KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
PM Oli meets Swiss Foreign Minister
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli held a courtesy meeting today with Swiss Federal Councillor and Foreign Minister Ignazio Daniel Giovanni Cassis at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar.
The two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen the friendly relations between Nepal and Switzerland, with a focus on continued cooperation in development and governance.
Minister Cassis reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to supporting Nepal in key areas including federalism strengthening, transitional justice, climate change, and disaster risk management. He noted that Switzerland remains a long-standing partner in Nepal’s journey towards sustainable development.
Three candidates recommended for Tribhuvan University vice chancellor
The committee formed to recommend candidates for the vacant position of Vice Chancellor at Tribhuvan University has submitted a shortlist of three names to Prime Minister and Chancellor KP Sharma Oli.
Led by Minister for Education, Science, and Technology Raghuraj Pant, the committee recommended the following candidates in alphabetical order: Prof. Dr. Khadga KC, the current acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Binil Aryal, former Dean of the Faculty of Science at Tribhuvan University, and Prof. Dr. Deepak Aryal, former head of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.
The position became vacant after the resignation of former Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Keshar Jung Baral was accepted on Chaitra 28. On Chaitra 31, Chancellor Oli appointed Prof. Dr. KC as acting Vice Chancellor for a maximum of three months until a permanent appointment was made.
Deuba responds to Congress leaders: I’m not someone who quits just because I’m told to
Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has responded to party leaders urging him to set the date for the party’s 15th General Convention, asserting his right to remain in leadership under both the party charter and the constitution.
Speaking during Monday’s Central Working Committee meeting in Sanepa, Deuba reminded attendees that while the party’s statute sets a four-year term, it allows for a one-year extension, and the constitution permits an additional six months.
“You’re allowed to extend by six months under the constitution. The party statute allows up to four years—I said that myself,” Deuba stated in an audio recording obtained from the meeting. “I follow the constitution,” he added.
President appoints three Justices to Supreme Court
President Ram Chandra Paudel has appointed three new justices to the Supreme Court on the recommendation of the Judicial Council.
The newly appointed justices are Meghraj Pokharel, Shreekant Paudel, and Shanti Singh Thapa.
Their nominations were endorsed earlier on Monday by the Parliamentary Special Hearing Committee.
Surya Bahuadur Thapa criticizes RSP’s signature campaign for Rabi Lamichhane, calls it ‘political propaganda’
CPN-UML lawmaker and chair of the parliamentary committee investigating the cooperative fraud case, Surya Bahadur Thapa Chhetri, has termed the Rastriya Swatantra Party’s (RSP) signature campaign in support of its chair Rabi Lamichhane as “political propaganda.”
Speaking in Monday’s House of Representatives meeting, Thapa said the campaign lacked legitimacy, especially when the Supreme Court itself had ruled that Lamichhane could not be declared innocent based on the current evidence, and ordered continued custody.
“A 15-page appeal in the name of a person in Bhairahawa prison was submitted on Asar 7. It was not an appeal, I would call it a plea,” Thapa remarked. “Based on that plea, a signature campaign is being conducted. But there are more than half a dozen cases ongoing in district, high, and supreme courts. Is this retaliation or politics? This campaign is clearly political propaganda.”
PM Oli briefs House on diplomatic wins, LDC advocacy in Spain
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Monday addressed the House of Representatives to inform lawmakers about Nepal’s participation and achievements at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, held in Seville, Spain.
Taking time during the House session, PM Oli said that the global event contributed significantly to enhancing international partnerships in economic diplomacy and accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He said Nepal used the platform to advocate for just and inclusive economic and social development, especially on behalf of Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
Samba reflects on missed opportunity as women’s team returns from Uzbekistan
The Nepali national women’s football team has returned home from Uzbekistan after competing in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. Despite putting up a spirited performance throughout the tournament, Nepal suffered a painful exit in their final match, losing to Uzbekistan in a penalty shootout.
The team landed at Tribhuvan International Airport on Monday afternoon. Speaking to the media upon arrival, striker Sabitra Bhandari ‘Samba’ expressed deep disappointment over the result, saying the missed opportunity in the penalty shootout will haunt the players for a long time.
