KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Nepali Congress takes action against 18 leaders for betrayal during 2079 elections
The Nepali Congress has taken disciplinary action against 18 party leaders for working against official party candidates during the 2079 local, provincial, and federal elections.
According to the Central Disciplinary Committee led by Ananda Prasad Dhungana, the decision to take action was made after verifying evidence that these leaders acted contrary to party interests.
Out of the 18, six leaders have been expelled from the party for one year, including high-profile figures such as provincial general secretaries, district presidents, and former provincial ministers, 11 leaders have been suspended for six months, and one leader has been suspended for three months.
After expulsion from Nepali Congress, Bishnu Kumar Rai calls it a ‘certificate of honor’
Shortly after being expelled from the Nepali Congress, Khotang district president Bishnu Kumar Rai has reacted by calling the decision a “certificate of honor” and a response to his stand against injustice.
The party’s Central Disciplinary Committee expelled Rai for one year on charges of working against the party during the 2079 elections.
In a statement, Rai said that politics is not just about gains, but also about losses. Reflecting on his 35-year-long political journey, he said he had endured many ups and downs.
Former Gandaki Minister Kumar Khadka expelled from Nepali Congress for one year
The Nepali Congress has expelled former Gandaki Province Minister Kumar Khadka from the party for a year on charges of betrayal and internal sabotage during elections.
According to Ananda Prasad Dhungana, coordinator of the party’s Central Disciplinary Committee, Khadka, who is also a general committee member, played a role in defeating the party’s official candidate in the last election.
The decision was made after a series of committee meetings held between Asar 9 and 17, which reviewed evidence including social media posts, audio and video clips, indicating Khadka had actively worked against party-endorsed candidates in the 2079 local, provincial, and parliamentary elections.
NC expels Lumbini Province General Secretary Bikram Khanal from party
The Nepali Congress has expelled Bikram Khanal, General Secretary of the party’s Lumbini Province Committee, for one year.
The disciplinary action comes after it was proven that Khanal worked against the party’s official candidate during the 2022 general elections.
A letter sent by Anand Prasad Dhungana, coordinator of the Central Disciplinary Committee, to Lumbini Province President Amar Singh Pun stated that Khanal was expelled under Article 34 (1)(a)(b)(d) and Sub-Article 8(g) of the party statute (amended 2017), citing an unsatisfactory explanation and credible evidence of misconduct.
Home Minister accuses Rabi Lamichhane of misusing visit visa to obtain US citizenship
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has accused Rabi Lamichhane, president of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and former Home Minister, of misusing visit visa to obtain American citizenship.
Speaking during Wednesday’s session of the House of Representatives, Minister Lekhak addressed recent floods and landslides in Rasuwa, but also used the opportunity to level serious allegations against Lamichhane.
He claimed that Lamichhane had initially traveled to the United States on a visit visa and later acquired American citizenship while staying there illegally.
Floodlight towers arrive for TU Cricket Ground upgrade
The much-anticipated floodlight towers for the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur have finally arrived in Kathmandu on Wednesday, marking a major step in the ongoing upgrade of the stadium.
The towers, imported from Uttar Pradesh, India, were transported over a period of nine days and are currently placed outside the cricket stadium awaiting installation. These towers will enable night matches at the venue for the first time.
The project, which includes parapet expansion and floodlight installation, is being implemented by BKOI-KCDC-BG JV at a total cost of Rs 437.7 million.
Sunkoshi and Saptakoshi riverbanks on high alert
The Udayapur District Administration Office has issued a public alert urging residents along the Saptakoshi River to remain on high alert due to increased flood risks triggered by ongoing monsoon rains in the hilly and high Himalayan regions.
In a notice issued today by Chief District Officer Prem Prasad Luitel, communities along the riverbanks have been asked to adopt caution as continuous rainfall in upstream areas may lead to sudden rises in water levels.
Given the unpredictable nature of monsoon weather, the notice emphasizes the possibility of heavy rainfall at any time. It calls on the public to avoid unnecessary movement, especially during nighttime, and to exercise extreme caution while driving on major and auxiliary roads in high-risk zones.
RSP and RPP boycott Parliament over lack of high-level probe into visit visa scandal
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) boycotted Wednesday’s House of Representatives meeting, expressing dissatisfaction over the government’s failure to form a high-level probe panel into the recent “visit visa” scandal.
As soon as the meeting commenced, RSP lawmaker Sobita Gautam announced the boycott, reiterating the party’s demand for either a parliamentary probe committee or a high-level commission to investigate the alleged misuse of visit visas for human trafficking.
“In a matter so grave that puts the country’s image at stake, the government has responded with a superficial administrative committee filled with junior staffers under its direct control. This is nothing but a sham,” said Gautam. “Since our demand has been ignored, we are continuing our boycott of the parliament.”
