KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
HoR meeting postponed amid continued obstruction
The meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) was postponed today after opposition parties once again obstructed proceedings. Speaker Devraj Ghimire announced that the next session will be held tomorrow (Friday) at 1 p.m. Opposition parties have been disrupting the House, demanding the resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak in connection with the visit visa scandal. The ruling coalition has stated it is prepared to provide a written commitment regarding an investigation or study into the issue. However, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has requested more time to reach a decision.
NC, UML agree to written commitment on visit visa probe
The ruling parties — Nepali Congress and CPN-UML — have agreed to provide a written commitment to form an investigation committee on the visit visa case. The main opposition parties have demanded a formal commitment to initiate a probe against the Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, stating they would allow parliamentary proceedings to resume if such a commitment is made. In response, the chief whips of Nepali Congress and CPN-UML have agreed to issue a written pledge to form the committee.
Judge who acquitted Aftab Alam smeared with black soot
Judge Dr. Khushiram Tharu of the High Court, Birgunj, was smeared with black soot by individuals believed to be affiliated with the Nepal Communist Party (Majority). The attackers approached the judge while he was on the bench smeared his face with black soot—a symbolic act often used in Nepal as well as in South Asia to publicly humiliate individuals. Police quickly intervened and arrested two of the assailants. The attack took place just days after a bench led by Judge Tharu acquitted former Nepali Congress MP Aftab Alam, who had been imprisoned in connection with a high-profile murder case.
Speaker urges Prachanda to end House deadlock
The discussion between Speaker Devraj Ghimire and CPN-Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ regarding the removal of obstruction in the House of Representatives concluded. During the meeting, Speaker Ghimire urged Prachanda to end the obstruction in the House. Maoist Center Chief Whip Hitraj Pandey, who was present, quoted the Speaker saying, “The House must be opened soon. It has been too long.” In response, Prachanda assured that he was making efforts to open the House. Pandey quoted Prachanda as saying, “I am serious about opening the House. I am trying.”
Prachanda and Madhav Nepal meet to discuss recent political developments
Chairperson of the CPN (Maoist Centre) Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and Chairperson of the CPN (Unified Socialist) Madhav Kumar Nepal held a meeting on Thursday to discuss the ongoing political situation and the deadlock in the federal parliament. The meeting took place at the Maoist parliamentary party office in Singha Durbar. According to party leaders, the two leaders discussed the need for a “middle-ground solution” to resume parliamentary proceedings, which have been stalled for weeks.
Complaint filed against Mayor Balen Shah at CIAA over alleged lift procurement irregularities
A complaint has been lodged at the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) against Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah, alleging irregularities in the procurement of a lift recently installed at the municipal office. The complaint was filed on Thursday by Yubaraj Safal, who claims that the lift, worth nearly Rs 10 million, was installed without following due procurement procedures, including competitive bidding, tender calls, or quotation processes. Safal stated in his complaint, “My concern is not with the installation of a new lift at the Kathmandu Metropolitan City office, but with the non-transparent and irregular method used—disregarding the Public Procurement Act, 2063 and the Public Procurement Regulations, 2064, particularly sections related to competitive bidding and tender procedures.”
President Paudel expresses sorrow over India plane crash
President Ram Chandra Paudel has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic plane crash that occurred earlier today in Ahmedabad, India. In a message shared on social media platform X, the President conveyed his condolences and grief over the significant loss of life in the incident. The Air India flight, en route to the UK, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, resulting in a major tragedy.
Partnership and connectivity are foundation of Nepal-India shared prosperity: Foreign Minister
Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana has emphasized that shared prosperity between Nepal and India can only be realized through robust partnerships and enhanced connectivity across multiple sectors. Speaking at the inauguration of the Nepal-India Strategic Dialogue organized in Kathmandu today, Minister Dr. Rana underscored the importance of accelerating collaboration in trade, transit, and investment. She highlighted the need to strengthen economic ties through comprehensive connectivity initiatives. “The time has come for Nepal and India to translate connectivity into prosperity across various platforms,” she stated.
Flash flood washes away diversion, East-West Highway blocked in Nawalpur
A section of the East-West Highway in Dumkibas, located in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East), has been blocked after a flood swept away a temporary road diversion early Thursday morning. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Madhu Nepal from the District Police Office, the diversion was washed out due to heavy flooding in the area, completely halting traffic on the major highway. DSP Nepal said that continuous water flow has made it impossible to take immediate steps to restore the route for vehicle movement.