“We fought back even after trailing by three goals and pushed the match to penalties, but failing to convert two shots was heartbreaking,” said Samba. “We had our chances but couldn’t turn them into results. This game will linger with us for years to come.”
RSP and RPP continue protest over visa scandal
The protest led by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) demanding a parliamentary investigation into the ‘visit visa scandal’ continued on Monday, with both parties maintaining pressure on the government.
The protest, which began on May 26, intensified following allegations implicating Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak in the controversial visa issuance process.
Protesters are calling for the formation of a high-level probe committee to investigate the matter.
Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol calls for cooperation amid KMC budget deadlock
Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), Sunita Dangol, has called for unity and restraint as the municipality faces an administrative impasse over the presentation and passage of its annual budget.
Her remarks, made public on Monday, come amid controversy over the exclusion of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Saroj Guragain from key meetings.
“Let’s not choose the unfortunate path of sinking the boat for others while trying to save ourselves,” said Deputy Mayor Dangol, signaling her disapproval of efforts to convene the executive and municipal assembly sessions without the presence of the CAO.
Former King Gyanendra celebrates 79th birthday at Nirmal Niwas
Former King Gyanendra Shah is celebrating his 79th birthday today, at Nirmal Niwas in Kathmandu.
On the occasion, his residence has been opened to the public, drawing large crowds of supporters, well-wishers, and monarchist political activists.
Similar to Dashain celebrations, the gates of Nirmal Niwas were opened from 11 AM to 2 PM for the public to extend birthday greetings and receive blessings.
Hospital services except emergency care closed nationwide
Hospitals and healthcare institutions throughout Nepal have shut down all services except emergency care today, following a nationwide protest called by the Nepal Medical Association (NMA).
The strike comes in response to recent verdicts issued by the Consumer Court against several hospitals and doctors for alleged medical negligence.
At Bir Hospital, the country’s oldest and busiest public hospital, only follow-up and emergency cases are being treated. “We are currently providing only emergency services,” said hospital director Dr. Dilip Sharma, who expressed hope for a quick resolution to the dispute.
Nepal women’s football team returns home after heartbreak in Asian Cup Qualifiers
The Nepali national women’s football team returned home on Monday morning after competing in the Asian Cup Qualifiers.
The team bowed out of the tournament following a narrow defeat against Uzbekistan in their final match, which ended in a tiebreaker.
Despite the loss, the squad was praised for their determined performance throughout the qualifiers.
Proposed SC justices, Judicial Council member approved by hearing committee
The Parliamentary Hearing Committee has endorsed the nominations of three proposed justices for the Supreme Court and one member of the Judicial Council.
In its meeting held on Monday, the committee unanimously approved the names of senior advocate Meghraj Pokharel, Chief Judge of the High Court Janakpur Shreekant Paudel, and Chief Judge of the High Court Dipayal Shanti Singh Thapa for appointments to the Supreme Court bench. The decision was confirmed by committee assistant secretary Nirmala Devi Lamichhane Basti.
Additionally, the committee approved the nomination of Mahesh Kumar Nepal as a member of the Judicial Council.
Shakya honored with ‘Bhojpur Pratibha Puraskar’
Prem Shakya, a resident of Taksar in Bhojpur Municipality-12, has been awarded the Bhojpur Pratibha Puraskar (Bhojpur Talent Award), an annual honor presented to individuals for their contributions to literature, art, and music.
The award was conferred by the Triveni Sahitya Pratisthan Bhojpur during a special ceremony.
Shakya has been actively involved in the music field since 2045 BS and is widely recognized for his efforts in preserving and promoting Newari art and culture. As a music trainer, he has specialized in traditional Newari instruments such as khin, dha, dhime, naykhi, harmonium, and tabla.
NC central committee meeting enters final day with key leaders set to speak
The Nepali Congress Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting is set to continue today at 2 PM at the party’s central office in Sanepa, Kathmandu.
The meeting, which began on June 30, has so far seen remarks from central committee members, invited central members, the party treasurer, and joint general secretaries.
Today’s session will feature opinions from remaining office bearers, including General Secretaries Gagan Kumar Thapa and Bishwo Prakash Sharma, and Vice Presidents Purna Bahadur Khadka and Dhanraj Gurung.
