KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Bidhya Devi Bhandari acknowledges: Parliament dissolution still haunts me
Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has said that the controversial dissolution of Parliament during her term continues to follow her, though she claims she only acted on the Cabinet’s recommendations.
Speaking at a press conference organized in Kathmandu on Tuesday by the Madan Bhandari Foundation on the occasion of the late leader’s 75th birth anniversary, Bhandari said she plans to remain active in the CPN-UML and serve the country through the party. However, she clarified that her role within the party will be decided by its Central Committee.
She added that since the party’s national convention hasn’t taken place yet, the current Central Committee holds the highest authority and will determine where and how she will be involved in the UML’s organizational structure.
Bidhya Bhandari says UML central committee will decide her role
Former President Bidhya Devi Bhandari has said that the CPN-UML’s central committee will decide her role in the party.
Speaking at a press conference organized by the Madan Bhandari Foundation, Bhandari stated that her participation in the party’s upcoming statute convention will depend on how the central committee assigns her responsibilities.
“I will attend the convention in whatever capacity the central committee decides, either as a representative or as an invited member,” she said. “I will carry out whatever role the party leadership assigns me.”
Home Ministry transfers five undersecretaries: Tiwari appointed Immigration DG, Ghimire heads TIA office
The Ministry of Home Affairs has transferred five joint secretaries, including appointments to key posts at the Department of Immigration and the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Immigration Office.
Ram Chandra Tiwari has been appointed the new Director General of the Department of Immigration. Narahari Ghimire has been assigned to head the Immigration Office at TIA.
Following Tiwari’s transfer to the Immigration Department, Govinda Prasad Rijal has been brought into the Home Ministry.
Bajgain says RSP’s signature campaign could amount to contempt of court
Nepali Congress lawmaker Rajendra Bajgain has warned that the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP)’s ongoing signature campaign in support of its jailed party chair Rabi Lamichhane could be interpreted as contempt of court.
Speaking during a special hour in Tuesday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Bajgain stressed the need for more policy-oriented debates and solution-focused dialogue in parliament. He lamented the rising trend of personal attacks and blame games overshadowing constructive discussions.
“Parliament is our supreme democratic institution as defined by the Constitution. But lately, the level of discourse has been deteriorating,” he said. “Instead of engaging in constructive dialogue, members are resorting to personal accusations and divisive language.”
PM Oli says Korala border point with China set for full operation
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has announced that preparations are underway to fully operationalize the Korala border point in Mustang, with a focus on developing the necessary infrastructure and logistical facilities.
During a meeting with federal lawmakers and local representatives from Mustang at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar on Monday night, Oli shared updates on the government’s efforts to boost connectivity and trade through this northern gateway with China.
The discussion comes in the wake of the July 8 flood that swept away the friendship bridge over the Bhotekoshi River at Rasuwagadhi, halting movement through one of the main Nepal–China border points. On the same day, Oli had inspected the damaged region and directed relevant ministries to explore alternative routes, including Korala.
Claiming ‘no development’ is false narrative: Bishwa Prakash Sharma
Nepali Congress General Secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma has criticized the growing rhetoric that there has been “no development” in the country, calling it a misleading narrative that undermines tangible progress made across Nepal.
Speaking at a program organized to distribute land ownership certificates to Dalit and landless squatters in Buddhashanti Rural Municipality-4, Sharma emphasized that such claims ignore the visible improvements in infrastructure and public services in recent years.
“Every local level now has blacktopped roads. This rural municipality alone has received Rs 180 million for a drinking water project. One of Nepal’s longest suspension bridges is also here,” he said, citing examples of progress in transportation, healthcare, drinking water, electricity, and other public services.
UML says grassroots campaign strengthened bond between party and people
The ruling CPN-UML has concluded that its organizational efforts in recent months have improved grassroots engagement and strengthened the bond between party leaders, cadres, and the general public.
During a meeting of its Organization Department held Tuesday in Chyasal, the party reviewed the outcomes of its ‘Jara Abhiyan’ (Root Campaign), a ward-centered organizational drive conducted from January to March, and found that it had reactivated local party units and mobilized rank-and-file cadres.
