KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
CIAA files corruption case against Deputy Secretary Bhattarai, six others in visit-visa extortion scandal
The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a corruption case against Deputy Secretary Tirtharaj Bhattarai and six others for allegedly running an illegal extortion racket targeting Nepalis traveling abroad on visit visas. The case was lodged at the Special Court on Thursday. The CIAA has alleged that the accused, including Bhattarai—who served as the chief of the Tribhuvan International Airport Immigration Office—colluded to collect bribes from outbound travelers. Bhattarai faces a fine of Rs 7.9 million along with imprisonment under Section 3, Subsection 9(10)(c) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2059 (First Amendment).
CIAA probing possible role of former Home Minister Lekhak in visit-visa scam
The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has indicated that its investigation into the visit-visa corruption scandal is probing the potential involvement of former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak. The anti-graft body is examining whether senior officials under Lekhak colluded in unlawful transactions related to the extortion of Nepalis traveling abroad on visit visas.
Govt approves agreement with Gen-Z movement, sets high-priority implementation
The government has approved the agreement reached on Wednesday between Prime Minister Sushila Karki and representatives of the Gen-Z movement. During a Cabinet meeting held at Singha Durbar on Thursday, ministers decided to ratify the accord and publish it in the official gazette, government spokesperson and Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagdish Kharel informed.
UML calls govt-Gen-Z agreement illegal, NC questions feasibility of implementation
The government’s recent 10-point agreement with the Gen-Z Movement has come under sharp criticism from Nepal’s major political parties, highlighting deep divisions over electoral reforms and the government’s approach to youth-led movements. While CPN-UML leaders have termed the agreement illegal and unconstitutional, Nepali Congress officials have expressed doubts over its feasibility, particularly with the March 5 elections only few months away.
KC’s exit puts moral pressure on Deuba, Oli and Prachanda to pave way for new leadership
As senior leaders across major political parties continue to signal their intention to remain active in frontline politics, Nepali Congress leader and former minister Rajendra Kumar KC has taken a contrasting step, announcing he will not contest the upcoming House of Representatives election slated for March 5. His decision has intensified calls for generational change and placed moral pressure on top leaders such as Sher Bahadur Deuba, KP Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’.
KP Sharma Oli challenges 141 registered parties to take on UML and NC
CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli on Thursday challenged 141 political parties registered with the Election Commission to take on his party in elections. Speaking to editors, Oli specifically mentioned parties such as Rastriya Swatantra Party, Kulman Ghising’s Ujyalo Nepal, and Harka Sampang’s Shram Sanskriti Party. “Currently, 143 parties are registered with the Election Commission. Why have so many parties come into existence?” Oli asked. “There is a trend where individuals, after failing as editors or in other endeavors, form parties without any clear objective.”
Oli dismisses 10-point deal between Gen-Z movement and interim government
CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli on Thursday criticized the 10-point agreement signed between the interim government and representatives of the Gen-Z People’s Movement on Wednesday, calling it a pointless drama. The agreement was intended to address key demands raised during protests against corruption, misgovernance, impunity, and social inequality. It includes provisions to honor the families of protest martyrs, provide relief to the injured, form commissions to strengthen anti-corruption efforts, and propose improvements to Nepal’s constitution, including electoral reforms, youth participation, and proportional representation. A Gen-Z Council will also be established to advise the government and reinforce democratic processes.
Mahesh Basnet alleges conspiracy to disrupt UML’s 11th General Convention
CPN-UML Politburo member Mahesh Basnet has claimed that a coordinated conspiracy is underway to disrupt the party’s upcoming 11th General Convention. Basnet accused various groups of conducting a media trial against party Chair KP Sharma Oli under the pretext of suppressing the Gen-Z movement, alleging that the campaign is designed to weaken Oli’s standing before the convention. He said attempts are being made both inside and outside the party to create terror, reduce public participation, and ultimately weaken Oli’s popularity.
Rabi Lamichhane cooperative fraud case hearing postponed at Butwal High Court
The cooperative fraud case against Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has been postponed at the Butwal High Court on Thursday. The case, involving Lamichhane and his associate Chhabilal Joshi, former director of Gorkha Media Network and ex-Deputy Inspector General of Police, was scheduled for hearing before Judges Tej Narayan Paudel and Sagar Bista of the Butwal bench of the Tulsipur High Court. However, the hearing was deferred because a relative of Judge Bista appeared as a lawyer in the case, creating a conflict of interest.
