KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Home Minister clarifies Resham Chaudhary arrest: “Court order implemented, no bias involved”
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has stated that the arrest of Resham Lal Chaudhary, patron of the Nagarik Unmukti Party (NUP), was carried out in accordance with a court order and not due to any political prejudice. Responding to questions raised during Thursday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Lekhak said the arrest was executed immediately upon receipt of the Supreme Court’s directive.
“As the police administration acted promptly on the court’s previous order, I assure you there is no bias in this case—only a sincere intent to uphold the law,” he said. “Let’s all remain alert to prevent such incidents from repeating in the future.”
Home Minister vows swift resolution of Transitional Justice issues
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has stated that Transitional Justice (TJ) is a top priority for the government and emphasized that its resolution will focus on placing the victims at the center. Speaking at a program organized by the National Human Rights Commission in Lalitpur on Thursday, Lekhak highlighted the seriousness and importance of the transitional justice issue. “Transitional justice is of utmost importance, and we have completed the relevant laws. In the past, the issue could not be addressed due to the incomplete legal framework. Now, we will finalize transitional justice in a way that ensures justice for the victims,” he said.
Debate continues in HoR on govt’s Policies and Programs
Lawmakers continued to debate the government’s annual policies and programs for fiscal year 2082/83 BS in the House of Representatives, urging necessary revisions to make the document more mature, practical, and inclusive. During Thursday’s session, lawmakers emphasized that the government should incorporate justified and constructive suggestions raised during the parliamentary discussion, as the policies and programmes document remains open to amendment. Nepali Congress lawmaker Arjun Narsingh KC remarked that debating the policies would be meaningless if suggested changes are not reflected in the final version.
NC to expand international outreach through liaison committees
The Nepali Congress (NC) has decided to increase its global engagement by expanding its liaison committees in more countries, in response to the growing number of Nepali citizens living abroad. The decision was taken at a meeting of the NC’s Department of Nepali Liaison Committee held today. The meeting, chaired by Department Chief Kiran Raj Sharma Paudel, was attended by department officials, office bearers, and representatives from the party’s foreign liaison committees.
Prachanda and BJP leader Koshiyari hold talks in Kathmandu
Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ met with senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Bhagat Singh Koshiyari at his residence in Khumaltar on Thursday. Koshiyari, a long-time member of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), previously held key political positions including Chief Minister of Uttarakhand (2001–2002) and Governor of Maharashtra (2019–2023).
Maoist MP demands government’s position on India-Pakistan conflict
Maoist Centre parliamentarian Rajan Dahal has called for the government to clarify its position on the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict. During today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Dahal expressed dissatisfaction over the government’s failure to make its official stance public. He stated, “I urge the Nepal government to clearly state its position on the dispute between India and Pakistan.”
Maoist leaders divided over India-Pakistan conflict as Gurung condemns airstrikes, Sharma backs India
The fallout from escalating tensions between India and Pakistan has begun to reflect within Nepal’s political landscape, with senior leaders of the opposition Maoist Centre publicly taking opposing stances on the matter. Divisions have emerged among party office bearers after India launched airstrikes on at least nine locations in Pakistan on Tuesday night. While General Secretary Dev Prasad Gurung strongly criticized the airstrikes and questioned their justification, Deputy General Secretary Janardhan Sharma defended India’s actions, calling them a legitimate response to terrorism.
Four Chinese nationals arrested at Raxaul border while attempting to enter India from Nepal
Security has been heightened along the Nepal-India border following India’s recent airstrike on Pakistan late Tuesday night. In a recent security operation near the Raxaul Friendship Bridge close to Birgunj, Indian Border Security Force (SSB) personnel arrested four Chinese nationals attempting to illegally cross into India from Nepal.
According to the SSB, the arrested individuals have been inconsistent in their statements during interrogation. They are reportedly fluent in Hindi, Nepali, English, and Chinese. Indian security agencies suspect that the Chinese nationals may have connections with Pakistan. The SSB claims to have evidence suggesting the group had been in communication with a person in Pakistan.
