
During a press briefing at Singha Durbar to announce Cabinet decisions, Minister Gurung explained that there is no concrete evidence against the Home Minister, and no investigation process has begun.
He added that the Home Minister should be allowed to respond to the opposition’s concerns in Parliament. Gurung also expressed confidence that the issue would be resolved soon, as discussions among political parties are ongoing.
Public transport resumes after suspension of transport strike
Public transport services resumed from today after the National Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs suspended its protest program. Following a request from the federal government, the Gandaki Provincial Government decided to suspend the newly introduced ride-sharing regulations for one month. In response, transport entrepreneurs called off their ongoing protest and agreed to resume vehicle operations. A joint statement issued by several transport-related organizations confirmed the temporary suspension of the strike.
Supreme Court orders police investigation against former Speaker Agni Sapkota
The Supreme Court has issued a writ of mandamus in favor of Purnimaya Lama in the long-running case against former Speaker and CPN (Maoist Centre) Vice Chair Agni Prasad Sapkota.
A constitutional bench comprising Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut and Justices Sapana Pradhan Malla, Kumar Regmi, Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma, and Dr. Kumar Chudal issued the order, overturning an earlier police decision to shelve the complaint.
Previously, the Court had ordered authorities to present details of the investigation. The latest order comes in response to a writ filed by Lama, who had named the Council of Ministers, the Prime Minister’s Office, and five others as respondents.
Karnali unveils ambitious policies and programs
The Karnali provincial government has presented its policies and programs for the fiscal year 2025/26, introducing the slogan ‘Live in the village, build your future at home’ alongside broader goals for long-term prosperity and poverty alleviation.
Addressing the sixth session of the Provincial Assembly, Provincial Chief Najir Miya outlined the policy direction, emphasizing a vision of socialism-oriented development that integrates good governance, social justice, and prosperity. The plan links education to skills, skills to labor, labor to employment, and employment to poverty reduction, aiming to create a self-sustaining economic model.
The government aims to create jobs and eradicate poverty while enhancing coordination across federal, provincial, and local governments. Infrastructure development remains a top priority, alongside investments in quality education and healthcare to develop human capital.
Gandaki unveils policies and programmes with new slogans, but old programs
The Gandaki provincial government has announced its annual policy and programs for the upcoming fiscal year, repeating many old initiatives but adding new slogans to its agenda.
Provincial Chief Dilli Ram Bhatta presented the document at the Provincial Assembly on Wednesday.
According to Bhatta, the policies are based on past administrative experiences, current internal revenues, and the national and international context. The government plans to make its organizational structure more efficient through recommendations from the committee on administrative restructuring and position review.
Transport workers, entrepreneurs push for fast-track implementation of agreement; Minister Dahal promises action within a month
Transport workers and entrepreneurs have urged the government to fast-track the implementation of the six-point agreement signed with them on June 2.
In response, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Devendra Dahal has assured that concrete action will be taken within a month.
During a meeting with a delegation at his office in Singha Durbar on Wednesday, Minister Dahal acknowledged the delay in lifting the transport strike but thanked the workers for resuming services. “There won’t be any issue in implementing the agreement. We are expediting the process and aim to conclude it within a month,” he said.
House proceedings will resume if government commits to probe committee: Maoist Chief Whip
CPN (Maoist Centre) Chief Whip Hit Raj Pandey has said that Parliament can resume if the government commits to forming a probe committee on the visit visa scandal.
Speaking to journalists at the Parliament building in Baneshwar on Wednesday, Pandey stated that a formal commitment from the Prime Minister, Law Minister, or any government representative to form the committee would be enough to allow the House to function. He criticized the ruling parties for not being ready to make even this minimum commitment, despite the opposition showing flexibility.
Pandey clarified that the opposition has not directly accused the Home Minister but believes the ministry he leads is responsible and thus he should be accountable.
Mahesh Bartaula rules out Home Minister’s resignation, calls opposition’s demands unrealistic
CPN-UML Chief Whip Mahesh Bartaula has said the opposition’s demands for Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak’s resignation over the visit visa scandal are unrealistic and cannot be fulfilled.
Speaking to the media after Wednesday’s parliamentary session was disrupted, Bartaula made it clear that the minister would not step down and that a parliamentary probe committee, as demanded by the opposition, would not be formed.
