KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Case filed against 17, including Rita Singh, in Bal Mandir land scam
The District Government Attorney’s Office in Kathmandu has filed a case against 17 individuals, including Rita Singh, the sister of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development Prakash Man Singh, in connection with the Bal Mandir land embezzlement case.
The case was registered at the Kathmandu District Court on Wednesday. Initially, the District Government Attorney’s Office had recommended against prosecution and forwarded the file to the Office of the Attorney General. However, the Attorney General later decided to proceed with legal action, leading to the filing of the charge sheet.
Rita Singh, 71, daughter of supreme commander in the democratic movement of 1990, Ganeshman Singh, served as the then-president of the Nepal Children’s Organization.
Security tightened along borders amid India-Pakistan tensions
The Central Security Committee held a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday afternoon in response to rising tensions between India and Pakistan. The meeting was attended by top security officials, including Nepal Army Lieutenant General Nirmal Kumar Thapa, Nepal Police IGP Deepak Thapa, Armed Police Force (APF) IGP Raju Aryal, and National Investigation Department Chief Hutraj Thapa.
According to the Home Ministry, the discussion focused on potential security implications for Nepal and the precautionary measures needed in light of the escalating situation between the neighboring countries.
Lawmakers urge vigilance amid rising India-Pakistan tensions
Lawmakers speaking in today’s meeting of the House of Representatives emphasized the need for Nepal to remain alert to the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan and their potential implications for Nepal.
During zero hour, several lawmakers called on the government to demonstrate diplomatic prudence in the face of growing conflict between the neighboring countries.
Nepali Congress leader Narayan Prakash Saud suggested that the planned visit of high-level Pakistani military officials to Nepal should be postponed, citing the sensitive nature of the current India-Pakistan situation.
Govt reluctant to recover assets stashed abroad by corrupt individuals: CIAA Chief
Chief Commissioner of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), Prem Kumar Rai, has raised concerns over the government’s lack of action in recovering assets hidden abroad by corrupt individuals.
Speaking at a meeting of the Federalism Strengthening and National Concerns Committee in the National Assembly, Chief Commissioner Rai revealed that the government is unwilling to take steps to retrieve assets stashed in countries like Singapore, the United States, and various European nations, despite agreements from those countries to facilitate their return to Nepal.
HoR session: Lawmakers urge govt action on pressing issues
Lawmakers raised a range of contemporary concerns during the ‘urgent time’ of today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, drawing the government’s attention to several pressing matters.
Mahesh Kumar Bartaula urged the government to ensure immediate medical treatment for 10 individuals injured in a Bolero jeep accident in Raksirang, Makawanpur earlier today. He noted that the condition of six of the victims is critical. Madhav Sapkota called on the Speaker to direct the government to conduct a thorough investigation into allegations of corruption involving the Securities Board, where an Initial Public Offering (IPO) was reportedly halted due to demands for commissions.
Lawmakers urge budget reform, push for agricultural focus
Lawmakers continued deliberations in the House of Representatives (hOr) on the government’s annual policies and programs for the upcoming fiscal year 2082/83, presented by President Ram Chandra Paudel during a joint session of the Federal Parliament.
Speaking on behalf of their respective parties, parliamentarians put forth a range of suggestions and concerns regarding the direction of government policy.
Nepali Congress lawmaker Narayan Prakash Saud emphasized that the budget should be allocated only after ensuring adequate resources. Stressing the need for greater economic self-reliance, Saud noted that Nepal, despite being an agricultural country, has yet to achieve self-sufficiency.
NPC urges budget prioritization for actionable projects
Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission (NPC), Prof. Dr. Shivraj Adhikari, has urged the government to allocate the budget primarily to projects that can be implemented immediately. Speaking at an interaction on the formulation of annual development programs, the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), and the NPC’s project bank on Wednesday, Dr. Adhikari emphasized that projects should be categorized based on their feasibility and readiness for implementation.
NC holding office bearers’ meeting Friday
Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba has convened a meeting of the party’s office bearers for Friday morning. The meeting is scheduled to take place at 9 a.m. at Deuba’s residence in Budhanilkantha, informed Krishna Prasad Poudel, Chief Secretary of the NC Central Office.
