KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Prime Minister Oli in Turkmenistan
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli arrived in Turkmenistan today to attend the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC). Prime Minister Oli was welcomed at the Turkmenbashi International Airport by Deputy Prime Minister of Turkmenistan Hojamyrat Geldimyradov, Resident Representative of the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations, in New York, USA, Lok Bahadur Thapa, among others. The delegation led by Prime Minister Oli arrived in the city of Awaza, Turkmenistan via Dubai International Airport.
Rabindra returns home after winning Bantamweight Championship
Rabindra Dhant, who won the bantamweight title at Matrix Fight Night (MFN 17), returned to Kathmandu from India on Monday. He received a warm welcome at Tribhuvan International Airport after defeating former Indian champion Chungreng Koren to claim the title belt. In Saturday night’s match, Rabindra delivered a sensational victory by knocking out Koren in the third round, just 54 seconds in. With this, he clinched the MFN bantamweight belt.
Grade 12 results published, 61.17% of students passed
The National Examination Board (NEB) has published the results of Grade 12. The decision to publish the results was made during a board meeting held on Monday evening. Prior to the official announcement, the board had conducted a demo display of the results on Sunday. According to the academic calendar, the results were originally scheduled to be published by Shrawan 15. However, a 29-day teachers’ protest starting from Chaitra 20 delayed the result publication.
Prakash Man Singh appointed as acting Prime Minister
President Ram Chandra Paudel has appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development Prakashman Singh to oversee the daily administrative duties of the Prime Minister during Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s absence. Prime Minister Oli departed for Turkmenistan last night to attend the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. According to the Office of the President, the appointment was made on the recommendation of the Prime Minister and in accordance with the Constitution of Nepal.
Ishwar Pokhrel named acting UML Chair
Prime Minister and CPN (UML) Chair KP Sharma Oli has designated the party’s senior vice-chairman, Ishwar Pokhrel, as acting chair in his absence, according to Rajendra Gautam, chief of the UML’s Publicity Department. The decision was made under Article 21 (2) of the UML Statute, as Oli departed for Turkmenistan last night to attend the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries. Pokhrel will oversee party affairs until Oli’s return, which is scheduled for Friday night.
Prachanda declares end to factionalism in Maoist Centre
CPN (Maoist Centre) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said the party has become “united again” following the conclusion of its four-day Standing Committee meeting. Speaking at the party’s headquarters in Paris Danda on Monday, Dahal avoided commenting on the internal struggle raised by Deputy General Secretary Janardan Sharma, but stressed that the Maoist Centre had resolved its internal divisions. “First, the Maoists will now focus on strengthening the country’s democratic movement and the republic,” Dahal said. “We were the ones who brought this change, and our efforts will now be dedicated to consolidating it.”
Maoist Centre announces 26-point resolution, slams govt over governance failures
The main opposition CPN (Maoist Centre) has unveiled a 26-point resolution following a four-day Standing Committee meeting, sharply criticising the Nepali Congress–CPN-UML-led coalition government for alleged governance failures, corruption, and policy inaction. Speaking at a press conference at the party’s headquarters in Paris Danda on Monday, Maoist Centre vice-chair Agni Prasad Sapkota accused the government of shielding its own leaders in corruption scandals, delaying key legislation such as the School Education Bill, interfering in university affairs, and siding with middlemen and brokers at the expense of the public interest.
High Court orders release of Durga Prasai on bail
The Patan High Court has ordered the release of Durga Prasai, owner of B\&C Medical College and a prominent royalist activist, on bail. A joint bench of Justices Tanka Prasad Gurung and Dilli Ratna Shrestha overturned an earlier decision by the Kathmandu District Court, which had ordered his remand, and instead directed that he be released on a bail of Rs. 300,000. Prasai had been arrested twice this year and was considered a key figure in the royalist protest held on March 28, 2025, in Kathmandu’s Tinkune area, a protest in which journalist Suresh Rajak and transport worker Sabin Maharjan lost their lives.
