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 postponed until Sunday
The scheduled meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) has been postponed. Originally set for 1 p.m. on Friday, the meeting has now been rescheduled for 1 p.m. on Sunday, according to an official notice. The postponement comes amid continued obstruction by opposition parties, who allege that Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak is implicated in the visit visa controversy. The opposition has demanded the formation of a high-level investigation committee as a non-negotiable condition to allow parliamentary proceedings to resume.
Visit visa issue: Opp’n parties to hold talks with NC President Deuba
The main opposition party, Maoist Center, along with other opposition parties, is preparing to hold discussions with Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba in an effort to resolve the ongoing deadlock in parliament. Speaking to reporters in Baneshwor on Friday, Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ said he plans to meet with Deuba to help lift the obstruction in the legislature.
“The key issue is the investigation. If the government gives a reliable commitment, we are open to resolving this matter constructively,” Prachanda said. “It is appropriate for the opposition to consult with the Nepali Congress President on current and pressing political issues.”
NC-led govt to be formed soon in Madhesh: Deuba
Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said that a Congress-led government will soon be formed in Madhesh Province. Speaking to journalists today at the party’s Madhesh Province Office in Janakpurdham, Deuba said that the new government would be formed as per the rotation agreement among ruling partners. “There is an understanding to lead the government in turns, and discussions will take place soon. A government will be formed under Congress leadership,” Deuba said.
Can’t comment on Madhav Nepal case, it’s now a legal matter: Gagan Thapa
Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa has stated that he will not comment on the corruption case filed against former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, as the matter is now under the jurisdiction of the court. Speaking to journalists at the Biratnagar Airport today, Thapa said the case should be resolved with due respect, given Nepal’s stature as a former prime minister. On internal party matters, Thapa said the issue of active membership in the Nepali Congress must be settled before the party’s upcoming general convention.
Home Minister calls for timely passage of Citizenship Amendment Bill
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has urged the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee to pass the Bill to Amend the Nepal Citizenship Act, 2006 within the current parliamentary session. Speaking at the committee meeting held at Singha Durbar on Friday, Minister Lekhak said the bill is essential for resolving long-standing citizenship issues and should be endorsed promptly. He highlighted that due to legal hurdles, many young Nepalis remain stateless, and the government has brought the amendment to ensure citizenship for all eligible individuals.
Committee concludes discussion with lawmakers on Citizenship Amendment Bill
The State Affairs and Good Governance Committee has concluded discussions with lawmakers who proposed amendments to the Nepal Citizenship (First Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to revise the Nepal Citizenship Act, 2006. A total of 85 amendments were submitted by 46 lawmakers, reflecting diverse views on the bill. During today’s meeting, Committee Chair Ramhari Khatiwada informed that discussions with the amendment proposers have been completed.
Deuba’s query on Madhav Nepal case surprised me: Prachanda
A phone conversation took place between Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, shortly after a corruption case was filed against former Prime Minister and Unified Socialist Chair Madhav Kumar Nepal. Prachanda revealed that Deuba had called him expressing interest in the matter. “NC President Deuba called yesterday. He was asking about the case filed against Madhav Nepal—‘What happened?’ he said,” Prachanda shared. “I was surprised when he asked me.”
House obstruction will end soon: Communication Minister
Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has expressed confidence that the ongoing obstruction in the House of Representatives will be resolved soon. Speaking to journalists at Biratnagar Airport today, Minister Gurung said that the Civil Service Act and Education Act are expected to be passed during the current session of Parliament. He argued that it is not logical to demand the resignation of a minister over mistakes made by government employees, and accused the opposition of disrupting Parliament out of a sense of revenge.
Flood washes away diversion on Narayangadh-Butwal road section
A diversion constructed at Dumkibas in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat-Sustapur) along the Narayangadh-Butwal road section has been completely washed away by flooding, disrupting traffic in the area. The temporary road over the Dumkibas River in Binayi Triveni Rural Municipality-1 was swept away by floodwaters this afternoon, halting movement on both sides.