Balen and Sunita hold formal talks after five months
Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) Mayor Balendra Shah (Balen) and Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol have resumed formal discussions after a gap of five months. Their latest meeting focused on convening the executive committee and municipal assembly meetings, as well as deliberations on the upcoming budget. According to a source at the metropolis, “The mayor, deputy mayor, and several ward chairpersons held discussions on calling the executive meeting on Wednesday and determining the next steps regarding the budget. This marks the first formal discussion between the mayor and deputy mayor since the meeting held on 14 Poush.”
NEPSE index dips by 0.34% to close at 2,655.38
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) closed in the red on Thursday, declining by 9.08 points (0.34%) to settle at 2,655.38, following a 13.69-point drop in the previous trading session. The benchmark index opened at 2,665.23, hitting an intraday high of 2,672.42 and a low of 2,654.69. Total turnover for the day stood at Rs. 12.51 billion, with 28,607,685 shares traded across 311 companies through 102,895 transactions.
Gold prices up by Rs 1,600 per tola
Gold prices have gone up on Thursday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold Silver Dealers Association, the price of gold has gone up by Rs 1,600. With this, the price of gold has been set at Rs 192,900 per tola on Thursday. The price of silver, however, went down by Rs 15 and is being traded at Rs 2,150 per tola.
Nepal’s Ambassador Regmi presents letter of credence to President Trump
Nepal’s Ambassador to the United States, Lokdarshan Regmi, presented his letter of credence to U.S. President Donald Trump during a ceremony held at the White House on Wednesday, the Nepali Mission informed. Ambassador Regmi conveyed best wishes for President Trump’s good health, happiness, and successful tenure on behalf of the President, Prime Minister, and the people of Nepal. He expressed confidence that the longstanding bilateral relations between Nepal and the U.S. would continue to strengthen.
World Bank Regional Director Gupta meets Energy Minister Khadka
World Bank Regional Director for South Asia, Pankaj Gupta, met with Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, at the Ministry of Energy in Singha Durbar today. The meeting focused on the World Bank’s ongoing investment in Nepal’s hydropower sector. Minister Khadka expressed appreciation for the World Bank’s support and urged continued collaboration in the future. He specifically requested the World Bank to expedite financial arrangements for the Upper Arun Hydropower Project.
14-year-old killed, one injured in lightning strike in Makawanpur
A 14-year-old boy lost his life and another person was injured after being struck by lightning during rainfall in Makawanpur today. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Shyam Aryal, spokesperson for the District Police Office Makawanpur, the deceased has been identified as Kanchha Gole of Thamalek Niwas, Kailash Rural Municipality-9. He was struck by lightning while sitting on a cot outside his home and died on the spot.
Around Rs 35 million in illegal currency seized so far this fiscal year
The Revenue Investigation Office in Butwal has seized illegal currency worth approximately Rs 34.655 million so far in the current fiscal year. The confiscated amount includes currencies from several countries, including Nepal. Of the total amount, Rs 19.1 million was in Nepali currency and Rs 15.5 million in Indian currency. According to Chief Investigation Officer Bibek Ghimire, Indian nationals have frequently been apprehended with such illegal funds in the Nepal-India border areas.
Monsoon winds active, rainfall forecast across most parts of Nepal
The Weather Forecasting Division under the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has reported that monsoon winds have become active, bringing rainfall to various parts of the country. The Division noted the influence of westerly and local winds particularly in the western and central regions. Meteorologist Govinda Jha explained that moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal have formed a weather system causing moderate to heavy rainfall in several areas nationwide.
Land ownership certificate distributed to landless families in Nawalpur
Land ownership certificate shave been distributed to landless Dalits and squatters in Kawasoti Municipality, Nawalpur. On Wednesday, 25 families from Ward No. 4 received legal ownership of the land they have been living on for generations. Local resident Amrit BK expressed joy after receiving the land ownership document. “We’ve been living here since my grandfather’s time, but the land was never in our name. I’m finally the legal owner, and it’s a huge relief,” he said.
27 absconding accused arrested in six days in Karnali
Nepal Police have arrested 27 absconding accused over the past six days across various districts of Karnali Province. The arrests were made under a special campaign launched by the Provincial Police Office, Surkhet, targeting individuals who had been evading court verdicts. According to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Nepal Police Madhav Prasad Shrestha, Chief of the Provincial Police Office, the accused had been convicted by the courts in various criminal cases and were sentenced to imprisonment and fines but had gone into hiding to avoid serving their sentences.