Janardan agrees to sign party decisions
CPN (Maoist Centre) Deputy General Secretary Janardan Sharma ‘Prabhakar’ has agreed to sign official party decisions, ending a four-year-long boycott following his dissatisfaction over the party’s 8th General Convention. According to party spokesperson and Vice Chair Agni Prasad Sapkota, Sharma committed to signing meeting minutes following extensive internal discussions during the party’s Standing Committee meeting held from Friday to Monday. “He has now expressed his willingness to sign the minutes. After internal discussions, he acknowledged the concerns raised by other Standing Committee members and party chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’,” said Sapkota.
Maoist Centre to unite with Biplav-led Communist Party
The CPN (Maoist Centre) has decided to unite with the Netra Bikram Chand Biplav led Nepal Communist Party. Following a four-day Standing Committee meeting in Kathmandu, the Maoist Centre announced its decision to initiate talks for party unification with Biplav’s faction. Speaking to reporters on Monday, party spokesperson Agni Prasad Sapkota said a dialogue committee would soon be formed to finalize the unification process.
Maoist Centre condemns massacre in Gaza, calls for peaceful resolution
The opposition CPN (Maoist Centre) has expressed concern over escalating tensions in West Asia and the Middle East, condemning ongoing violence in Gaza. In a political proposal passed by its Standing Committee meeting, the party voiced deep worry over the growing conflict in these regions. The Maoist Centre reaffirmed its support for the United Nations-backed two-state solution and endorsed the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, along with the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.
NC’s Indra Bahadur Baniya stakes claim for Bagmati Chief Minister post
Nepali Congress Bagmati Province Parliamentary Party leader Indra Bahadur Baniya has formally staked his claim for the post of Chief Minister. Bagmati Province Chief Dipak Prasad Devkota on Monday called for submissions for the formation of a new provincial government under Article 168(2) of the Constitution. Shortly after the announcement, Baniya submitted his claim. Baniya, representing the ruling coalition of the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML, lodged his claim before the Province Chief.
Female MPs demand clarity on reported plan to allow polygamy
The ongoing controversy over a draft provision in the Criminal Code that could potentially grant legal recognition to polygamy has reached the floor of the House of Representatives. Several lawmakers, particularly women MPs, on Monday expressed strong objections and demanded clarification from the government. CPN-UML lawmaker Sunita Baral said media reports and public discussions had intensified over the possibility of legalizing polygamy through the new Criminal Code provisions.
UML whip demands clarification on proposed law allowing polygamy
CPN-UML Whip Sunita Baral has called on the Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs to clarify reports of a proposed law that would legalize polygamy. Speaking at Monday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Baral said polygamy is a socially unacceptable and illegal practice, and sought the minister’s response to discussions suggesting it could be legalized. She stressed the need for sensitivity in drafting or amending laws on such serious matters and drew the government’s attention to concerns raised in society.
RSP lawmaker says public will never forget Home Minister’s link to visa scandal
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Asim Shah has claimed that the public will never forget Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak’s alleged involvement in the controversial visit visa case. Speaking at the start of Monday’s House of Representatives meeting during the time allocated by Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire, Shah questioned the government’s handling of the matter. “Mr. Speaker, I want to ask the Home Minister where the files on human traffickers operating under the guise of visit visas have gone,” he said. “Do not make the mistake of thinking that people will forget this case. They will not, and we will not allow them to forget.”
One dead, 14 injured in microbus accident in Khotang
One person died and 14 others were injured when a microbus carrying pilgrims from Halesi Temple to Siraha skidded off the road at Kaduwa along the Jayaram–Halesi section of the Mid-Hill Highway on Sunday morning. The vehicle (Pradesh 2-0-1-001) plunged around 200 metres near the Daunde Stream at about 9:00 am, according to the District Police Office, Khotang. Bushes in the area stopped it from falling further, said DSP Prateek Bista. Six of the injured pilgrims have been referred to the National Trauma Centre in Kathmandu, while eight are being treated at Janasewa Polyclinic in Ghurmi, Halesi Tuwachung Municipality spokesperson Kamal Giri said. The identities of the victims are yet to be confirmed.
