KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
SC orders authorities to present Rabindra Mishra in court
The Supreme Court (SC) has issued a show cause order in response to a habeas corpus petition filed on behalf of Rabindra Mishra, asking authorities to explain the legal grounds for his detention and to produce him in person before the court. The order was issued by a single bench of Justice Sunil Kumar Pokharel. The petition, filed on Tuesday by Mishra’s wife, Sarika Karki, calls for his immediate release and questions the legitimacy of his continued custody.
Supreme Court clears way for Pathibhara cable car construction
The Supreme Court has cleared the way for the continuation of the cable car project to the famous Pathibhara temple in Phungling, the district headquarters of Taplejung.
A joint bench of Justices Nahkul Subedi and Abdul Aziz Musalman decided not to extend the interim order that had previously halted the construction. With this decision, the stalled construction of the cable car can now move forward.
Earlier, on Chaitra 7, a writ petition had led the court to issue an interim order on Chaitra 13 to maintain the status quo. Following this order, IME Group, led by chair Chandra Dhakal, had paused the construction of the lower station in Kaflepati.
Auditor General submits annual report to President Paudel
Auditor General Toyam Raya has submitted the annual report for the fiscal year 2023/24 to President Ram Chandra Paudel.
The submission took place during a program organized at the President’s Office, Sheetal Niwas, on Wednesday.
Receiving the report, President Paudel stressed the need for stronger financial discipline within government institutions.
He stated that growing irregularities in government transactions remain a serious concern for good governance.
Three killed in electric microbus accident in Pokhara
Three people died in a road accident involving an electric microbus at Lameahal, Pokhara-32, along the Prithvi Highway on Wednesday.
The microbus, registered under plate number Ga 1 Ja 8630, was en route from Kathmandu to Pokhara when the accident occurred. The identities of the deceased have not yet been confirmed.
According to Inspector Shobha Pandey, chief of the Kaski District Traffic Police Office, eight people, including the driver, were injured in the crash. Four of the injured were taken to Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences, where three succumbed to their injuries.
Auditor General: Government fails to implement key budget commitments
The Office of the Auditor General has concluded that the government has failed to implement major announcements made in its annual budget, despite setting ambitious targets each year.
Releasing its 62nd annual report on Wednesday after completing the audit for fiscal year 2080/81 BS, the Auditor General noted that several budgetary commitments have not been fulfilled.
Among the unimplemented commitments are key policy and legislative reforms, such as amending the Land Acquisition Act, revising standards for compensation determination, updating the Public Procurement Act and regulations, and ensuring contract management by Kartik (October/November) without shifting funds in the final month of the fiscal year (Asar/June-July).
Auditor General urges recovery of billions in unpaid renewal fees from telecom companies
The Office of the Auditor General has urged the government to recover billions of rupees in outstanding renewal fees from telecom companies, including Nepal Telecom and Ncell, along with additional charges.
In its 62nd annual report summary, the Auditor General pointed out that these companies failed to pay their renewal fees on time and stressed that the government should impose and collect additional charges.
According to the report, Nepal Telecom’s second license renewal was due on 25 Baisakh 2076 and the required fee of Rs 20 billion was to be paid three months prior to that date.
Auditor General urges legal action to recover unpaid royalties and penalties from hydropower companies
The Office of the Auditor General has recommended that the government introduce a legal framework to collect interest and penalties from hydropower companies that fail to pay royalties on time.
In its 62nd annual report summary, the Auditor General noted that many hydropower projects have not paid their required royalties to the government within the stipulated time, yet no penalties or interest have been levied. The report calls for legal provisions to enforce timely collection and to penalize delays.
According to the audit summary for the last fiscal year, a total of Rs 432.2 million in royalties remains unpaid by 161 hydropower companies.
UML Chief Whip urges govt to rescue stranded Nepalis in Saudi Arabia
Mahesh Bartaula, Chief Whip of the ruling CPN-UML, called on the government to take immediate action to rescue Nepalis stranded in Saudi Arabia due to the closure of their employer companies. During the emergency session of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Bartaula highlighted that over 400 Nepalis were stranded after the closure of Sandron International Company Limited, Saudi Arabia. He mentioned that these workers have not received their wages for 2 to 9 months due to the company’s closure. Additionally, he pointed out that many Nepalis are unable to return home because their exit visas have been blocked.
Sandeep Lamichhane ends contract with CAN
Former national cricket team captain Sandeep Lamichhane has ended his contract with the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN). Shortly after CAN announced the squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup League-2 series on Wednesday, Lamichhane declared that he would not continue his agreement with the board. “After much thought, I have decided not to continue with the contract of the Nepal Cricket Association this time. I do not want to step away from cricket or the nation. This is a personal and professional step forward,” he wrote on social media.
