KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Cooling-off clause dispute in Civil Service Bill heads to National Assembly
The Federal Civil Service Bill, which aimed to introduce a mandatory cooling-off period for retired bureaucrats before they can be appointed to political or high-level posts, has become the subject of intense debate in Nepal’s National Assembly. The bill, unanimously endorsed by the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of the House of Representatives earlier this year, is currently under review in the upper house’s Legislative Committee. Lawmakers had originally inserted a two-year cooling-off period to curb the growing trend of retired civil servants quickly securing political appointments, diplomatic posts, or donor-funded jobs.
Gold hits record high of Rs 199,400, silver reaches Rs 2,325
Gold prices in the Nepali market soared to a record high on Friday, reaching Rs 199,400 per tola, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. Silver also climbed to an all-time high, trading at Rs 2,325 per tola, up by Rs 10 from Thursday’s rate of Rs 2,315.
Uttarakhand Police report no Nepali fatalities in Dharali flood
Uttarakhand police have informed the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi that none of the rescued or deceased individuals listed in the recent devastating flood and landslide in Dharali, Uttarkashi district, are Nepali citizens. According to the Uttarakhand police, a total of 372 people have been safely rescued so far, and two bodies recovered from the site do not include any Nepali nationals, the embassy confirmed.
Foreign Minister directs embassy to coordinate rescue of Nepalis in Uttarakhand
Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has instructed the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi to coordinate urgently with Indian authorities to search for and rescue Nepali citizens missing in the floods and landslides in Uttarakhand, India. The disaster struck Dharali village, located along the route to Uttarkashi, where several Nepali nationals were caught in the floods and landslides.
PM Oli expresses concern over flood devastation in Uttarakhand, India
Prime Minister (PM) KP Oli has expressed concern over the devastating floods in Uttarakhand, India, which have resulted in significant loss of life and property. Taking to social media, Prime Minister Oli said, “I am deeply concerned by the tragic news of the immense loss of life and property caused by flooding in our neighboring and friendly country, Uttarakhand, India. I offer my heartfelt condolences to those who lost their lives and pray for strength and solace for the bereaved families.”
Here’s how Gandaki Province is aiming to legalize and regulate cannabis cultivation
The Gandaki Province government has initiated a landmark move to bring cannabis cultivation, long considered illegal but recognized for its medicinal and industrial value, under a legal framework. With the ambitious goal of boosting farmers’ incomes and creating a strong alternative economic base, the province has publicly released the detailed draft of the “Gandaki Province Cannabis Cultivation Regulation and Management Bill.” The bill outlines a comprehensive framework to place the entire cycle of cannabis production, processing, storage, and distribution under strict government supervision and control.
Indra Bahadur Baniya to seek vote of confidence on August 12
Indra Bahadur Baniya, appointed as the sixth Chief Minister of Bagmati Province on August 5, is set to seek a vote of confidence on August 12. This move follows the provisions of Article 168(4) of the Constitution of Nepal and Rule 143(1) of the Provincial Assembly Rules, 2017. Ram Kumar Paudel, Secretary of the Provincial Assembly, informed that Speaker Bhuvan Kumar Pathak has called a provincial assembly session for 4 PM on the August 12, where Baniya will present the proposal to obtain the vote of confidence.
Nepali Congress prepares performance guidelines for elected representatives at all three levels
Nepali Congress has drafted a performance guideline for its elected representatives at the local, provincial, and federal levels. The guideline was finalized on Friday at the residence of party president Sher Bahadur Deuba in Budhanilkantha. Earlier, the Central Working Committee meeting held on July 7 had passed the initial version of the performance guideline for representatives and decided to approve the final version after necessary revisions.
National Assembly passes Water Resources Bill, 2024
The National Assembly has passed the Water Resources Bill, 2024. During the National Assembly session held on Friday, Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Minister Dipak Khadka presented a proposal to pass the Water Resources Bill, 2024. The proposal was unanimously approved. Responding to questions raised during the discussion on the bill, Minister Khadka stated that the bill clarifies ambiguities related to dams and provides for necessary government safeguards. He emphasized that the legislation aims to promote the efficient use and conservation of water resources, while maximizing the benefits derived from them.