Govt plans immigration reforms amid rising visit visa departures
The number of Nepalis traveling abroad on visit visas from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) has been rising sharply, prompting the government to draft short and long-term plans to streamline immigration procedures. Concerns over irregularities and misuse in the visit visa process have been raised both in parliament and on the streets. The government has already formed an investigation committee, while two political parties have been obstructing the House demanding a high-level probe. The Department of Immigration, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is tasked with verifying the passports, visas, and travel documents of passengers entering or leaving Nepal. With visit visa departures increasing annually, the immigration office at TIA, currently staffed by around 150 personnel, is facing growing pressure on both resources and technology.
Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh and Nepali Doctors Association UK sign agreement for eye care collaboration
Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS) and the Nepali Doctors Association UK have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate in the field of eye care services. The agreement was signed on Sunday during a program marking the 40th anniversary of the Nepali Doctors Association UK. On behalf of NNJS, central member Prof. Dr. Sabina Shrestha signed the MoU, while President Sanjiv Nepali signed on behalf of the Association, according to a statement issued by NNJS. Prof. Dr. Shrestha said the cooperation aims to develop and expand eye care services in Nepal. As part of the agreement, the Association will mobilize qualified ophthalmologists and eye health professionals willing to serve voluntarily in Nepal to help make existing programs more effective.
Gold price up marginally
The price of gold has gone up marginally after going up by Rs 3,400 on Sunday. The Federation of Nepal Gold Silver Dealers’ Association said the price of gold has gone up by Rs 100 per tola. With this, gold is being sold at R 196,600 per tola.
Water level in Mahakali River rises
Authorities have restricted the movement of four-wheel vehicles across the Sharada Barrage after rising water levels in the Mahakali River posed safety concerns. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sagar Bohara of the Kanchanpur District Police Office said the ban was enforced as the river’s flow surged due to continuous heavy rainfall in the region. “Traffic is halted once the water flow reaches 100,000 cusecs per second in the Mahakali River,” DSP Bohara explained. At 8:00 a.m. today, the water level was recorded at 109,980 cusecs per second, prompting the immediate closure to vehicular movement.
Over 2.4 billion contributors enrolled in the Social Security Fund
The contribution-based Social Security Fund (SSF) of Nepal has recorded more than 2.4 million contributors as of Sunday, August 3, 2025, according to the Fund’s latest data. A total of 2,418,088 contributors are currently enrolled. Of these, 679,007 are from the formal sector, only 727 from the informal sector, and 444 from self-employment. The largest group, 1,809,010 contributors, are Nepali migrant workers abroad. Since its inception, the Fund has collected Rs 88.13 billion, of which Rs 16.03 billion has already been disbursed as claims.
Red alert at Koshi Barrage as water flow crosses danger mark
The water level in the Saptakoshi River has risen significantly due to continuous rainfall. According to measurements taken on Sunday evening, the Koshi Barrage recorded a flow of 191,210 cusecs per second. By Monday morning, the flow had slightly decreased to 175,685 cusecs per second, Armed Police Force Superintendent Nirmal Thapa said. Currently, 23 of the 56 sluice gates, including 52 main gates and four canal gates, have been opened to manage the water flow. Authorities consider a flow above 150,000 cusecs at the Koshi Barrage to be a danger level. When this threshold is crossed, a red light is switched on as a public warning. The control room at the Koshi Barrage confirmed that the red warning light has been activated.
Three main roads in Gulmi blocked due to floods and landslides
Three major roads in Gulmi district have been blocked since last night following continuous rainfall. The Kaligandaki Corridor, Ridi-Tamghas, and Ridi-Bamitaksar road sections have been obstructed due to landslides and flooding, according to Ganga Bahadur Saru, Information Officer at the District Police Office, Gulmi. A massive landslide brought down rocks and debris at Gargare in Kaligandaki Rural Municipality-1, Milk in Ward No. 2, and Kanauta in Ward No. 3, completely cutting off the Kaligandaki Corridor.
NEPSE rises after three days of decline
After three consecutive days of decline, the Nepali stock market showed signs of recovery on Monday. The NEPSE index increased by 8.62 points, closing at 2,867 points. The market had fallen by a total of 144 points over the past three sessions, dropping from a high of 3,002 points last Tuesday to 2,858 points on Sunday.
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