Nepali Congress tightens criteria for candidate recommendations for HoR and National Assembly polls
The Nepali Congress has enforced stricter criteria for recommending candidates for the upcoming elections to the House of Representatives (HoR) and the National Assembly. According to a circular issued by Krishna Prasad Paudel, Chief Secretary of the party’s central office, all party committees have been instructed to recommend candidates strictly based on the prescribed standards and allocated numbers.
KMC demolishes scrap collection centers in Ranibari
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has deployed dozers to demolish scrap collection centers operating inside residential areas in Ranibari. On Thursday, the Metropolitan Police Force cleared two scrap-yard facilities located within the Ranibari town-planning zone, citing public safety concerns.
Gold price rises by Rs 1,000 per tola; silver hits another record high
The price of gold increased on Thursday, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. The federation said the price of gold rose by Rs 1,000 per tola for the day. With the latest rise, fine gold is being traded at Rs 253,100 per tola, up from Wednesday’s price of Rs 252,100. Earlier, on Asoj 31, gold had reached an all-time high of Rs 258,000 per tola.
Veteran sculptor Balkrishna Tuladhar passes away at 91
Veteran Nepali sculptor Balkrishna Tuladhar, celebrated for some of the country’s most iconic public monuments, passed away today at the age of 91. Born in 1935 in Kathmandu’s Yatkha Tole, Tuladhar leaves behind a rich artistic legacy that shaped Nepal’s visual and historical public memory. He is survived by four sons and three daughters.
NEPSE goes down 1.66 points
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) fell by 1.66 points on Thursday, the last trading day of the week, closing at 2,607.37 points. Market activity has been sluggish for several days. On Wednesday, NEPSE had dropped by 7.86 points, while Tuesday saw a modest gain of 7.3 points.
Water starts flowing again at Yenga Hiti after 50 years
Water has started flowing again at Yenga Hiti, an ancient stone spout located in Yangal of Kathmandu Metropolitan City-21, following a major restoration. The hiti is considered a highly significant community water source, believed to have provided water to local residents for nearly 1,500 years. For centuries, its protection and upkeep had been managed by the local community.
Pokhara begins feasibility study for 100-bed burn and specialized hospital with KOICA support
A feasibility study has begun for the construction of a burn hospital in Pokhara, Nepal’s major tourism city. Pokhara Metropolitan City has advanced a plan to build a 100-bed burn and specialized hospital on the premises of the former Lekhnath Municipality office in Pokhara-27. According to Mayor Dhanraj Acharya, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has agreed to support the project, and a technical team from the agency has arrived in Pokhara to begin consultations and assessments.
Newly appointed ambassadors present credentials to President Paudel
Newly appointed ambassadors to Nepal presented their credentials to President Ram Chandra Paudel in a special ceremony held at the President’s Office today. According to the President’s Office, each envoy formally submitted their letters of credence in separate proceedings during the event. The diplomats included Sardor Mirzayusupovich Rustambaev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan; Sena Latif, Ambassador of Romania; Lukmon Bobokalonzoda, Ambassador of Tajikistan; Benedikt Höskuldsson, Ambassador of Iceland; and Juan Carlos Marsan Aguilera, Ambassador of Cuba.
Nepal urges Vietnamese investors to expand investment as two nations mark 50 years of diplomatic ties
Nepal’s Ambassador to Thailand and Vietnam, Dhan Bahadur Oli, has called on Vietnamese investors to explore Nepal’s growing investment opportunities, stating that Nepal is ready to welcome increased economic engagement from Vietnam. Speaking at an interaction in Hanoi today with the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), Ambassador Oli highlighted that Nepal and Vietnam have completed 50 years of diplomatic relations. He stressed the need for both countries to strengthen cooperation in trade and investment.
Tiger census to begin on December 16 in Chitwan National Park
Authorities are set to launch a nationwide tiger census on December 16, beginning from Chitwan National Park (CNP) and extending to Banke, Bardiya, and Shuklaphanta national parks. The survey, conducted every four years, will run for three months. According to CNP Information Officer Abinash Thapa Magar, an orientation for enumerators will be held on December 16 and 17. Around 150 personnel—including CNP staff, technical experts from the National Trust for Nature Conservation, conservation partners, volunteers, and students—will be mobilized for the operation.
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