Nepal records 132 disaster incidents in 28 days
Over the past 28 days (April 14 to May 11), Nepal has recorded 132 disaster incidents, resulting in 21 deaths and property losses estimated at Rs 170 million. During the zero hour of the House of Representatives (HoR) session on Tuesday, lawmakers drew the government’s attention to the urgent need for timely, effective, and coordinated efforts to reduce losses from potential disasters. With the pre-monsoon season underway, lawmakers warned of heightened risks, especially for travelers concerned about the condition of roadways. They urged the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) to implement targeted plans in districts particularly vulnerable to natural disasters.
Uncollected govt revenue surpasses Rs 30 billion: Auditor General
The uncollected revenue across the federal, provincial, and local levels of government has surpassed Rs 30 billion, according to the 62nd report released by the Office of the Auditor General on Wednesday. The report reveals that in the last fiscal year 2023/24, a total of Rs 91.59 billion remained unaccounted for across government offices and affiliated institutions. Of this, Rs 30.12 billion has been categorized as uncollected revenue.
Breaking down the figures, the report shows that federal government offices alone had uncollected amounts totaling Rs 18.33 billion. Provincial offices reported Rs 768.5 million in uncollected revenue, while local governments accounted for Rs 3.50 billion.
Two girls swept away in Trishuli River
Two young girls went missing after being swept away by the Trishuli River in Nuwakot on Tuesday evening, authorities confirmed. The girls, both 11 years old—Jenny Dangol and Sadiksha from Belkotgadhi Municipality-7—were bathing and washing clothes at Kachode Bhir along the riverbank when the incident occurred, according to SP Durgaraj Regmi of the District Police Office. “Soon after receiving the report, our team began the search operation, but they couldn’t be located by night. The search resumed this morning,” SP Regmi said. The girls had gone to the river with a nine-year-old boy, who later informed their families after they disappeared in the water.
NEPSE down by 13.96 points
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) continued its downward slide on Wednesday, dropping by 13.96 points to close at 2,620.27 — a 0.53 percent decline from the previous trading day. The market witnessed broad-based losses, with share prices of 183 listed companies falling, while 62 gained and one remained unchanged. The heaviest losses were observed in the insurance and tourism sectors. The Non-life Insurance sub-index plummeted by 174.83 points, Life Insurance fell by 116.84 points, and the Hotel and Tourism sector dropped by 103.39 points.
Woman dies in gas leak fire in Makhantol
A woman has died in a fire triggered by a gas leak in Makhantol, Kathmandu Metropolitan City-24. The blaze broke out in the four-story residence of Dayaram Shrestha. According to Apil Raj Bohara, spokesperson for the District Police Range, Kathmandu, the victim’s identity has not yet been confirmed. The adjacent five-story house belonging to Rukesh Shrestha has also caught fire as the flames spread, causing further damage.
Woman killed in Makhantol fire identified
The elderly woman who died in a fire that engulfed two houses behind Suraj Arcade in Makhan Tol, Kathmandu Metropolitan City-24, has been identified. According to Apilraj Bohara, spokesperson for the District Police Range Kathmandu and Senior Superintendent of Police, the victim was 80-year-old Bishnu Adhikari from Kavrepalanchok. The fire started this morning in a mud-and-wood house belonging to Dayaram Shrestha due to a cooking gas cylinder leak. It later spread to an adjacent five-storey concrete building owned by Rukesh Shrestha.
Deputy Mayor monitors fire-damaged houses in Makhantol
Kathmandu Metropolitan City Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol on Wednesday visited and monitored the four houses damaged in a fire that broke out early morning in Makhantol, Ward No. 24. The blaze started in the four-story residence of Dayaram Shrestha and quickly spread to three adjacent houses, causing significant damage. Tragically, one elderly woman lost her life in the fire. Deputy Mayor Dangol reached the site shortly after the incident and interacted with affected homeowners, including Dayaram Shrestha and Ward Chair Binod Kumar Rajbhandari.
Both Twin Otter aircraft of Nepal Airlines resume regular flights
The Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) has resumed regular domestic operations with both of its Twin Otter aircraft, which had been grounded for an extended period, causing inconvenience for passengers from remote regions. NAC spokesperson Subas Dangi confirmed that the aircraft bearing call signs 9N-ABT and 9N-ABU have been fully brought into service. “New engines have been installed on both planes, and maintenance has been carried out in accordance with the standards of regulatory bodies and the aircraft manufacturer,” Dangi stated.
Gold price up by Rs 500
The price of gold has gone up by Rs 500. According to the Federation Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association, the price of gold has been set at Rs 185,300. Gold was being traded at Rs 184,800 on Tuesday. On the other hand, the price of silver has gone down by Rs 10 per tola, reaching Rs 1,960.
