KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Joining the government not our priority: Prachanda
Maoist Center Chairman and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that joining the government is not currently on his party’s agenda. Speaking to journalists in Chitwan on Wednesday, Dahal clarified that while the Maoist Centre continues to criticize the government’s performance, it does not mean the party is seeking to enter the ruling coalition. “This government is not functioning effectively. Criticizing its shortcomings should not be misunderstood as a desire to join it,” he said. “We are not interested in that issue.”
Terai irrigation to get permanent fix: PM Oli
Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli has reiterated the government’s determination to find a permanent solution for irrigation in the Terai region. Sharing his optimism on social media, he highlighted that 76.54 percent of crops have been planted in eight districts of Madhesh Province despite recent drought conditions. The Prime Minister said the government aims to eliminate dependence on rainfall for irrigation starting next year. “This year’s drought made rice planting in Terai fields—our country’s grain storehouse—extremely difficult. Many plants withered due to water shortages,” he said.
Koshi Chief Minister discusses cabinet reshuffle with PM Oli and Deuba
Koshi Province Chief Minister (CM) Hikmat Kumar Karki has held discussions with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba regarding a potential reshuffle of provincial ministers. Karki met with Prime Minister Oli on Sunday morning, just days after a similar meeting with Deuba. While the central topic of both meetings was the restructuring of the provincial cabinet, Chief Minister Karki publicly stated that he briefed the leaders on the overall political situation in Koshi Province.
Private school operators warn of strike over School Education Bill
Private school operators have threatened to strike starting August 14 unless certain provisions in the School Education Bill are corrected. HISAN, National PABSON, N-PABSON, and PABSON issued a joint statement today demanding the immediate removal of the clause that private schools will gradually be converted into non-profit institutions. They have called for revisions to the Education Bill, which is in its final stage, including removing the phrase on non-profit conversion, deleting the term “full scholarship,” maintaining the current provision of providing scholarships to 10 percent of total students, and allowing admission fees, annual fees, and monthly tuition fees to be charged under the scholarship scheme.
President Paudel and Prime Minister Oli hold meeting
President Ram Chandra Paudel and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli met today at the Office of the President, Sheetal Niwas. According to the President’s Personal Secretariat, Prime Minister Oli briefed the President on the recently concluded Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, held in Turkmenistan from July 20 to 23 (August 5–8, 2025). The Secretariat said the two leaders also discussed other contemporary issues. Prime Minister Oli had returned home on Saturday after attending the conference.
AFC Asian Cup qualifiers: Nepal suffers heavy defeat to North Korea
Nepal has suffered a heavy loss to North Korea in its final match of the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. In the match held in Bhutan, North Korea thrashed Nepal 11-0 to secure qualification for the Asian Cup. Nepal conceded five goals in the first half and six more in the second. Earlier in the tournament, Nepal had drawn 1-1 with Bhutan and defeated Saudi Arabia by a single goal.
Govt asks details of cooperatives citing grey list concerns
The government has asked for detailed information from cooperatives in response to concerns related to the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering. The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has written to all local levels, while the Cooperatives Department has requested cooperative details to monitor risk-based cooperative associations and institutions.
Two arrested for stealing and selling bones and flesh from burning corpse at Pashupati Aryaghat
Two individuals have been arrested on charges of removing and selling pieces of bone and flesh from a burning corpse during a funeral at Pashupati Aryaghat. The Gaushala Police Circle identified one of the accused as Ganesh Dhakal (Ghate), who worked as a cremator, and the other as a person who supplied firewood for the cremation. They allegedly removed and sold fragments from the cremated body of Ram Shahi, a resident of Banepa Municipality-9, Kavre. The incident took place on Friday. According to police, both suspects took pieces of bone from the burning corpse while the funeral was ongoing and sold them.
Two killed in truck-scooter collision in Nawalparasi
Two people were killed in a road accident at Sisnepul in Gaindakot-10, Nawalparasi (Bardaghat-Susta East), after a truck collided with a scooter on Sunday. According to the District Police Office, a truck (Na 5 Kha 8417) heading towards Kawasoti from Narayanghat hit a scooter (Lu 55 Pa 3134) traveling in the opposite direction. Following the collision, the truck lost control and overturned, resulting in the deaths of both the scooter rider and the truck driver.
2,675 disaster incidents reported in four months
A total of 2,675 disaster incidents occurred from mid-April to August 9, affecting 4,725 households. These incidents have resulted in 117 deaths and 564 injuries. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, 198 flood-related incidents were reported during this period, causing 16 deaths and 21 people missing. Floods affected 1,313 households. The Authority also reported 281 landslide incidents, with 13 deaths and 17 injuries.