Pro-monarchy forces announce mass movement from May 29
Pro-monarchy forces have announced the launch of a nationwide movement demanding the restoration of the monarchy and the re-establishment of Nepal as a Sanatan Hindu state. Nawaraj Subedi, coordinator of the National Campaign Committee to Reinstate Monarchy and Hindu Nationhood, announced the start of an indefinite mass movement from May 29 during a press conference held in Kathmandu on Thursday. “We are launching an indefinite, peaceful mass movement from May 29,” Subedi declared. “Our campaign will be based on civil disobedience and Satyagraha.”
RPP Chair Lingden vows to continue monarchist movement ‘until conclusion’
Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chairman Rajendra Lingden has declared that the campaign to reinstate the monarchy and revive Nepal as a Hindu nation will continue unabated, emphasizing that the monarchist front will remain united. Speaking at an event in Kathmandu on Thursday, Lingden stated, “We can call this our movement, but in truth, it belongs to the entire nation. We will not leave it unfinished.” He asserted that the movement was not driven by partisan interests or the ambitions of any individual, but by the need to determine the country’s future.
No one can break monarchist unity: Kamal Thapa
Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal Chairman Kamal Thapa has declared that no force can break the unity of monarchist forces in the country. Speaking at a gathering in Kathmandu on Thursday, where an indefinite people’s movement was announced starting May 29, Thapa said, “Even if someone tries, the unity of monarchists cannot be broken. It cannot be weakened. We are moving forward together.”
Lawmakers urge govt to address contemporary issues
Lawmakers raised several pressing concerns during Wednesday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, calling on the government to act on various contemporary issues. Aman Lal Modi alleged irregularities in the procurement process of the Jagadulla Hydropower Project in Dolpa district. Citing violations of the Public Procurement Act and regulations, he urged the government to investigate the matter and take steps to curb the illicit outflow of capital from Nepal, including efforts to repatriate funds already sent abroad.
Bimala Subedi highlighted a tragic road accident at Koteshwor-Tinkune earlier today that claimed one life and injured three others. She demanded compensation for the victim’s family and proper treatment for the injured.
Report highlights need for dedicated act for national pride projects
Lawmakers have stressed the need for a dedicated law and clear standards to manage projects of national pride more effectively. During a meeting of the Federalism Enablement and National Concerns Committee of the National Assembly, discussions centered around a draft report on field monitoring of such projects. Committee Chairperson Sonam Geljen Sherpa emphasized the importance of special policy provisions to determine the relevance of projects, streamline their implementation procedures, and ensure the effective operation of completed infrastructures.
Three-vehicle collision in Tinkune kills one, injures three
A young woman lost her life and three others were injured in a three-vehicle collision in Tinkune, Kathmandu. According to police, 23-year-old Nagina Tamang of Nuwakot, who was riding a motorcycle, died after a bus (Ba 3 Kha 7062) traveling from Pepsi Cola to Ratna Park struck a Maruti van and then hit her motorcycle. Tamang succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment at the Trauma Center, said Apil Raj Bohara, spokesperson for the District Police Range.
Gold price up by Rs 600 per tola today
The rise in gold prices in the international market has affected the local market. Today, the price of gold increased by Rs 600 per tola. According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold was set at Rs 192,200 per tola. Meanwhile, silver was traded at Rs 1,955 per tola. On Wednesday, gold was priced at Rs 191,600 per tola, while silver was trading at Rs 1,965 per tola.
Man held with Indian currency worth Rs. 1.5 million in Jhapa
A man has been apprehended in possession of Indian currency totaling Rs. 1.499 million from Jorsimal, located in Mechinagar-7, Jhapa. The cash was discovered during a routine inspection of a bus traveling from Kakadbhitta to Biratnagar by a patrol team from the Armed Police Force Nepal’s Proposed Border Security Force based in Kakadbhitta. Deputy Superintendent Suman Pokharel of the APF No. 2 Battalion Headquarters, Jhapa, confirmed that 38-year-old Dambar Bahadur Karki, a resident of Urlabari-8 in Morang, was detained in connection with the seizure.