According to UML Organization Secretary Madhav Dhungel, the campaign significantly increased internal party activities, spurred membership renewal and expansion, and helped complete the conventions of most local party committees.
CIB investigates alleged egg extraction from underage girls at Kathmandu fertility clinic
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police has launched a probe into serious allegations that Hope Fertility and Diagnostic, located in Babarmahal, Kathmandu, extracted and sold eggs from two underage girls.
The investigation began following complaints filed by the guardians of the victims. Based on the report, five individuals associated with the clinic were detained on Sunday and Monday for initial questioning, and later released on bail.
According to CIB spokesperson SP Yubaraj Khadka, the individuals are currently under investigation on a mandatory attendance basis.
Oli govt shields corrupt ministers: Gyanendra Shahi
Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chief Whip Gyanendra Shahi on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s government, accusing it of actively protecting corrupt ministers and undermining accountability.
Speaking during a meeting of the House of Representatives, Shahi alleged that the government has systematically shielded a series of corruption scandals instead of taking decisive action.
He further accused Prime Minister Oli of personally protecting corrupt officials, questioning the government’s moral integrity and commitment to good governance.
RSP presses for ministerial probe, walks out of House session
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Shiva Nepali on Tuesday raised serious questions in Parliament about the role of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak and other controversial ministers in ongoing corruption and human trafficking scandals, accusing the government of shielding tainted officials to preserve its leadership.
Speaking during the House of Representatives session, MP Nepali said, “We keep speaking, and the government keeps ignoring us. This is not governance — it’s arrogance.” His remarks were directed at the government’s inaction on long-standing allegations.
Ranjita Shrestha rejects bribery allegations, calls media reports ‘character assassination’
Nagarik Unmukti Party Chairperson and former Minister Ranjita Shrestha has strongly denied allegations linking her to a recent bribery scandal involving outgoing Federal Affairs and General Administration Minister Rajkumar Gupta.
Shrestha, who previously held the Land Management, Cooperatives, and Poverty Alleviation portfolio, responded on Sunday to news reports that named her alongside Gupta and an alleged middleman in a multi-million rupee bribery deal related to land appointments and staff transfers. She described the reports as “deliberate and baseless attempts to assassinate her character and discredit her party.”
Neupane appointed Minister of General Administration
National Assembly member Bhagwati Neupane has been appointed as the new Minister of Federal Affairs and General Administration.
President Ramchandra Paudel has, on the recommendation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, appointed Neupane to the post of minister today. She was appointed to the vacant post after outgoing Minister Rajkumar Gupta resigned today following charges of corruption.
The Office of the President has stated that President Paudel appointed MP Neupane to the post of Minister on the recommendation of the Prime Minister in accordance with Article 76 (9) of the Constitution.
Bhaktapur Land Revenue Chief caught with Rs 2.45 million bribe; other staff also arrested
Kumar Acharya, the Chief Land Revenue Officer at the Bhaktapur Land Revenue Office, has been arrested with a bribe of Rs 2.45 million. He was apprehended by a team from the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) on Tuesday afternoon.
Along with Acharya, office assistant Tikaram Raut was also arrested during the operation. The CIAA stated that they were demanding a bribe to process documents related to 14 ropani and 4 anna of land in Changunarayan Municipality involving tenant and ownership updates.
According to the CIAA, Acharya received the bribe through Raut. The commission had launched a sting operation following the complaint and caught them red-handed within the Land Revenue Office premises.
Commission raids Bhaktapur Land Revenue Office after bribery complaint
A team from the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) raided the Land Reform and Land Revenue Office in Chyamasingh, Bhaktapur on Tuesday following a complaint that a bribe was being demanded to issue a land ownership certificate under a tenant’s name.
According to CIAA spokesperson Rajendra Paudel, the commission had received a detailed complaint, including the large amount of money being demanded as a bribe. Acting on this, the CIAA team conducted a sting operation and arrested the office chief, Kumar Acharya, red-handed.
Along with Acharya, two other staff members—office assistant Tikaram Raut and section officer (Nayab Subba) Deepak Prasad Adhikari—were also taken into custody with the bribe amount of Rs 2.45 million in cash.