Gaijatra festival observed today
Gaijatra, a cultural festival celebrated in the Kathmandu Valley and other parts of the country, was observed today with various programs marked by fun, humor, and satire. The eight-day festival begins on the first day of the waning moon in the month of Bhadra (Bhadra Krishna Pratipada) and concludes on Ashtami, according to the lunar calendar. Gaijatra is observed to commemorate those who have passed away within the past year. Traditionally, cows—or people dressed as cows—parade through the streets, and observers offer them milk, fruits, beaten rice, traditional bread, curd, grains, and money. These offerings are believed to aid the departed souls in their journey to the afterlife.
NC issues whip to vote for Chief Minister Baniya
The Nepali Congress (NC) Bagmati Province Parliamentary Party has called for a meeting of Bagmati Province Assembly meeting on Tuesday at 4:00 pm to submit a motion for a vote of confidence, as per Article 168 (4) of the Constitution of Nepal and Sub-rule (1) of Rule 143 of the Provincial Assembly Regulations, 2074 BS. The party has issued a whip to all members to attend the meeting, to avoid neutrality, and to vote in favor of the confidence motion according to Article 12 (6) of the Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party Statute, 2074 BS.
Jhalanath slams Madhav Nepal’s ‘one-sided approach’
Unified Socialist Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal and senior leader Jhalanath Khanal held a tense meeting on Saturday at the party’s central office in Aloknagar, amid escalating internal conflict. The two leaders have been at odds for weeks, with Khanal openly criticizing Nepal’s leadership style. In response, Chairman Nepal reportedly asked Khanal to leave the party if he is dissatisfied.
Two girls go missing while bathing in Mahakali River
Two young girls have gone missing while bathing in the Mahakali River near Airi, Bhimdatta Municipality-12, on Sunday. According to DSP Sagar Bohara of the District Police Office, the missing girls have been identified as Jeevika Pant and Sanbi Pant, both residents of Bhimdatta Municipality-11. They are estimated to be around 6 to 7 years old. Police have launched a search operation to locate the girls.
Wife killed, husband injured in Scorpio accident in Ramechhap
A woman died and her husband was injured in a road accident in Ramechhap this morning. A Scorpio pickup jeep (Ba 13 Cha 3935) traveling from Manthali towards Hetauda met with an accident at Bokse Pahiro in Manthali Municipality-6. According to police, 40-year-old Radha Karki Chauhan died on the spot, while her 45-year-old husband, Uttam Chauhan, who was driving the vehicle, sustained injuries.
One killed, two injured in motorcycle collision in Dang
One person was killed and two others injured in a collision between two motorcycles in Deukhuri, Dang, last night. According to the District Police Office, the accident occurred when a motorcycle (LuPra 02-001 Pa 1121) heading from Tulsipur to Ghorahi collided head-on with another motorcycle (LuPra 34 Pa 5406) coming from the opposite direction at Dudhras in Tulsipur-18, along the Ghorahi-Tulsipur road section. Devraj Chaudhary, 46, of Latthahawa, Rapti Rural Municipality-5, died during treatment at Rapti Provincial Hospital, Tulsipur, on Saturday night, informed Deputy Superintendent of Police Chakra Bahadur Shahi.
‘Complaint Management Center’ launched at Ministry of General Administration
The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has launched a Complaint Management Center to systematically address and resolve public grievances related to the ministry’s services, procedures, and outcomes. Minister for General Administration Bhagwati Neupane stated that the new center has been established with the aim of providing timely responses to service recipients and eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic delays.
Gold price drops slightly, silver gains
The price of gold fell by Rs 200 per tola today, reaching Rs 199,200, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers. Last Friday, gold had risen by Rs 1,000 per tola to Rs 199,400 — the highest price recorded so far. Earlier last week, the price had reached Rs 198,500 on Tuesday before dipping by Rs 100 to Rs 198,400 on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the price of silver increased by Rs 5 today, reaching Rs 2,330 per tola, the Federation said.
Prachanda urges timely completion of Gautam Buddha International Cricket Stadium
Former Prime Minister and Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has urged the construction company to ensure the timely completion of the Gautam Buddha International Cricket Stadium, which is currently under construction in Bharatpur. Inspecting the project site today, Prachanda stressed the importance of meeting the deadline, expressing confidence that the stadium will contribute to producing skilled cricket players.