Dr. Deepak Aryal appointed TU vice-chancellor
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, in his capacity as the Chancellor of Tribhuvan University (TU), has appointed Dr. Deepak Aryal as the new Vice-Chancellor of Nepal’s oldest and largest university.
The appointment follows a recommendation made by a three-member committee led by Minister for Education, Science, and Technology Raghuji Pant.
The committee had shortlisted three candidates — acting Vice-Chancellor Dr. Khadga KC, former Dean of the Faculty of Science Dr. Vinil Aryal, and former Director General of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology Dr. Deepak Aryal — and submitted the names to the Prime Minister on July 7.
Gold and silver traders stage protest rally in Kathmandu
Gold and silver traders, along with artisans, took to the streets of Kathmandu on Wednesday to protest against recent tax policies affecting their industry. Organized by the Nepal Gem and Jewellery Association and the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the demonstrators held a rally followed by a corner assembly in the capital.
Their primary demands include the removal of the 13% VAT imposed on diamonds and precious stones, and the withdrawal of the 2% luxury tax on gold.
In Bhaktapur, gold and silver traders also held a whistle rally to express solidarity and amplify their voices.
Govt accounts to close for a week as fiscal year ends
Today is the final day to disburse funds under the current fiscal year 2024/25, as all government accounts will be frozen for one week starting from midnight.
This annual closure is in line with Rule 30 of the Financial Procedure and Fiscal Accountability Regulatios, 2021.
According to Sushila Aryal, spokesperson for the Office of the Financial Comptroller General (FCGO), the closure applies to all accounts operated by the FCGO, Provincial Comptroller Offices, and District Treasury and Comptroller Offices.
PM Oli honors medal-winning athletes with cash prizes and recognition
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today honored Nepali athletes, coaches, and managers who brought home medals from various international competitions, presenting them with cash rewards and certificates at a ceremony held at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar.
Organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the event celebrated standout performances across multiple disciplines.
Among the honorees was Bijay Sinjali, who won a bronze medal at the 3rd Taolu World Cup held in Japan in October 2024. He was awarded a cash prize of Rs 6.5 million and a certificate by PM Oli.
Landslide blocks Myagdi River, authorities urge caution
A landslide in Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality–4 of Myagdi district has blocked the Myagdi River, creating an artificial lake and raising concerns about potential downstream flooding.
According to Vice Chairperson of Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality, Resham Pun Magar, the landslide occurred at Bansbot cliff this afternoon, where debris has dammed the river at the border of wards 4 and 7 near Kausibot. The blockage caused the river’s water level to suddenly drop, said local resident Tam Pun from nearby Chhahari village.
Continuous landslides are still occurring in the area, making it difficult to assess the full extent of the blockage or the size of the resulting lake. A team of local representatives and security personnel from the Takam Police Post is currently en route to the site.
Sobita Gautam slams govt over inaction on human trafficking via visit visas
Rastriya Swatantra Party lawmaker Sobita Gautam has sharply criticized the government for failing to take serious action against the growing misuse of visit visas for human trafficking.
Speaking during Wednesday’s session of the House of Representatives, Gautam expressed her deep dissatisfaction with what she called the government’s indifferent stance toward the issue.
“We have been consistently demanding the formation of a high-level investigation commission or a parliamentary probe committee to investigate the misuse of visit visas for trafficking,” she said. “But the government refuses to listen.”
Landslide blocks road linking Syangja and Parbat
The vital Bhumbre–Hatemalochok road connecting Syangja and southern Parbat districts has been blocked due to a landslide triggered by continuous rainfall since last night.
According to Bodhraj Kunwar (Raju), the ward chair of Waling Municipality-14, the landslide occurred near Dumre Bhanjyang, bringing down rocks and debris that have completely obstructed the road.
The ongoing rain and continued falling of debris from above the road have stranded passengers and halted vehicular movement.
Search continues for 19 missing in Rasuwa flood
Search and rescue operations resumed early this morning for 19 people still missing after a devastating flood swept through Rasuwa district on Tuesday, according to Nepal Police.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sanjay Singh Thapa, spokesperson for the Bagmati Province Police Office, said the search has now expanded along the banks of the Trishuli and Narayani rivers, covering multiple districts including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitwan, and Nawalparasi.
On Tuesday evening, the body of Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police Lal Bahadur Shrestha, who had gone missing in the flood, was recovered in Chitwan.
Early monsoon boosts paddy planting across Nepal
The early arrival of the monsoon this year has positively influenced paddy planting throughout Nepal.
According to the Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, 45.03 percent of paddy planting has been completed nationwide as of Tuesday, representing a 1.53 percent increase compared to the same period last year when 43.5 percent had been sown.
Prakash Kumar Sanjel, Director General of the Department, explained that most farmers rely heavily on rainfall for planting, and the earlier onset of the monsoon has contributed to this year’s increased sowing.