He stressed that the opposition must first allow the Home Minister to respond in Parliament, adding that a conducive environment for discussion must be created.
One dead after being struck by falling electric pole in Lalitpur
A 55-year-old man died in Thaiba, Lalitpur after being struck by an electric pole during relocation work.
The incident occurred in Saraswatisar Tole of Godawari Municipality–14 while a JCB machine was being used to shift the pole for road construction. According to Inspector Bikram KC of Bhandegaon Police Circle, the machine failed to support the pole, which fell and fatally injured local resident Ramesh Shahi.
He was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Ruckus at royalist gathering as Kamal Thapa speaks; meeting called off
A meeting of the United People’s Movement Committee, formed to push for the reinstatement of the monarchy, ended in disruption on Wednesday after participants raised loud objections during Kamal Thapa’s address.
The gathering, held in Dhumbarahi to review the ongoing movement, turned chaotic primarily due to the absence of Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chair Rajendra Lingden. Although organizers clarified at the outset that Lingden could not attend due to a parliamentary session, several participants expressed dissatisfaction over his absence.
Tensions escalated further when some attendees criticized the decision to allow media access to what was intended as an internal review meeting. Some alleged that top leaders were ‘afraid’ and gave in to media pressure.
Speaker holds talks with chief whips to end parliament deadlock
Speaker Devraj Ghimire has initiated discussions with the chief whips of major political parties in an attempt to break the deadlock in the House of Representatives, which has been stalled amid protests over the controversial visit visa scandal. The Speaker’s Secretariat confirmed that Ghimire is currently holding a meeting with the chief whips at the Federal Parliament Building in New Baneshwor. The talks aim to find common ground on ending the opposition’s obstruction of parliamentary proceedings.
‘I’ll answer all questions—just let me speak in parliament’: Home Minister
Amid growing controversy over the visit visa scandal, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has urged for an environment to allow him to address the Parliament and respond to allegations made against him. Speaking at a meeting of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee on Wednesday, Minister Lekhak requested that he be granted the opportunity to speak in the House regarding the visit visa issue. “If the concerns were limited to just the members of this committee, I would have responded here,” Lekhak said, referring to inquiries raised by lawmakers during the meeting. “But since there are wider concerns, I respectfully request to be allowed to speak in the full House.”
National Planning Commission to strictly monitor budget implementation
National Planning Commission (NPC) Vice-Chair Dr. Shiva Raj Adhikari has announced that the NPC will actively monitor the implementation of Nepal’s budget for the fiscal year 2025/26, with a focus on regulation, supervision, and facilitation.
Speaking at a joint event organized by the Society of Infrastructure Journalists and the Federation of Contractors, Adhikari said the commission will carry out rigorous monitoring and supervision. “The Planning Commission will monitor and supervise in an uncompromising manner,” he said. “If someone acts in bad faith, they will be dealt with harshly. However, creating laws by assuming everyone is corrupt is a flawed approach.”
Biomass energy entrepreneurs frustrated over mounting taxes despite eco-friendly potential
Biomass energy entrepreneurs have expressed dissatisfaction with the government for continuously imposing new taxes on the sector, despite its potential to contribute to clean energy, reduce petroleum imports, and support rural employment.
Their frustration grew after the government announced a new 5% excise duty on biomass energy products in the upcoming fiscal year’s budget. Entrepreneurs, who had long been seeking relief from income tax and VAT, say the government has instead further discouraged the industry.
Speaking at a World Environment Day event jointly organized by the Nepal Environment Journalists Group (NEFEJ) and the Biomass Energy Entrepreneurs’ Association (BEAN), stakeholders voiced concern that existing biomass industries are at risk of closure due to unfavorable tax policies.
Bank transactions made mandatory for land and property deals above Rs 1 million
All land and property transactions above Rs 1 million must now be conducted through the banking system, according to a new directive issued by the Department of Land Management and Archives. This move comes under the “Directive on Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorist Activities, 2025.” As per the directive, any property transaction between Rs 1 million and Rs 5 million must be completed through banking channels or digital payments. For transactions exceeding Rs 5 million, electronic payment or a ‘good-for-payment’ cheque in the seller’s name is mandatory.
