KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Oli targets Madan Bhandari Foundation in escalating feud with Bidya Devi Bhandari
The intra-party rift inside Nepal’s main opposition CPN-UML has reached a new flashpoint, with party chair KP Sharma Oli mounting an increasingly personal offensive against former vice-chair and ex-president Bidya Devi Bhandari, once one of his staunchest allies during his own political struggles. Bhandari, who served two terms as Nepal’s head of state, announced her return to UML politics on June 28 through a program organized by the Madan Bhandari Foundation. Oli, party insiders say, has since been mobilizing his full political weight to block her re-entry into active party affairs.
RPP proposes committee led by Kalyan Shrestha or Sushila Karki to probe visa scam
The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has proposed forming a committee headed by either former Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha or Sushila Karki to investigate the ongoing visit visa controversy. During Wednesday’s session of the House of Representatives, RPP lawmaker Deepak Bahadur Singh, speaking within the time allotted by Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire, formally submitted the proposal for the commission.
Ramhari Khatiwada submits resignation as State Affairs Committee chair
Nepali Congress (NC) lawmaker Ramhari Khatiwada has formally submitted his resignation from the post of chairperson of the House Committee on State Affairs and Good Governance to Speaker Devraj Ghimire. Khatiwada faced mounting pressure within his own party after questions were raised about his moral accountability over controversial changes to the cooling-off period provision in the Federal Civil Service Bill.
Gold traders ask PM Oli to review luxury tax and VAT rates
Gold and jewelry traders have drawn Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s attention to the new taxes introduced in the current fiscal year, a 2% luxury tax on gold and a 13% value-added tax on diamonds. A delegation led by Kisan Sunar, president of the Nepal Gold, Silver, Gem and Jewellery Federation, met the prime minister to seek a long-term solution, including the formulation of business-friendly policies and guidelines.
Election Commission upholds Ranjita Shrestha as chair of Nagarik Unmukti Party
The Election Commission has decided that Ranjita Shrestha will remain the official chair of the Nagarik Unmukti Party, rejecting a rival claim by lawmaker Lalbir Chaudhary. Although the party’s national gathering had declared Chaudhary as the new chair and submitted the decision for registration, the commission refused to recognize the move. With this ruling, Shrestha retains her position as the party’s legitimate leader.
RSP, RPP continue walkout from HoR over visa scam
Lawmakers from the opposition Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) again boycotted the House of Representatives session on Wednesday, citing the government’s failure to form a parliamentary or high-level judicial committee to investigate the visit visa scandal. As soon as Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire announced the start of the proceedings, RSP and RPP MPs stood up in protest. Speaker Ghimire allowed RSP lawmaker Ashok Kumar Chaudhary to speak, who stated that the committees requested by their parties have not been formed, and they would continue their protest until action is taken.
Clash forces postponement of Rastriya Prajatantrik Yuva Sangh Kathmandu district convention
The Kathmandu district convention of the Rastriya Prajatantrik Yuva Sangh, affiliated with Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), has been postponed following clashes at the event. The convention, inaugurated by RPP Chair Rajendra Lingden, erupted into conflict amid an ongoing dispute between Lingden and party General Secretary Dhawal Shamsher Rana.
Press Council Nepal reports 94 violations of press freedom in past fiscal year
Press Council Nepal has recorded 94 incidents of press freedom violations during the fiscal year 2024/25, based on filed complaints and regular monitoring, the council said. Bagmati Province reported the highest number of violations, with 38 incidents. Other provinces recorded the following: Madhes 25, Sudurpaschim 8, Koshi 8, Karnali 7, Gandaki 4, Lumbini 3, and one case occurred outside the country. In terms of gender, 106 journalists were affected, including 96 men and 10 women.
ANFA Women’s League Qualifiers to kick off tomorrow
Kathmandu will host the ANFA Women’s League Qualifier from tomorrow. A total of 14 teams will compete in the qualifiers, with the top five teams earning a spot in the ANFA Women’s League, ANFA spokesperson Suresh Shah announced at a press conference on Wednesday.
Maoist leader Gagan Puri convicted in Jhapa public land grab case
The Special Court has convicted Maoist leader Gagan Puri, also known as Rewataraj Puri, in a corruption case involving the illegal registration of public land in the names of private individuals in Jhapa. The court found Puri guilty alongside former officials of the Survey and Land Revenue Offices, landowners, and middlemen, a total of nine individuals.
FNCCI Vice President Hemraj Dhakal appointed director of SEBON
Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Vice President Hemraj Dhakal has been appointed as a director of the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON). As per the board’s provisions, FNCCI holds one representative seat on SEBON’s governing body. The position was previously held by FNCCI’s Chief Executive Officer, Gokarna Awasthi, who resigned from the role.