Bhojpur mass murder: Victims’ bodies sent to Dharan for forensic examination
The bodies of four individuals brutally murdered in Bhojpur’s Ramprasad Rai Rural Municipality–2, Dhodlekhani, have been sent to BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in Dharan for forensic examination.
The bodies were initially taken to the Bhojpur District Hospital on Sunday, but due to the lack of forensic testing equipment there, they were referred to Dharan for detailed analysis.
The victims — 16-year-old Manisha Giri, her 68-year-old father Bel Bahadur Giri, 45-year-old mother Manju Giri, and 9-year-old brother Sapan Giri — were allegedly murdered by 30-year-old Rajendra Rai, Manisha’s husband.
Agriculture Minister pushes for reforms in agriculture loans
Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ramnath Adhikari, has called on Nepal Rastra Bank to simplify procedures for agricultural loans, citing the crucial role of financial institutions in promoting agro-enterprises and alleviating poverty.
During a meeting on Sunday with central bank governor Dr. Biswo Nath Poudel, Minister Adhikari highlighted the need for streamlined access to credit for farmers. He also stressed the importance of effective monitoring to ensure agricultural loans are being used appropriately.
“I urge the central bank to ensure that agriculture loans are not misused for non-agricultural purposes,” the minister said. He further urged state-owned banks to increase lending to the agricultural sector and adhere strictly to NRB’s agricultural loan directives.
Tikapur Municipality bans plastic bags from July 17
Tikapur Municipality is set to enforce a complete ban on plastic bags starting July 17.
The local government is preparing to implement the Plastic Products Ban Act, 2080 with the aim of addressing environmental concerns and promoting sustainable alternatives.
“Plastic is harmful from an environmental perspective,” said Mayor Ramlal Dagoura Tharu. “Controlling its use will greatly benefit the municipality, and the risks caused by plastic waste will gradually decline.”
Provincial industrial exhibition in Karnali aims to encourage entrepreneurs
The Provincial Industrial Exhibition concluded on Sunday in Birendranagar, the capital of Karnali Province, with the aim of promoting entrepreneurship, production, and productivity through labor, skills, and creativity.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment, Suresh Adhikari, said the exhibition would support local production and marketing, while encouraging entrepreneurship.
“This event has significantly contributed to the promotion and marketing of products made from local resources,” he stated. “However, such an important program should be scheduled to conclude by mid-Jestha in the upcoming fiscal year.”
President lauds rising cricket craze and Nepal’s U-16 victory
President Ram Chandra Paudel has praised the growing passion for cricket among Nepalis and commended the recent achievements of the national players, describing them as a result of unwavering dedication and hard work.
While felicitating the victorious Nepali team of the ACC U-16 East Zone Cup at Sheetal Niwas, President Paudel said that Nepal’s triumph in the final match against Singapore had elevated the nation’s dignity and international standing.
He highlighted that such sporting successes reflect the players’ discipline and commitment and are a source of pride for the country.
Former PM Khanal departs for China to participate in World Civilization Dialogue
Former Prime Minister Jhalnath Khanal has departed for China today. He is traveling to participate in the ‘World Civilization Dialogue’ organized in Beijing at the invitation of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
Before attending the main programme in Beijing, Khanal is scheduled to visit Henan Province for three days, said his personal secretary Krishna Bhattarai. Former Prime Minister Khanal, also respected leader of CPN (Unified Socialist) will observe the modern agricultural research centres, ‘digital’ technology companies, new energy technology factories, and model projects for rural revitalization there.
According to aide Bhattarai, he will address a special interaction organized by the CPC Henan Provincial Committee as the chief speaker. After concluding the event in Henan, Leader Khanal will arrive in Beijing, the capital of China, on July 9.
Nepal to play two international friendlies against Bangladesh in September
The Nepali national men’s football team is set to face Bangladesh in two international friendly matches on September 6 and 9 at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu.
These matches fall under FIFA’s international match window and are expected to be crucial for Nepal as part of its preparations for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
Nepal is placed in Group F of the Asian Cup qualifiers alongside Malaysia, Laos, and Vietnam. The team has played two matches in the group stage so far but suffered defeats in both.
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