According to Poudel, the discussion will center on pressing political developments. The meeting comes at a time when the government is facing mounting criticism over its failure to take crucial decisions, including the appointment of a new Governor.
NRB submits pre-budget review report to Finance Ministry
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has submitted its Pre-Budget Review Report for the fiscal year 2082/83 BS to the Ministry of Finance. Acting Governor Dr. Neelam Dhungana Timsina handed over the report to Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel today.
She informed the Finance Minister that the report was prepared following comprehensive study and consultations with key stakeholders across various regions of the country.
Parbat sees clash between UML youth factions following Taplejung showdown
The ruling CPN-UML, currently under the sole leadership of Chairman KP Sharma Oli, is witnessing increasing internal conflicts despite his one-man rule. Recently, clashes have erupted between rival factions within the party and its affiliated organizations in various districts.
On Tuesday, tensions flared at the UML convention in Dhanusha between the factions of Raghubir Mahaseth and Umashankar Argariya. The conflict, stemming from a power struggle for leadership, resulted in a brawl, leaving several people injured. Before the situation in Dhanusha could be resolved, another altercation broke out between the cadres of the Youth Association Nepal, the UML’s youth wing, at the party office in Parbat.
CPN-UML leaders advocate for people-centric budget
Senior leaders of the ruling CPN-UML held discussions on key priorities for the upcoming fiscal year 2025/26 budget, emphasizing the need for a people-focused approach. During a meeting held today at the party’s central office in Chyasal, Lalitpur, top UML leaders proposed that the next budget be designed with the public’s interests at its core, according to UML Central Office Secretary Dr. Bhisma Adhikari.
Govt’s policies and programs disappointing, ritualistic: Lawmaker Yadav
Member of Parliament (MP) Mahindra Ray Yadav of the Maoist Center has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the government’s policy and program for the upcoming fiscal year, calling it disappointing, ritualistic, and unjustified. During a discussion on the policy and program in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Yadav claimed the proposal was confusing and lacked proper justification.
“This policy and program are disappointing and confusing,” Yadav said. “It feels ritualistic and has no real basis. The previous government used to discuss the concerns of the entire Nepali people through the methods and processes of the federal democratic republic, but this time the government has failed to do so.”
NEPSE surges by 62.25 points on Wednesday
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) saw a strong rebound today (Wednesday), climbing 62.25 points, or 2.38%, to close at 2,673.69 — a sharp recovery from yesterday’s marginal decline of 1.03 points. The index began trading at 2,613.78, hit a high of 2,676.25, and dipped as low as 2,611.71 during the session. Total daily turnover stood at Rs. 10.51 billion, with 27.2 million shares exchanged in 99,305 transactions across 308 listed companies. Market capitalization reached Rs. 4.34 trillion, while float market cap was Rs. 1.44 trillion.
Democracy inconceivable without a free press: President Paudel
President Ram Chandra Paudel has emphasized that the press has played a pivotal role in Nepal’s political, social, and cultural transformations. Speaking at a program organized by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology to mark National Journalism Day, he stated that journalism is not only a catalyst for change but also a powerful and essential tool for nation-building. “Democracy cannot be imagined without journalism, as free, impartial, and independent journalism is a foundation of democracy,” the President said.
Seventh session of Koshi Provincial Assembly to begin on May 18
The seventh session of the Koshi Provincial Assembly is scheduled to commence on May 18. The decision was made during a meeting of the Koshi Provincial Council of Ministers held in Biratnagar on Wednesday. Provincial Government Spokesperson and Minister for Internal Affairs and Law, Rewati Raman Bhandari, informed that the cabinet has recommended the provincial chief to convene the session on the proposed date.
Gold price continues to rise, up by Rs 1,700 per tola today
The price of gold has increased today, following a sharp rise of Rs 5,300 per tola on Tuesday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers, gold is now being traded at Rs 191,600 per tola—an increase of Rs 1,700 from yesterday’s rate of Rs 189,900 per tola. Gold prices had already shown an upward trend earlier this week, rising on both Sunday and Monday.