Kanti Lokpath to remain closed for four days starting today
The Kanti Lokpath will be closed for four days starting today (Wednesday) due to the construction of a bailey bridge over the Bagmati River at Baguwa, located on the border of Bhimphedi Rural Municipality in Makwanpur and Lalitpur district. The Makwanpur District Administration Office issued a public notice on Monday, informing that the road will remain closed from June 4 to June 7.
Nepal-Bangladesh trade: Rs 4.75 billion imports, Rs 356 million exports
Nepal is importing significantly more goods from Bangladesh than it’s exporting, according to recent trade figures from the Kakadvitta border crossing. From the start of the current fiscal year (2024/25) until mid-May, Nepal brought in goods worth Rs 4.75 billion from Bangladesh. This is a much larger amount compared to the Rs 356.2 million worth of Nepali products that went to Bangladesh during the same period. Subash Pandey, who heads the Nepal Transit and Warehousing Company office in Kakadvitta, said that unprocessed jute was the biggest import from Bangladesh, valued at Rs 1.78 billion.
Govt working with goal of achieving zero carbon emissions: Energy Minister
Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, has said that the government is committed to achieving zero carbon emissions. Speaking at an event today while receiving a memorandum from a foundation campaigning to end the use of coal energy, Minister Khadka stated that various strategic programs have been launched to reduce carbon emissions to zero. He noted that the government is initiating legal and policy-level reforms to promote green energy and sustainable development.
President Paudel calls for strong opposition to caste-based discrimination
President Ram Chandra Paudel emphasized the need for resolute opposition to caste-based discrimination and untouchability, calling them crimes against social, moral, and human dignity. In a message issued today on the occasion of the National Day for the Elimination of Caste-based Discrimination and Untouchability, the President extended best wishes for happiness, peace, and prosperity to all Nepali brothers and sisters at home and abroad.
Vice President calls for effective enforcement of anti-caste discrimination laws
Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav called for the effective implementation of laws aimed at eradicating caste-based discrimination, along with a broader push for social and cultural transformation. In his message on the occasion of the National Day on the Abolition of Caste Discrimination and Untouchability, Vice President Yadav stated that caste discrimination and untouchability are significant challenges that hinder the progress of society and the nation.
Formation of inclusive constitution is historic achievement: Prachanda
Maoist Centre Chairman and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ said proportional inclusion, representation, participation, and empowerment in state mechanisms—as guaranteed by the Constitution—are historic accomplishments for Nepal. In a message delivered on Tuesday marking the 19th anniversary of Nepal’s declaration as a caste-based discrimination-free nation, Dahal highlighted the importance of strengthening these constitutional commitments.
No budget cuts for ongoing and committed projects: Finance Minister
Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel has clarified that the government has not slashed the budget allocated to projects set to be completed within the current fiscal year or those with financial commitments. Speaking at a program organized by the Society of Infrastructure Journalists on Wednesday in Lalitpur, Minister Paudel stated that although several thousand minor projects have been dropped, initiatives nearing completion or already generating fiscal liabilities remain unaffected.
Public transport syndicate resurfaces amid ride-sharing dispute
Nearly seven years after Nepal abolished transport syndicates through a five-point agreement with transport entrepreneurs on May 6, 2018, signs of their re-emergence have surfaced. On Monday, public transport operators staged a nationwide strike demanding the cancellation of the recently introduced Ride-Sharing (Regulation and Management) Guidelines, 2025 by the Gandaki Province government. Although the strike caused widespread disruption, by late Monday evening, the federal government and transport entrepreneurs reached a six-point agreement.
Gold prices up by Rs 500 per tola
The price of gold increased by Rs 500 per tola on Wednesday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold has reached Rs 193,200 per tola, up from Rs 192,700 on Tuesday. Silver also increased by Rs 30 per tola, reaching Rs 2,075 , compared to Rs 2,045 on Tuesday.
Gold jewellery and cash fraudsters arrested
Police have arrested and made public two individuals accused of defrauding citizens by promising to exchange foreign currency for money at various locations across Kathmandu. The arrested have been identified as Dan Bahadur Tamang, 38, and another individual with the same name, aged 26 — both residents of Dudhauli Municipality in Sindhuli, from Wards 11 and 12 respectively, according to Superintendent of Police Apil Raj Bohara, spokesperson for the District Police Range, Kathmandu.
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