Ten commercial banks report profit growth
Ten commercial banks have released their financial statements for the fiscal year 2024/25, showing overall improvement in financial health, according to preliminary data. Aggressive loan collection measures have helped reduce non-performing loans (NPLs), contributing to higher profits for most banks. Among the banks, Nabil Bank recorded the highest net profit of Rs 7.12 billion, up from Rs 6.19 billion in the previous fiscal year. In terms of profit growth, Kumari Bank saw the sharpest increase, reporting a net profit of Rs 2.11 billion, compared to just Rs 46 million the year before, a growth of 45,829%.
Nepal to receive over Rs 10 billion from carbon sequestration by 2028
Minister for Forests and Environment Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri has said that Nepal has made significant progress in forest expansion and carbon sequestration. Addressing the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Minister Thakuri stated that community forest management, expansion of protected areas, and national forest policies have yielded positive results in increasing forest cover.
Kaligandaki Corridor and Ridi-Bamitaksar road obstructed
The Kaligandaki Corridor has been blocked by landslides triggered by incessant rainfall. According to the District Police Office, the road was completely obstructed today after rocks and debris fell at Rakse in Kaligandaki Rural Municipality-2 along the Gulmi section of the corridor. Vehicles on both sides are currently stranded. Although the road construction company has excavators ready to clear the blockage, operations are hampered by ongoing rain and recurring landslides, said Ganga Bahadur Saru, Information Officer of the District Police Office.
Energy Minister denies load-shedding claims, says power supply improving
Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, has dismissed recent rumours of nationwide load-shedding, calling them baseless. Speaking at the House of Representatives on Wednesday, he said the government’s efforts to improve electricity supply are progressing rapidly. Responding to lawmakers’ questions, Minister Khadka stated that except for a few areas, most parts of the country are receiving electricity without disruptions.
Omni Group owes millions in airfare to Nepal Airlines
Omni Group has reportedly failed to pay millions in airfare to Nepal Airlines, stemming from chartered flights during the COVID-19 pandemic. Records show that under the title “China (COVID) 2020,” Nepal Airlines has a pending receivable of Rs 19.4 million from Omni Group and the government. During the pandemic, a high-level COVID-19 prevention and control coordination committee, led by then-Deputy Prime Minister Ishwar Pokharel under KP Oli’s government, approved the procurement of medical supplies.
NRB withdrawing Rs 25 billion to maintain liquidity
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) plans to withdraw Rs 25 billion from the financial system on Wednesday to maintain adequate liquidity, the central bank announced. The withdrawal will be conducted through the deposit collection instrument, targeting deposits until September 7. Bids will be accepted in multiples of Rs 50 million for amounts above Rs 100 million, with any remaining balance allocated proportionally to reach the total call amount.
Gold prices down marginally
Gold prices saw a marginal decline on Wednesday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold has decreased by Rs 100 per tola. With this, the price of gold has been set at Rs 196,700 per tola. The price of silver has gone up by Rs 20 and is being sold at Rs 2,325 per tola.
Flood alert issued for 55 districts as rivers swell
The Flood Forecasting Division of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has issued an alert for areas at risk of flooding today (Wednesday, August 13). According to the Division, water levels in the Koshi tributaries, as well as the Mahakali and Babai rivers, are close to the alert threshold. Flows in the Narayani, Bagmati, Karnali, Kankai, Kamala, East Rapti, and West Rapti rivers remain below the alert level but are expected to rise.
Water level rises in Ilam’s Maikhola; reaches alert mark
The water level in the Maikhola River at the Chisapani hydrological monitoring station in Ilam has crossed the alert level and continues to rise, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. In a public notice, the Department has urged residents in riverside and low-lying areas to take necessary precautions, warning of potential flooding.
Govt awards Rs 500,000 to Rabindra Dhant
The government has announced a cash reward of Rs 500,000 for bantamweight champion Rabindra Dhant, who recently secured a historic victory at Matrix Fight Night (MFN) 17. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli shared the decision on Facebook on Wednesday, stating that the Cabinet had approved the amount as an incentive for Dhant. His coach will also receive Rs 200,000.
Fact-based, credible journalism need of the hour: Minister Gurung
Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has emphasized that journalism grounded in facts and values is essential for fostering impartiality, credibility, and accountability. Speaking at the 26th anniversary celebration of the Federation of Nepali Indigenous Journalists (FoNIJ) in the federal capital, Minister Gurung acknowledged the significant contribution of indigenous journalists to Nepal’s media landscape.
Landslide completely blocks Jomsom-Korala road
The Chhusang section of the Jomsom-Korala road in Baragung Muktikshetra has been completely blocked since this morning due to a landslide accompanied by heavy debris. According to Police Inspector Bikash Chhetri of the District Police Office, a police team has been mobilized in coordination with the Road Department to clear the debris and restore traffic.
Nepal to export 1,000 MW electricity to India: PM Oli
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has announced that Nepal will export 1,000 megawatts of electricity to India. In a social media post on Wednesday, PM Oli stated that the export is expected to generate Rs 80.27 billion in revenue for Nepal.
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