Efforts to eradicate leprosy must be more effective: PM Oli
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stressed the need to make leprosy eradication efforts more dynamic and effective under the government’s Healthy Nepal Campaign. Speaking at the inaugural session of the Nepal Leprosy Conference organized today by the Ministry of Health and Population in collaboration with various organizations, PM Oli remarked, “Although having fewer than one leprosy patient per 10,000 people is considered a success indicator, we will not be satisfied until the disease is completely eradicated.”
One dies of rabies in Ichhakamana
A 32-year-old man, Min Bahadur Praja of Ichhakamana Rural Municipality-2, has died of rabies. According to Bharatpur Hospital’s Information Officer Gopal Poudel, he passed away today while receiving treatment at the hospital. Praja had been bitten by a dog several months ago, but he did not seek timely medical attention. He was admitted to the hospital on Wednesday, but it was too late to save him.
World Remembrance and Reconciliation Day marked today
Today marked World Remembrance and Reconciliation Day, observed annually to honor the memory of those who lost their lives during World War II. The day has been commemorated globally since 2004 at the initiative of the United Nations, which declared May 8 and 9 as a time for remembrance and reconciliation. On this occasion, various UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, and individuals pay tribute to war victims and reflect on the importance of peace and reconciliation.
Red Cross Day observed today
World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day was observed today across various countries with the theme “Keeping Humanity Alive.” The day is celebrated annually on May 8 to honor the dedication of volunteers and workers involved in humanitarian services through the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement worldwide. The occasion also marks the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
Harichaur–Malma–Pandabkhani road upgrade gathers momentum
The upgrade of the Harichaur–Malma–Pandabkhani road section, under the ‘One Constituency, One Strategic Road’ initiative, has picked up pace. According to the Road Division Office, eight kilometers of the road are being upgraded in the current fiscal year with a budget of Rs 400 million provided by the federal government. Engineer Sagar Bhandari from the office informed RSS that 70 percent of the work has already been completed. Of the eight kilometers, four are now ready for blacktopping.
Tourist arrivals drop sharply at Chitwan National Park
The number of tourists visiting Chitwan National Park (CNP) has decreased this year compared to the previous fiscal year. According to park information officer Abinash Thapa Magar, 182,227 tourists visited the park by the end of Chaitra this fiscal year, down from 250,337 during the same period last year—a significant decline. Of the total visitors this year, 92,890 were Nepali, 16,798 were from SAARC countries, and 72,539 came from other international destinations. Data shows a notable drop in domestic tourist numbers compared to last year.
40 days of rage as microfinance victims demand justice
Victims of microfinance institutions have staged a demonstration at Maitighar even today, accusing the government of failing to fulfill a previous agreement. The protesters had ended their earlier movement earlier after reaching an understanding with the government. However, they resumed their agitation on March 30, citing unaddressed commitments. As of Thursday, the protest has continued for 40 days.
Seven arrested for online fraud worth Rs 26.3 million
Seven individuals have been arrested in Dhanusha on charges of involvement in a large-scale online fraud operation. According to Superintendent of Police Narahari Regmi, the suspects allegedly defrauded people by creating fake social media accounts and offering goods such as mobile phones and motorcycles at attractively low prices. Victims were asked to make advance payments, after which the fraudsters would cut off contact and disappear.
Survivors’ concerns will be central to transitional justice: Home Minister Lekhak
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has emphasized the need to prioritize the concerns of survivors in the transitional justice process, reaffirming the government’s commitment to addressing their grievances. Speaking at a discussion program on the progress of the Second National Action Plan (2079–2081/82 BS) for implementing UN Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 1820, Minister Lekhak said that transitional justice remains a top priority for both the Ministry of Home Affairs and the federal government. “Transitional justice is a deeply important and sensitive issue. We have now finalized the necessary legislation. In the past, legal gaps prevented us from effectively addressing survivors’ concerns,” he stated.
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