Minister Paudel initiates plan to enroll all govt employees in Health Insurance
Minister for Health and Population Pradip Paudel has begun internal preparations to enroll all civil servants and organized sector employees in Nepal’s national health insurance program. This initiative aligns with provisions in the recently announced policies and programs and the federal budget, both of which highlight the inclusion of public service employees under the health insurance scheme, in accordance with the Health Insurance Act, 2017.
Gold price unchanged, silver price rises
The price of gold remained stable while silver has seen a notable increase in the Nepali market today. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association, gold is being traded at Rs 193,700 per tola, the same rate as Thursday. Meanwhile, the price of silver rose by Rs 75. Silver, which was traded at Rs 2,075 per tola on Thursday, climbed to Rs 2,150 per tola on Friday.
Ride-sharing regulations have not been suspended, implementation has been halted: Gandaki CM
Gandaki Province Chief Minister Surendra Pandey has clarified that the newly introduced ride-sharing regulations have not been suspended, but the implementation has been temporarily halted for a month to facilitate further dialogue with transport entrepreneurs. Speaking at a meeting of the Provincial Public Accounts Committee on Wednesday, CM Pandey said that the regulation remains intact and will be enforced if consensus is not reached during the dialogue period. According to Pandey, the ride-sharing sector had become unregulated and disorganized, prompting the provincial government to intervene.
DHS terminates Temporary Protected Status for Nepal
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nepal. In a Federal Register notice, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated that after reviewing the current conditions in Nepal and consulting with relevant interagency partners, the country no longer meets the criteria required for TPS designation. The TPS for Nepal will officially end at 11:59 p.m. on August 5, 2025, which is 60 days after the publication of the notice.
Nepali Congress declares all party offices as ‘no plastic zones’
The Nepali Congress has decided to declare all its party offices across the country and abroad as ‘No Plastic Zones’ in an effort to reduce environmental pollution. The initiative covers party offices from the central to ward level, including offices of sister organizations, well-wishers’ groups, and Nepali Janasamparka Samitis abroad. The party’s central office has already issued a circular to all its subordinate bodies, instructing them to implement the decision.
Dolphin population rises in Saptakoshi River
The population of Gangetic dolphins in the Saptakoshi River, which flows through the Koshi Wildlife Reserve, has increased this year, according to a recent census. The dolphin count was conducted over four days, from June 1 to 4, and the results were released on June 5, coinciding with World Environment Day. The census recorded a total of 22 dolphins—15 adults, five semi-adults, and two calves—marking an increase of three dolphins compared to last year’s figure of 19.
‘One house, one tap’ initiative brings water access to Myagdi’s Dadagaun
A total of 225 households in Malika Rural Municipality-3 in Myagdi have benefited from the Dadagaun Bokre Drinking Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Project, constructed at a cost of Rs 11 million. The project was funded through a grant of Rs 2,485,596 from Malika Rural Municipality, Rs 561,366 from Nepal Water for Health (NEWA), and Rs 2,913,124 contributed by local consumers. According to Ward Chairman Moti Prasad Budha, the initiative has provided 225 household taps, in addition to four taps in schools and one private tap at the local health unit.
KMC launches real-time dashboard to monitor air pollution across Kathmandu
Kathmandu Metropolitan City has launched the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Air Quality Monitoring Dashboard to provide real-time data on air pollution levels from monitoring devices installed across the city. According to Sita Rai, Chief of KMC’s Environment Management Department, the system displays real-time data on PM 2.5 levels and the Air Quality Index (AQI) from 18 monitoring stations within the KMC area.
Locals elated after village roads blacktopped
Residents of Lamidanda in Tulsipur Sub-metropolitan City-12 have expressed happiness and relief after the blacktopping of roads that were once muddy during the monsoon and dusty the rest of the year. “It used to be so muddy that even cycling was a struggle,” said local resident Nanda Kumar Pun. “Now, it’s easy to reach the market by bicycle, and the commute is much faster.” Previously, the dust kicked up by vehicles would enter homes and settle on clean laundry, creating constant discomfort.