Barahakshetra Mayor under fire over fuel spending and lack of transparency
Barahakshetra Municipality Mayor Ramesh Karki, once hailed for his strong anti-corruption stance and public promises to forgo personal benefits, is now facing mounting criticism over excessive fuel expenditures and a lack of transparency within his administration. Before being elected, Mayor Karki had pledged to serve the people without taking any salary, allowances, or official perks, and to uncover past corruption within the municipality. However, current data paints a very different picture.
Gold traders in Dolakha protest govt’s luxury tax hike
Gold and jewelry traders in Dolakha have launched a protest against the government’s recent decision to increase taxes on precious metals and stones in the new fiscal budget. The protest began on Thursday with nearly all of the district’s gold and silver shops—estimated at around four dozen—shutting down operations in response to the new tax provisions. According to Dipak Dhanuk, co-treasurer of the Federation of Nepal Gold Silver Gem & Jewellery Associations, traders have closed their shops from early Thursday morning as a form of pressure after submitting a memorandum to the District Administration Office on Wednesday.
After Dil Bhusan Pathak warrant, Narayan Aryal goes into hiding amid police watch
Following the issuance of an arrest warrant against journalist Dil Bhusan Pathak, Nepal Police have also intensified surveillance on another journalist, Narayan Aryal. Aryal reported that plainclothes police officers have been stationed outside his residence in Kupondole since Thursday morning. Aryal, however, was not at home when the officers arrived and has since gone into hiding. Speaking to Khabarhub, he confirmed he is currently staying at an undisclosed location. Aryal stated that the police are searching for him in connection with Pathak, although he insists he is not officially involved with the journalist or his work.
Farmers disappointed over not getting fair price for paddy
Farmers in Nawalpur are frustrated over the low market price for Chaite Dhan (Spring paddy), despite a good harvest. Dan Bahadur Ale of Madhyabindu Municipality-2, who cultivated ten quintals of paddy on five kattas of land, said he managed to sell it at just Rs 2,200 per quintal—significantly lower than last year’s price of over Rs 3,000. Ale, who also coordinates the Buddhabhumi Farmers Group, said all members of the group are disappointed by the poor market rates. The group had cultivated Chaite Dhan on five bighas and is currently storing the paddy at home, hoping for better prices.
Jantilung and Maramkot being developed as homestay destinations
Jantilung and Maramkot, located in Ward No. 5 of Tinau Rural Municipality in Palpa, are gaining popularity as emerging tourist destinations. With their scenic beauty and panoramic views stretching from the Himalayas to the Terai, these locations are drawing both domestic and international visitors. Tourists visiting Tansen in Palpa, Butwal in Rupandehi, and Bardaghat in Nawalparasi often pass through this area to enjoy the natural surroundings.
Rural drinking water project completed at a cost of Rs 3.9 million
A drinking water project has been completed at a cost of Rs 3,902,300 under the ‘One House, One Tap’ program in Luxipar, Malika Rural Municipality-3, Myagdi. The project has benefited around 400 residents. According to technician Rupak Thapa from Nepal Health Water for Water (NEWA), the funding included Rs 1,774,729 from NEWA, Rs 995,509 from Malika Rural Municipality, and Rs 1,153,250 contributed by local consumers. In partnership with Malika Rural Municipality and NEWA, three drinking water projects were implemented this fiscal year (2081/082) in Patle, Luxipar, and Dandagaun.
Chisapani–Deurali–Banidanda road being blacktopped after 15 years
The long-awaited blacktopping of the Chisapani–Deurali–Banidanda road in Palpa has begun, 15 years after the road track was first opened. According to the Local Infrastructure Development Office, the blacktopping work is being carried out with a budget of Rs 10 million allocated by the federal government. While the construction of retaining walls, drainage systems, gabion fillings, and culverts was completed last year, this year’s budget has been used solely for blacktopping.
Madi’s Dhanalaxmi waterfall awaits tourists
The Madi Valley, located in the southern part of Chitwan, is rich in natural, religious, and cultural heritage. Popular sites such as the Sameshwor Temple, Goddhak, Baikuntha Lake, and Ram Temple have long been recognized for their tourism potential. However, one stunning gem remains largely undiscovered: the Dhanalaxmi Waterfall. The Baikuntha Dham Area Management Committee has taken the initiative to include this 60-meter-high waterfall in its tourism development plans.
