KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Pokhara Airport corruption case: Court orders release of Pradeep Adhikari and Murari Bhandari on bail
The Special Court has ordered the release on bail of former officials of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, Pradeep Adhikari and Murari Bhandari, in the Pokhara Regional International Airport corruption case, which involves allegations of causing a financial loss to the state by providing unlawful benefits. A bench of the Special Court (Bench No. 1), chaired by Sudarshan Dev Bhatt and member Dilli Ratna Shrestha, issued the order on Tuesday after recording the statements of the defendants and reviewing case documents. The court noted that the allegations raised were of a serious nature.
Gen Z movement leader Gurung calls on PM Karki
Gen Z movement leader Sudan Gurung on Tuesday called on Prime Minister Sushila Karki at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers at Singha Durbar. During the meeting, Gurung expressed his interest to be updated about the progress regarding an agreement to be reached between the government and the Gen Z movement, according to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat.
NPL: Binod’s half-century leads Sudurpashchim to final
Sudurpashchim Royals has secured a place in the final of Nepal Premier League (NPL) Season 2 after a comfortable victory over Biratnagar Bolts in the first qualifier match played on Tuesday. At the TU International Cricket Ground, Biratnagar, while chasing a target of 156 runs, were bundled out for just 78 runs in 14.1 overs. Sudurpashchim won the match by 77 runs.
Deuba seeks to contest one last election from Dadeldhura
Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba now plans to contest again from Dadeldhura in the upcoming March 5 election, telling party leaders that this will be his final attempt at parliamentary politics. The five-time Prime Minister has conveyed this message to senior Nepali Congress leaders, district representatives and sister-wing members in a series of meetings held at his temporary residence in Maharajgunj.
Five names, including Gagan Thapa, recommended from Rolpa
Five candidates, including Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa, have been recommended from Rolpa for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5. According to Anupaman GC, personal secretary to Lumbini Province President Amar Singh Pun, the recommendations were made from Rolpa, which has only one electoral constituency.
Shekhar Koirala recommended from Morang–6
The Nepali Congress House of Representatives Constituency Committee has recommended Dr. Shekhar Koirala as the sole candidate from Morang–6 for the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5. The decision was made during a meeting of the constituency committee held on Tuesday. Koirala’s name was recommended unopposed for the direct election seat.
PM Karki says government working at full speed to ensure good governance
Prime Minister Sushila Karki has said that the current government is not just an election-focused administration but one committed to ensuring good governance with urgency and determination. Speaking at a program organized at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on the occasion of the 22nd International Anti-Corruption Day, PM Karki said the government was formed on the foundation of the Gen-Z movement’s demand for transparency and accountability. She stressed that her administration is working at full speed to deliver on those expectations while carrying out regular governance duties.
Nearly Rs 4 billion in overdue milk payments cleared for farmers
After months of delays, nearly Rs 4 billion in dues owed to dairy farmers have finally been paid. The Dairy Development Corporation (DDC) has cleared around Rs 1 billion, while private dairy industries have paid nearly Rs 3 billion, providing significant relief to agitating farmers. Both state-owned and private dairies managed to release the payments by selling accumulated milk powder and butter stored in their warehouses.
Gold price drops by Rs 1,000 per tola; silver sees slight increase
The price of gold has decreased by Rs 1,000 per tola on Tuesday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold has been fixed at Rs 251,900 per tola for the day, down from Rs 252,900 on Monday. While gold saw a decline, silver prices increased. Silver rose by Rs 15 per tola compared to the previous day, with today’s rate set at Rs 3,600 per tola.
Basnet slams govt decision to shut Nagdhunga road during UML convention
CPN-UML leader Mahesh Basnet has objected to the government’s decision to close the Nagdhunga–Piplamod road section during the party’s national convention. Basnet said the move, announced for December 10 to 16, was a retaliatory and politically motivated step taken with the intention of disrupting the event. He accused the government and the Minister for Energy and Physical Infrastructure of acting out of political vengeance.