Koshi Provincial Assembly passes Pension Fund Bill
The Koshi Provincial Assembly has unanimously passed the “Bill to Make Arrangements Regarding the Establishment and Operation of the Contributory Pension Fund”. The bill was presented by Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning of the Koshi Provincial Government, Ram Bahadur Magar, and was approved without opposition after Speaker Ambar Bahadur Bista tabled it for decision.
Jeep accident in Dhankuta leaves 21 injured, 4 seriously
Twenty-one people were injured in a Bolero pickup accident on the inner gravel road in Tekunala, Dhankuta Municipality-8. According to police, the Bolero (registration Ko 2 Cha 2309), traveling from Tekunala towards Dhankuta, lost control and overturned around 10:35 am on Sunday.
Cardamom price rise motivates Bhojpur farmers to increase production
Farmers in Bhojpur are increasingly turning to cardamom cultivation after a sharp rise in its market price reignited interest in the high-value cash crop. Shiva Kumar Bista of Temkemaiyung-5 said that many farmers have resumed planting new cardamom gardens and are actively maintaining old ones. He noted that the price of cardamom had reached Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 120,000 per quintal kilos last year, which motivated farmers to replace traditional crops with cardamom.
11 Indian nationals arrested with 6.4 kg of illegal gold in Pokhara
Police in Pokhara have arrested 11 Indian nationals with 6.4 kilograms of illegal gold. The individuals, originally from Maharashtra and West Bengal, were residing in various parts of Pokhara and were made public following their arrest on Saturday. Superintendent of Police Shyambabu Oliya, Chief of the District Police Office, informed that Rs. 514,000 in cash was also recovered during the operation. Acting on a tip-off regarding illegal gold and silver trading in Pokhara Metropolitan City Wards 2, 3, 4, and 9, police conducted targeted raids that led to the arrests.
Red alert issued as Saptakoshi flow hits 243,000 cusecs
The water flow in the Saptakoshi River rose significantly following continuous rainfall over the past few days. According to Nirmal Kumar Thapa, Superintendent at the Armed Police Force Nepal No. 4 Headquarters, the water discharge at the Koshi Barrage reached 243,000 cusecs per second as of 9:00 PM on Saturday. In response, 28 of the 56 gates at the Koshi Barrage have been opened.
Train and car collide in Janakpur
A train and a car collided this morning near Thapa Chowk in Brahmapuri, Janakpurdham Sub-metropolitan City-9. According to District Police Office Spokesperson Barun Bahadur Singh, the Bagmati Province–registered car was struck by a Nepal Railway train traveling from Piparadhi Station in Mahottari to Janakpurdham at around 8:30 am. The accident occurred in a crossing area near the railway track.
Ministry of Agriculture working to ensure smooth supply of chemical fertilizers
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has assured that it is actively working to ensure the smooth supply and distribution of chemical fertilizers, with a focus on preventing shortages and complaints during the farming season. Currently, 28,824 metric tons of chemical fertilizers are in stock, while an additional 140,504 metric tons are in transit. The available stock is being distributed through Salt Trading Corporation and Agriculture Inputs Company Limited, with necessary arrangements already in place.
Mahendranagar Eye Hospital sees growing number of Indian patients
The Mahendranagar Eye Hospital, operated by the Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh, has witnessed a growing number of patients in recent times, including a noticeable increase in Indian nationals seeking treatment. The hospital’s reputation for affordable and high-quality eye care has attracted patients from across the border. According to eye officer Bir Singh Dhami, the hospital provided services to 24,780 people in the fiscal year 2024/25. During this period, 634 cataract surgeries were performed and 5,413 patients received prescription glasses.
Access to drinking water restored in Kavre’s Khyakuwa
The construction of the Khyaku-Devi Khola Drinking Water Project in Khyakuwa, Panauti Municipality-11, has been completed, providing safe drinking water to 175 households. The project was officially handed over to the community, and the Drinking Water and Sanitation Consumers Committee was declared a ‘clean and tidy’ community. According to the committee, drinking water taps have been installed in 175 homes, including schools and temples.
NA vice chair emphasizes collective responsibility of protecting cultural heritage
Vice-chairperson of the National Assembly (NA), Bimala Ghimire, has emphasized the collective responsibility of protecting Nepal’s cultural heritage and preserving the spirit of festivals like Gaijatra. Extending her best wishes to all Nepalis at home and abroad on the occasion of Gaijatra—a cultural festival especially observed by the Newar community—Ghimire described Nepal as a beautiful country rich in ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity.