52 new HIV cases recorded in Chitwan in five months
A total of 52 new HIV-positive individuals have been registered in Chitwan district over the past five months, according to data from AHF Nepal at Bharatpur Hospital. Of the newly identified cases, 23 are local residents, while the remaining individuals have been transferred from other areas. Dr. Kalyan Sapkota, Senior Physician at Bharatpur Hospital, stated that these cases were added to the hospital’s registry under the AHF Nepal program during the first five months of 2025. The 23 local cases were identified through hospital visits and community-level testing programs.
Haircutting training equips students with practical skills
Beni Community Secondary School has launched a haircutting training program for its students, aiming to equip them with practical skills alongside their academic education. Under the “We Can, We Will” initiative of Beni Municipality, 25 students from grades 8, 9, and 11 are participating in a 15-day training session tailored to their interests. The school’s Principal, Deepak Shrestha, said the training began on 26 Jestha and will continue until 10 Asar. Professional trainer Abhishek Shrestha from Beni is leading the sessions.
Schools closed due to extreme heat
All schools in Palungtar Municipality in Gorkha have been closed for two days due to extreme heat. Mayor Bibas Chintan announced that both community and institutional schools under the municipality will remain closed today and tomorrow, citing health concerns for children caused by the rising temperatures. “The municipality has decided to close all schools for two days as the heat could pose health risks to students,” said Mayor Chintan. Regular classes are expected to resume from June 12.
Farmers provided with rice transplanter equipment
Bhadrapur Municipality in Jhapa has distributed rice transplanter machines to two local cooperatives to support mechanized farming. NMC Agro Farm in Bhadrapur-9 received a four-wheeled rice transplanter, 6,000 seed trays, and a paddy seeder. Similarly, Pushpanjali Mahila Krishi Cooperative Society in Bhadrapur-1 received a four-wheeled rice transplanter and 6,000 seed trays, informed Sunil Niraula, Chief Administrative Officer of the municipality.
Illegal chick imports from India threaten Nepal’s poultry industry
Nepal’s poultry hatchery industry is facing a severe crisis, with businesses forced to sell chicks at prices far below production cost or, in some cases, unable to sell them at all. The problem stems from a steep decline in demand and a glut in chick production, particularly in commercial hatcheries raising the Corleone breed. Hatchery owners report that it costs around Rs 55 to raise a single chick to marketable age. However, over the past two months, many have been compelled to sell them for just Rs 15–20 each, incurring significant losses. Some hatcheries have not been able to find buyers at all.
Case filed against 47 traders for food violations
The Food Technology and Quality Control Office in Hetauda has filed cases against 47 traders over the past 22 months for violating food hygiene and safety regulations. The action follows irregularities discovered during monitoring and testing of samples collected by the office and its subordinate divisions. According to Office Chief Kashinath Ghimire, three cases were filed under the Food Hygiene and Quality Act during the current fiscal year 2081/82, based on sample testing that revealed violations. In the previous fiscal year 2080/81, 44 traders faced similar legal action.
One killed by lightning strike in Kailali
A 26-year-old man died after being struck by lightning in Kailali today. The deceased has been identified as Upendra Bahadur Shahi from Jhilaka, Ward No. 2 of Gauriganga Municipality, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police Rajkumar Singh of the District Police Office, Kailali. Shahi was walking in a field near his home when the lightning struck, causing his death on the spot.
FNCCI, CAMFEBA sign MoU to boost bilateral trade cooperation
The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and the Cambodian Federation of Employers and Business Associations (CAMFEBA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance bilateral trade and economic cooperation. The MoU was signed on June 10 during a program held in Geneva, Switzerland, by FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal and CAMFEBA Vice President Sok Lor. Nepal’s Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security, Sharat Singh Bhandari, was also present at the signing.
Federal Democratic Front calls meeting to discuss visit visa issue
The Sanghiya Loktantrik Morcha (Federal Democratic Front) has called a meeting to be held at 3 PM tomorrow at the central office of the Rastriya Mukti Party in Shantinagar, Kathmandu. According to Rastriya Mukti Party leader Keshav Jha, the meeting will focus on the latest political developments, including the ongoing visit visa issue. He also stated that the agenda includes discussions on the working procedures of the Front, as well as cooperation between indigenous communities and Madhesi groups.
UML General Secretary leaves for UK
CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel left for the United Kingdom (UK) today to attend the UK convention of the International Nepali Forum. He is accompanied by UML Politburo member Sujita Shakya. During his visit, Pokharel is expected to meet with members of the Nepali community in the UK as well as various diplomats, according to UML Central Committee member and Europe-America In-charge Ghanashyam Pandey.
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