Seven CPN-UML women leaders vie for key posts
The contest for leadership is gaining momentum at the CPN-UML’s 11th General Convention, where seven women leaders are seeking roles in the party Secretariat. In all, eight women have formally declared their intention to run, underscoring growing female engagement in party politics. Current Vice-Chair Asta Laxmi Shakya and Secretary Padma Aryal are among the prominent contenders. Other candidates include central committee members Dr. Binda Pandey, Julikumari Mahato, Rachana Khadka, Jwalakumari Sah, and Ramkumari Jhankri.
EC sets up PR Election Office with 86 days to polls
The Election Commission (EC) has established the Office of the Election Officer for the proportional representation (PR) election system, ahead of the House of Representatives (HoR) election scheduled for March 5, 2026. The office was set up on Monday within the Commission’s premises. According to Commission spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari inaugurated the new office. With its establishment, Commission Secretary Mahadev Panta, appointed as the PR Election Officer, has formally assumed responsibility.
NEPSE rebounds after six days
Nepal’s stock market (NEPSE) edged up on Tuesday, snapping a six-day losing streak. The NEPSE index gained 7.39 points by market close, ending the day at 2,614,07 points. Prices of 148 listed companies increased, 101 fell and 9 remained unchanged. Turnover, however, declined sharply. Total trading amounted to Rs 3.75 billion, down from Rs 4.66 billion the previous day.
UML leaders reach out to parties ahead of 11th General Convention inauguration
Leaders of the Nepal Communist Party (UML) are actively reaching out to various parties to invite them to the inaugural session of the party’s 11th General Convention. On Tuesday, UML leaders Mahesh Bartaula and Secretary Raghubir Mahaseth visited Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba at his residence to extend an invitation. Deuba, sources said, has assured that he will attend the session if his health permits. Sources indicate that if Deuba is unable to attend, acting Nepali Congress President Purna Bahadur Khadka is likely to represent the party at the convention.
Rastriya Prajatantra Party stages protest in Kathmandu demanding new national consensus
The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) held a demonstration in Kathmandu on Tuesday, calling for a new understanding among the King, political parties, and Gen-Z activists. The protest took place at Ratnapark, where participants raised slogans in support of the monarchy and Nepal as a Hindu nation. RPP has consistently stressed that, ahead of the general elections, the country should adopt a new consensus that ensures no individual wins or loses, but the nation progresses. The party also called for an all-party conference, including the King, political parties, and Gen-Z representatives, to achieve this objective.
Indian Additional Secretary Munu Mahawar meets PM Karki to discuss Nepal-India cooperation
Munu Mahawar, Additional Secretary of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, met with Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Tuesday to discuss various aspects of Nepal–India relations. The meeting took place at Singha Durbar in the afternoon. Nepal is set to hold its House of Representatives elections on March 5, 2026. India has already expressed its commitment to assist in ensuring a smooth electoral process. Earlier, during a meeting with Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, Mahawar had pledged India’s support in providing necessary resources and security arrangements for the elections.
17 clubs to compete in National League after ANFA opens wider participation
A total of 17 clubs will participate in the National League football tournament, which the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) plans to begin on January 9. Initially, only 10 teams, the top six from the last A Division League and the four semifinalists of the ANFA President’s Cup, were set to compete. However, following rounds of discussions involving ANFA, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and protests from the Football Players’ Association, the football governing body decided to open the league to other A Division clubs as well.
Rastriya Prajatantra Party stages protest in Kathmandu demanding new national consensus
The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) held a demonstration in Kathmandu on Tuesday, calling for a new understanding among the King, political parties, and Gen-Z activists. The protest took place at Ratnapark, where participants raised slogans in support of the monarchy and Nepal as a Hindu nation. RPP has consistently stressed that, ahead of the general elections, the country should adopt a new consensus that ensures no individual wins or loses, but the nation progresses. The party also called for an all-party conference, including the King, political parties, and Gen-Z representatives, to achieve this objective.
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