Drinking water crisis persists in Birgunj as residents call for lasting solution
Residents of Birgunj Metropolitan City are calling for a sustainable solution to the city’s long-running drinking water crisis, expressing frustration with short-term measures like water distribution via tankers and fire engines.
While authorities have begun supplying water using tankers in urban areas and fire engines from Sakhuwa Prasauni Rural Municipality, locals argue that such temporary fixes are insufficient. They insist that long-term infrastructure is needed to address the chronic shortage.
Birgunj Mayor Rajeshman Singh had pledged to resolve the water crisis during the 2079 BS local elections, and Parsa MP and current Minister for Drinking Water Pradeep Yadav had made similar promises during his campaign. However, nearly three years later, residents say there has been little progress.
Health Minister announces doubling of insurance support for patients with severe illnesses
Minister for Health and Population Pradip Paudel has announced that patients enrolled in Nepal’s health insurance program will now receive double the existing treatment support for eight critical illnesses.
In a statement shared on social media on Wednesday, Minister Paudel said that patients suffering from cancer, heart disease, kidney failure, head injuries, spinal injuries, sickle cell anemia, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s will be eligible for up to Rs 200,000 in treatment assistance, an increase from the current Rs 100,000.
This enhanced support will come into effect from Shrawan 1 (mid-July). According to Dr. Raghuraj Kafle, Executive Director of the Health Insurance Board, the decision was finalized during the board’s meeting on Tuesday night.
Floods and landslides block 10 major highways across Nepal
Continuous rainfall has triggered floods and landslides across the country, leading to the complete blockage of 10 major highways, causing widespread disruption in transportation and movement.
According to Nepal Police, a landslide in Bhotkhola Rural Municipality–4 of Sankhuwasabha has completely blocked the Koshi Highway.
Similarly, the East-West Highway in Nawalparasi has been closed after a landslide near Khursane Khola in Daunne on Tuesday night. Vehicles traveling east from Bardaghat and west from Dumkibas have been stranded on the road.
Construction of Sky Walk in Ainapahara in final stage
The construction of the ‘Sky Walk’ at Ainapahara, a growing tourist destination in Aanbukhaireni Rural Municipality of Tanahun, is nearing completion. Initiated in the second week of the previous month, the project has now entered its final phase.
The sky walk has been developed in Aanbukhaireni Rural Municipality–2 with the aim of establishing Ainapahara as a major tourism hub, said Rural Municipality Chairperson Shukra Chuman.
Built at a cost of Rs 1.5 million, preparations are underway to bring it into commercial operation within a few days.
Flood destroys dam and powerhouse in Baglung
A sudden flood in the Kalung Khola River has destroyed the dam and powerhouse of the Upper Kalung Khola Small Hydropower Project located in Paiyunthanthap, Jaimini Municipality–9, Baglung.
According to local residents, the flood struck early Wednesday morning, sweeping away key infrastructure of the hydropower project.
The flood also damaged a transformer connected to the central power transmission line, resulting in a complete power outage in around 130 households in Paiyunthanthap.
Bishwa Prakash Sharma says Land Bill being rushed without adequate discussion
Nepali Congress General Secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma has raised objections to the government’s plan to pass a land-related bill in the House of Representatives without adequate homework and discussion.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Sharma expressed his disapproval of the proposed “Bill to Amend Some Nepal Acts Related to Land,” stating that it is being rushed through Parliament without sufficient groundwork or prior consensus.
Sharma said the bill should first be sent to a parliamentary committee for discussion and alignment based on earlier agreements. He called on the government to remove the bill from today’s parliamentary agenda.
Decades of embankment failures fuel fears along Koshi River
At 3 a.m. on Tuesday, a devastating flood from the Lhende River—originating at the border of Gosainkunda Rural Municipality-1 in Rasuwa and the Tibet Autonomous Region (Xichang), China—caused significant destruction in Nepal.
The flood, triggered by the bursting of a glacier-fed debris dam (known locally as Himot), unleashed a torrent of soil, sand, rocks, and vegetation from the Tibetan side into Nepal via the Bhotekoshi River.
The floodwaters from the Lhende and Kerung rivers intensified as they reached Bhotekoshi, destroying the Nepal–China Miteri Bridge. Twenty-five cargo containers waiting at the Rasuwa Customs Office were washed away.
Leaked audio implicates former Bangladeshi leader Hasina in deadly protest crackdown
Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directly ordered security forces to use deadly force during last year’s mass student-led protests, according to a leaked phone call verified by BBC Eye.
In the recording, which surfaced online in March, Hasina is heard authorizing the use of lethal weapons against demonstrators, reportedly instructing that “wherever they find [them], they will shoot.”
The leaked call is now considered key evidence by prosecutors who are trying Hasina in absentia at a special tribunal for crimes against humanity.
Comment