Two arrested with over Rs 4 million in ‘hundi’ money
Police have arrested two individuals in Kathmandu with ‘hundi’ money amounting to over Rs 4.3 million. According to the District Police Range, Kathmandu, the arrested individuals include one Nepali and one Indian national. They were found in possession of Rs 4,032,500 in undeclared cash.
The suspects have been identified as Suraj Dutta, 67, a native of Kolkata, India, currently residing in Ombahal, Kathmandu Metropolitan City-23, and Dharma Prasad Dhakal, 63, originally from Devdaha Municipality, Rupandehi, and currently living in Tinthana, Chandragiri-15.
Pro-monarchy forces to announce new phase of movement tomorrow
The Joint People’s Movement Committee, formed to advocate for the restoration of the monarchy and led by Nawaraj Subedi, is set to announce a new movement on Thursday (May 8). The formal announcement will take place at the Nawadurga Party Palace in Sukedhara, Kathmandu.
The declaration event is expected to be attended by key political figures, including Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chairman Rajendra Lingden, RPP Nepal Chairman Kamal Thapa, Rastriya Shakti Nepal’s Keshar Bahadur Bista, Nepali Congress (BP) leader Sushilman Sherchan, Shiva Sena Nepal Chairman Anil Basnet, along with representatives from various Hindu organizations and campaigns.
Two teenagers killed in motorcycle accident in Dhanusha
Two youths, aged 16 and 18, lost their lives in a motorcycle accident in Thilla, Sabaila Municipality-8, last night. According to police, the motorcycle lost control, leading to the crash. The deceased have been identified as 18-year-old Aman Ray, a resident of Sabaila-8, who was riding the motorcycle, and 16-year-old Angaj Kumar Ray of Jogiara, Bideh Municipality-7, who was riding pillion.
Bagmati Province observed public holiday today
The Bagmati Province government announced a public holiday across the province today. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law, the holiday was declared to mark the Province’s Official Language Day. Ministry spokesperson Rabita Adhikari stated that the decision to observe a holiday was made on Chaitra 21.
Prachanda suffers minor injuries after bathroom fall
Maoist Center Chairman and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ sustained minor injuries after slipping and falling in the bathroom at his residence in Khumaltar last night.
A member of his secretariat said that the injuries were not serious. “He sustained minor injuries but nothing severe,” he said. Following the incident, Prachanda was taken to Mediciti Hospital for treatment.
Snakebite Treatment Centre awaits doctors for six years
The intensive care unit (ICU) of the snakebite treatment centre in Nawalpur, Sarlahi, has remained locked for the past six years due to the absence of skilled doctors. Although the facility is equipped with an ICU and a ventilator to treat critical snakebite cases, it has not been operational owing to a persistent lack of medical personnel. Despite repeated vacancy announcements over the years, the centre has been unable to recruit doctors.
Nine injured in road accident in Makawanpur
Nine people were injured in a road accident that occurred on an internal road at Athare in Raksirang Rural Municipality-9. Among them, six are reported to be in critical condition. The critically injured have been identified as Himal Basnet (16), Buddhiman Ghalan (35), Dil Bahadur Ghalan (75), his wife Phulmaya Ghalan (70), Rup Bahadur Raut (38), and Deepak Khadka (48), all residents of Raksirang-9.
Postal Highway: 44 km blacktopped, work nearing completion
Construction of the Postal Highway from Dokebazar in Kanchanpur to Daiji in Bedkot Municipality has entered its final stage, with 44 kilometers of the 62-kilometer stretch already blacktopped. The project, which began following an agreement signed in Falgun 2073 BS, was divided into three sections.
Despite delays caused by land disputes in some areas, one section has been fully completed, while the remaining two are in the final phase of blacktopping, according to Mukunda Lamichhane, Chief of the Postal Highway Planning Office, Dhangadhi.
First Gandaki Cup Women’s Football Tournament to be held from July 12 to 19
The first edition of the Gandaki Cup Women’s Football Tournament is set to take place from July 12 to 19 at Pokhara Stadium in Gandaki Province. Organized by the Gandaki Province Football Federation, the national-level competition will feature eight participating teams, including departmental sides such as Tribhuvan Army Club (Nepali Army) and Armed Police Force (APF) Club. According to Federation General Secretary Binod Gurung, the tournament has received official approval from the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA).
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