Bipin Joshi’s mother and sister leaving for Israel
he mother and sister of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali national abducted by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, are set to travel to Israel as part of efforts to press for his release. Bipin was abducted on October 7, 2023, from a kibbutz in southern Israel during Hamas’ large-scale attack. His mother, Padma, and sister, Pushpa, will be taken to Israel by the Israeli Embassy in Kathmandu next Monday, according to Bipin’s cousin, Kishor Joshi.
Parliamentary Committee demands progress report on TU Cricket Ground renovation
The Federal Parliament’s Committee on Implementation, Monitoring, and Evaluation of State Policies and Principles has decided to request a progress report on the renovation of the TU Cricket Ground. At a meeting held on Friday at Singha Durbar, the committee directed the government to provide detailed information regarding the development work carried out so far for the upgrade of the TU Cricket Ground, said committee chairperson Thakur Gaire.
Proposed securities dematerialization guidelines under review at SEBON
The Securities Dematerialization Operation Guidelines 2025, unanimously endorsed by CDS and Clearing Limited (CDSC) and forwarded to the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON), is currently under review at the board. According to SEBON spokesperson Niranjaya Ghimire, the guidelines have not yet reached the board’s working committee. “If the proposal from CDSC is deemed sound, it will proceed as is. Only if significant errors are found will the committee recommend changes,” he said.
Alternative Development Finance Bill discussed in Finance Committee
The Finance Committee of the House of Representatives held discussions today on the Alternative Development Finance Bill, 2025. During the session, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel emphasized the necessity of mobilizing new financial resources for the country’s economic progress and sustainable development.
NEPSE tells investors not to rely on social media for stock trading
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) has advised investors not to base their share market decisions solely on information from social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter). In a notice posted on its official Facebook page, NEPSE urged investors to avoid acting on proposals circulated through such platforms.
IPPAN rejects proposal for new mechanism without first implementing de-tariffing
The Independent Power Producers’ Association, Nepal (IPPAN) has rejected a proposal by the Nepal Insurance Authority to form a new mechanism to address disputes over high premium rates, insisting that the authority must first implement the previously agreed de-tariff system. The stance came during a meeting held Thursday at the authority’s central office in Kupandol, where IPPAN representatives, the Nepal Insurers’ Association, and reinsurance companies were invited to discuss ways to resolve the long-standing dispute.
24 casinos renew operating licenses
A total of 24 casinos have renewed their operating licenses for the ongoing fiscal year 2025/26, according to the Department of Tourism. These include casinos operating both inside and outside the Kathmandu Valley. Of the renewed licenses, five casinos are based in Kathmandu, five in Nepalgunj, five in Rupandehi, and two in Morang. Similarly, two casinos each in Jhapa and Parsa, and one each in Kaski and Kapilvastu, have also renewed their permits for this fiscal year, the department said.
Nepal scrape past Saudi Arabia in AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers
In their second match of the AFC U-20 Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers held in Thimphu, Bhutan, Nepal managed a hard-fought 1-0 win against Saudi Arabia. The match took place at Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, where Nepal had to wait until the very last moment to score the winning goal. In the 90th minute, Sukriya Miya tapped in a goal assisted by Mina Deuba, securing the victory for Nepal.
Brazilian woman arrested at TIA for attempted cocaine smuggling
A foreign national has been arrested at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for attempting to smuggle cocaine. According to the Narcotics Control Bureau’s TIA branch, the 21-year-old Brazilian citizen, identified as Emily Mikaele Santos Ferreira, was detained while transiting through Nepal on her way to Bhutan via Doha, Qatar. Police said Ferreira was caught in the airport’s departure lounge with 1.95 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside black bras, with the drugs wrapped in condoms and concealed in plastic.
Nain Singh Mahar calls for clear provision for free education in Education Bill
Nain Singh Mahar, Central Committee member and head of the Education Department of the Nepali Congress, has said the framework for free education guaranteed by the Constitution must be clearly stated in the School Education Bill. He said the long-awaited School Education Bill’s content is a matter of serious concern for the future of the country’s education.
Film journalist Prakash Subedi accused of demanding payments for promotion
Popular film program host and journalist Prakash Subedi has been accused of engaging in unethical bargaining practices, promoting films only if paid, and targeting producers and investors with character assassination if they refuse. The allegation was made publicly on social media by Purnabahadurko Sarangi producer Binod Paudel, whose film holds the record for the highest box office earnings in Nepali cinema.
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