CAN bids farewell to cricket team ahead of ICC League-2 matches
The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) bid farewell to the Nepali national cricket team on Wednesday as the squad prepares to tour Scotland for matches under the ICC Cricket World Cup League-2. Speaking at the farewell event in Kathmandu, assistant coach Gyanendra Malla said the team will enter the series with high morale. He highlighted that winning two or three matches in Scotland could make Nepal’s League-2 journey easier in the days ahead. CAN Secretary Paras Khadka highlighted the significance of League-2 for Nepal and expressed confidence that the team would perform well despite being lower in the rankings.
Auditor General submits annual report to President Paudel
Auditor General Toyam Raya submitted the annual report for the fiscal year 2023/24 to President Ram Chandra Paudel. The submission took place during a program organized at the President’s Office, Sheetal Niwas, on Wednesday. Receiving the report, President Paudel stressed the need for stronger financial discipline within government institutions. He stated that growing irregularities in government transactions remain a serious concern for good governance. “The increasing irregularities in government transactions every year is a challenging situation for good governance,” said President Paudel.
PM Oli calls on UML cadres to counter critics and strengthen party base
Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli has called on the party’s mass organizations to step up their activism in support of Mission 2084, the UML’s campaign to secure a majority in the next general elections. Speaking at a felicitation program organized for the newly elected office bearers of the various party organizations that held their general conventions between March and May, Prime Minister Oli stressed that achievements cannot be secured without timely advancement of the organizations. “The organizations must increase their activity and reject the trend of stagnation and factionalism,” Oli said, urging leaders to work in unity.
Budget session of Lumbini Provincial Assembly begins today
The sixth and budget session of the Lumbini Provincial Assembly began today. The Lumbini Provincial Government had earlier recommended to the Provincial Chief to convene the budget session on May 14. The opening meeting included congratulatory speeches from members of various political parties to mark the beginning of the new session. The provincial government is preparing to present its policies and programs for the upcoming fiscal year on May 18.
Ride-sharing services legalized in Gandaki Province
The Gandaki Province government has legalized the ride-sharing services to operate in the province. From now onwards, the private four-wheeler and two-wheeler vehicles can offer ride-sharing services by fulfilling all required process including insuring the passenger. Province’s Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transportation Prakash Bahadur KC shared that ride-sharing service was formally recognized after the meeting of the Province Government, Council of Ministers endorsed the law related to the vehicle and transport management. The Council of Ministers meeting convened on last Tuesday had endorsed the Vehicle and Transportation Management Regulation-2080 BS. The regulation will be enforced very soon, assured Minister KC.
Finance Minister meets World Bank VP for South Asia
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Nepal, Bishnu Prasad Paudel, held a courtesy meeting with Martin Raiser, the World Bank’s Vice President for South Asia. During the meeting, discussions centered on the future partnership between the Government of Nepal and the World Bank. According to the Finance Minister’s secretariat, both parties explored avenues for enhanced cooperation and collaboration in the coming years.
Copper exploration begins in Tamankhola’s Narjakhani mine
Copper exploration has officially resumed in the Narjakhani area of Tamankhola Rural Municipality-6, decades after the historic mines were shut down. Bikplus Minerals Pvt. Ltd. has begun preliminary studies after receiving a research permit from the Department of Mines and Geology, valid until September 30, 2027. Copper deposits were actively mined in Tamankhola until 1925, but operations ceased when the government brought the mines under taxation. Locals say that remnants of tunnels and mining activity still exist in Bhitarban, Patlegaun, and other parts of the region.
Call for greater gender inclusion in budget planning
Stakeholders in Bagmati Province have highlighted the need to prioritize gender inclusion in the upcoming provincial budget. Speaking at an orientation program organized by the Provincial Good Governance Center in Lalitpur, Bagmati Chief Minister Bahadur Singh Lama stressed that laws must ensure equal opportunities for all and reflect gender equity. The program, attended by women members of the Provincial Assembly, aimed to build awareness around social inclusion and gender-responsive budgeting.
Historic Lomanthang awaits tourism boost amid policy hurdles
Despite its rich cultural legacy, natural beauty, and historical significance, the ancient walled settlement of Lomanthang in Mustang remains underexplored by foreign tourists due to restrictive government policies and limited infrastructure. Located 75 kilometers from Jomsom and approximately 180 kilometers north of Beni, Lomanthang was once a thriving trade hub between Nepal, India, and Tibet. Today, however, it struggles to realize its tourism potential. While nearby destinations such as Marpha, Jomsom, and Muktinath attract thousands of international visitors annually, Lomanthang continues to receive only a trickle of tourists.
City bus accident in Pokhara leaves 22 injured
A city bus (Ga 1 Kha 3886) met with an accident near the World Peace Stupa in Pokhara Metropolitan City-22 on Wednesday afternoon. According to police, 26 people were on board, and 22 sustained injuries. The condition of four of the injured is reported to be critical.
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