Fifth Himalayan Travel Mart concludes
The fifth edition of the Himalayan Travel Mart (HTM), a flagship international tourism fair designed to promote Nepal’s tourism industry, concluded in Kathmandu on Thursday with a strong focus on sustainable tourism development and enhanced regional collaboration among mountain nations. Held under the theme “Mountain: Milestone and Momentum,” the three-day event brought together more than 700 participants, including over 100 international delegates from 30 countries.
Sher Bahadur Deuba’s longtime electoral rival Karn Singh Rawal passes away
Karn Singh Rawal, a longtime electoral rival of Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, has passed away at the age of 84. Rawal, who had been contesting against Deuba in every election since 1999, died on Friday morning at his residence in Amargadhi, Dadeldhura. Originally from Mamya village in Navadurga Rural Municipality, Rawal had been living in Amargadhi Municipality and was popularly known as “Mamyal Baje”. He stood as a candidate against Deuba in five consecutive parliamentary elections.
Brigunj dry port to be merged with customs
The Sirsiya-based Dry Port Customs Office is set to be merged with the Birgunj Customs Office from July 17, as per a recent decision by the federal government. Currently, the Integrated Check Post (ICP) falls under the jurisdiction of the Birgunj Customs Office, while the Dry Port Customs Office operates independently. The planned merger aims to streamline customs operations under a unified administrative structure. Chief of the Dry Port Customs Office, Dhan Bahadur Baruwal, confirmed the integration will take place after the end of the current fiscal year.
USAID vehicles left idle at Chobhar dry port
Hundreds of vehicles and motorcycles used by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Nepal have been left idle at the Chobhar dry port following the closure of the agency’s operations. These vehicles are being parked at the port at a daily charge of Rs 100 per vehicle after USAID programs in Nepal were discontinued based on a decision made by President Donald Trump. The closure affected various sectors where USAID was active, including health and education.
Dacoits kill one, loot property in Jhapa
A group of dacoits raided a house in Suryodaya Municipality–8, Jhapa, on Thursday night, looting property and killing one person in the process. According to police, the gang forcefully entered the residence of Kantlal Chaudhary, looted valuables including cash and jewelry, and fatally attacked Chaudhary. His brother, Ramakant Chaudhary, sustained injuries during the incident and is currently undergoing treatment.
Son kills father and neighbor in Nawalparasi
A man killed his father and a neighbor in Sunwal, West Nawalparasi. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police and Information Officer Birdutta Pant, 35-year-old Hemraj Tharu attacked his father, Jayaram Tharu (50), and neighbor Nathu Dharikar (70) with a spade at around 11 a.m. in Aurhiya, Sunwal Municipality-2. Both victims sustained fatal injuries to the head and neck.
Indian national arrested with gold worth over Rs 4.5 million at Nagdhunga
An Indian national has been arrested at the Nagdhunga checkpoint in Kathmandu with gold valued at over Rs 4.5 million. According to Kathmandu Police Spokesperson SP Apilraj Bohara, the individual was apprehended during a routine inspection while traveling on a passenger bus (Ba Pra 03-001-Kha 3139) en route from Kakadbhitta, Jhapa, to Kathmandu. A joint team from the Nagdhunga Police Division and the Narcotics Control Bureau conducted the inspection, recovering 274.83 grams of gold from the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Mahadev Samanta.
Govt allocates Rs 3.42 billion to clean Kathmandu Valley rivers
Minister for Urban Development Prakash Man Singh has announced that the upcoming fiscal year’s budget prioritizes the cleaning of rivers in the Kathmandu Valley and the upgrading of corridor roads. Speaking at a tree plantation program organized by the Kathmandu Valley Development Authority at the Bagmati Corridor in Gokarneshwor-5 today, Minister Singh said the Ministry of Urban Development has allocated Rs 3.42 billion for the river cleanup initiative, including the Bagmati River.
Bakrid festival to be celebrated on Saturday
The Islamic festival of Bakrid (Eid ul-Adha) will be celebrated on Saturday. It is considered the second most significant festival for Muslims, after Eid ul-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan. Celebrated on the 70th day following Ramadan, Bakrid holds deep religious significance. On this occasion, Muslims who are financially capable travel to Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. One of the central rituals of the festival is the sacrifice of animals—such as goats, sheep, or cows—that are considered religiously permissible (halal), as an act of devotion to Allah.