Royal Bengal Tiger found dead in Thori, Parsa
A Royal Bengal Tiger was found dead this morning on the road leading to India near Malibasti. According to Parsa Police Information Officer Kishore Lamsal, the animal was discovered at around 7:30 am, approximately 500 meters south of the postal road in Malibasti. “After receiving information from locals, a team led by Police Assistant Inspector Dharmendra Sah was deployed from the Bijaybasti Police Post. An investigation is underway,” Lamsal said.
Armed Police Force Rautahat seizes goods worth Rs 57.4 million
The Armed Police Force (APF) in Rautahat, deployed for border security, seized goods worth Rs 57.4 million in the last fiscal year 2024/25. APF Rautahat Chief and Superintendent of Police Santosh Kumar Basnet said seizures of customs-evading goods increased significantly last year due to heightened APF activity. “In the last fiscal year alone, we confiscated vehicles ranging from Scorpios to bicycles worth Rs 23.147 million,” Basnet said. “We also seized illegal groceries, cosmetics, clothes, and motor parts valued at Rs 24.845 million.” One Scorpio and one Safari vehicle were among those confiscated.
Farmers hit by illegal fish imports from India
Local fish farmers in Kailali are struggling to get fair prices for their produce due to the illegal entry of cheaper Indian fish through the open border. While demand in the market remains steady, farmers say the influx of lower-priced imports has undercut their earnings. “There is no shortage of buyers for our fish, but the price we get is far lower than what we should,” said Sanoj Chaudhary, a farmer from Gobarela, Kailari Rural Municipality-5.
Applications open for Miss & Mrs Universal Season 4
Applications are open for ‘Miss & Mrs Universal Season 4,’ organized by Sparkle Entertainment. The first audition took place on Saturday, with the second scheduled for August 16. TikToker and social activist Anshu Verma, winner of Mrs Universal Seasons 2 and 3, served as a judge at the first audition. The competition’s official choreographer is Anjal Kunwar, and program coordinator is Asmita Rai (Amrita).
Water shortage worsens in Rautahat as farmers encroach on Gandak Canal
Farmers in Rautahat district are facing irrigation problems due to repeated breaches on the banks of the Gandak Canal near Pheta Bazaar in Bara district. The canal is a critical water source for farmers in the southern regions of Parsa, Bara, and Rautahat, especially amid the current severe drought in Madhes Province.
Preparations for Bhagwati Rath Jatra underway in Palpa
Preparations are in full swing for the historic Bhagwati Mata Rath Jatra, which commemorates Nepal’s victory in the Nepal-British War. This year marks the 206th edition of the grand religious procession, scheduled for August 17. The Shree 7 Ranujireshwari Bhagwati Guthi Management Committee has intensified its efforts to ensure the success of the event. According to committee chairman Ashok Kumar Maharjan, the jatra pays tribute to the triumph of the Nepali Army over British forces at the Jitgadhi Fort, led by then Colonel Ujirsingh Thapa.
Community forests should be linked to prosperity: UML leader Gyawali
CPN-UML leader Pradeep Gyawali has emphasized the need to connect community forests with national prosperity while ensuring they continue to benefit local communities. Speaking at an interaction program on “Status of Community Forests: Challenges and Opportunities” organized by the UML Forest and Environment Department at the party’s central office in Chyasal, Lalitpur, Gyawali stressed that protecting forests must go hand-in-hand with economic empowerment. “Community forests must be preserved in their entirety and linked to prosperity,” he said.
Baivabi wins three medals for Nepal in international taekwondo championship
Baivabi Sapkota, a 10-year-old taekwondo athlete, has won three medals, including one gold, at the 8th Heroes International Taekwondo Championship held in Thailand. The two-day tournament, which began on August 9, saw participation from over 4,000 athletes representing 27 countries. Baivabi clinched gold in the speed kick category, defeating opponents from the Philippines and Thailand.
90% of patients at Thori eye hospital are Indian nationals
The majority of patients seeking treatment at the Bharatpur Eye Hospital, Thori, operated by the Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh, Chitwan, are Indian nationals. According to hospital officials, 90 percent of those who received services in the last fiscal year were from across the border. Ankit Srivastava, the hospital in-charge, said that out of 16,284 patients treated through the outpatient department (OPD) last fiscal year, 14,618 were Indian citizens. Additionally, 839 individuals underwent eye surgery during the same period. The previous fiscal year saw around 15,000 patients receiving treatment.
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