Tarun Dal youths rally in Kathmandu demanding dissolution of central ad hoc committee
Members of Nepal Tarun Dal, the youth wing of the Nepali Congress, held a motorcycle rally and staged a protest in Kathmandu on Friday demanding the dissolution of the party’s central ad hoc committee. The demonstrators argued that the committee, formed after the general convention in 2016, has failed to hold a new convention in nearly nine years, weakening the organization. They called on the party leadership not to extend the committee’s tenure, which was set to expire at the end of March.
Nepali honey facing market challenges as 21 tons remain unsold
Beekeepers in Nepal are grappling with serious market challenges, with around 21 tons of honey remaining unsold, according to the Federation of Nepal Beekeepers. Last year, the unsold stock had reached 69 tons. That crisis had somewhat eased after beekeepers raised the issue with Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ram Nath Adhikari. During that period, Dabur Nepal had purchased a portion of the honey stock, providing temporary relief.
President Paudel calls for education aligned with Nepal’s development goals
President Ram Chandra Paudel has emphasized the need for an education system that aligns with Nepal’s development aspirations by focusing on domestic production, employment generation, and the preparation of skilled, disciplined, and labor-respecting citizens. Speaking at a program marking the 75th anniversary (Diamond Jubilee) of Nepal Adarsha Secondary School in Kathmandu, President Paudel underscored the importance of curriculum reform and modern pedagogy to meet national needs in this era of rapid technological advancement.
Locals urge PM Oli to preserve historic Sundhara and Dharahara
Local residents have urged Prime Minister (pm) KP Sharma Oli to take concrete steps to restore the natural water flow in the historic Sundhara and to ensure the proper conservation of the remains of the old Dharahara tower. A delegation comprising Kathmandu Metropolitan City Ward No. 22 Chairperson Chinikaji Maharjan and CPN-UML Kathmandu District Committee Secretary Rajesh Shakya met with Prime Minister Oli at his Baluwatar residence on Friday.
Minister Singh stresses on protecting rivers from human encroachment
Minister for Urban Development, Prakash Man Singh, has said the budget for the upcoming fiscal year has prioritised the cleanliness of the Kathmandu-Valley based rivers and the upgrading of the corridors. During his address to a tree transplant program held along the Bagmati corridor by the Kathmandu Valley Development Authority, he said the budget allocation for the river cleanliness efforts amounted to Rs 34.02 billion.
Lawmaker Basnet calls for doubling civil servant salaries to curb corruption
Nepali Congress (NC) lawmaker Jitjung Basnet has called for a substantial increase in the salaries of civil servants, arguing that better remuneration is necessary to curb corruption and promote good governance. Speaking during the general discussion on the annual estimate of revenue and expenditure for fiscal year 2082/83 at the National Assembly on Sunday, MP Basnet said the rising cost of living has made it difficult for government employees to sustain themselves on current salaries.
Two arrested for defrauding over Rs 4.2 million by promising foreign jobs
Police have arrested two individuals on charges of defrauding people of more than Rs 4.2 million by falsely promising to send them abroad for employment. The arrested are Pramila Baruwal, 40, of Manthali Municipality-3, Ramechhap, currently residing in Dakshinkali Municipality-1, and Mohan Pokharel, 34, of Mathagadi Rural Municipality-4, Palpa, currently living in Gongabu, Kathmandu Metropolitan City-26, according to Superintendent of Police Kaji Kumar Acharya, spokesperson for the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office.
Two missing in Bheri River found dead, one still missing
The bodies of two individuals who went missing while swimming in the Bheri River have been recovered, while one remains unaccounted for. All three are residents of Nalgad Municipality-8 in Jajarkot. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Basanta Sharma, the bodies of 15-year-old Bhagwati Nepali and 10-year-old Mahesh Kusari were found at Manmai along the Bheri River. However, 12-year-old Asha Kusari is still missing.
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