Embassy of Nepal and PHDCCI India-Nepal Centre organize “India-Nepal Economic Cooperation Meet 2025” in Bhopal
In collaboration with the Embassy of Nepal in India, the India-Nepal Centre of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) organized the “India-Nepal Economic Cooperation Meet 2025” recently in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
The event brought together senior diplomats from Nepal, government officials, and leading industry representatives from both countries to discuss deepening economic ties and promoting mutual growth.
Addressing the gathering, Narendra Shivaji Patel, Minister of Public Health and Medical Education, Government of Madhya Pradesh, emphasized the significance of the event in further strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.
Kanchanpur launches campaign to demolish Chhaugoths
A special campaign to demolish Chhaugoths—isolated huts where menstruating women are traditionally forced to stay—is being launched across all nine local levels of Kanchanpur district in Nepal. The District Administration Office has formally directed the local governments to initiate demolition efforts.
“A campaign has been launched to eliminate the traditional practice by taking necessary decisions at the municipal level and implementing them accordingly,” states a letter signed by Chief District Officer Laxman Dhakal. The letter urges local levels to take active steps to end this harmful social custom.
Private sector warns of protest over IPO delays in hydropower projects
The Independent Power Producers’ Association, Nepal (IPPAN) has warned that the private sector may be forced to launch protests if the ongoing obstructions in the Initial Public Offering (IPO) process for hydropower companies are not resolved promptly. Speaking at IPPAN’s 23rd Annual General Meeting, Chair Ganesh Karki expressed serious concern over the lack of urgency shown by the government and regulatory bodies in facilitating the IPO process, a key source of capital for energy projects. “Many companies eager to move forward with hydropower development have been waiting for a long time to issue shares to the public. But due to delayed approvals, several projects have been negatively impacted,” said Karki.
Gold prices stable, silver down
The price of gold has remained unchanged on Tuesday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold has remained at 193,300 per tola on Tuesday. The price of silver, however, has gone down by Rs 40 and was sold at Rs 2,275 per tola.
Task force submits report on banking sector reform to NRB Governor
A high-level task force formed to recommend reforms in Nepal’s banking sector has submitted its final report to the Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), Dr. Biswo Nath Poudel.
The task force, led by former NRB Governor Dr. Rewat Bahadur Karki, handed over the report during an official meeting at the central bank on Tuesday.
The committee was formed to study and provide strategic recommendations for strengthening and improving Nepal’s banking system in the wake of emerging economic challenges.
Bribery scandal forces Minister Rajkumar Gupta to resign
Federal Affairs and General Administration Minister Rajkumar Gupta has resigned from his post following a major bribery scandal that sparked widespread public and political outrage.
Gupta announced his resignation on Tuesday through a Facebook post, days after an audio recording surfaced allegedly capturing him accepting a bribe in exchange for influencing appointments and land-related decisions.
The leaked audio, reportedly recorded between late December and January, implicates Gupta in a monetary deal linked to the appointment of the Land Commission Chair in Kaski district.
Construction of three bridges on Dharan–Chatara section in final stage
The construction of three motorable bridges—over Bagh Khola, Baguwa Khola, and Thakuri Khola—on the Dharan–Chatara road section of the Madan Bhandari Highway has reached its final stage.
However, construction of the railway bridge on the same road section has yet to begin. According to Umesh Shrestha, an engineer at Surya & Sons Construction Company, which is undertaking the project, around 95 percent of the work on the three bridges has been completed.
He said that the 60-meter-long Bagh Khola bridge, which includes side rails on both sides and is located in Barahakhsetra Municipality-1 of Sunsari, is about 90 percent complete.
Flood alert issued as river levels expected to rise across Nepal
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology’s Flood Forecasting Division has issued a nationwide alert, warning of a significant rise in water levels in most major rivers over the next three days due to continuous rainfall.
According to a bulletin issued on Tuesday morning, small rivers flowing through districts such as Taplejung, Solukhumbu, Sankhuwasabha, Okhaldhunga, Khotang, Bhojpur, Dolakha, Ramechhap, Sindhupalchok, Kavrepalanchok, Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, and surrounding areas are likely to swell significantly.
There is a moderate risk of flash floods in these areas, especially if rainfall intensifies.
Four people die in separate incidents in Dang
Four individuals have lost their lives in two separate incidents in Dang district. Two teenagers from Tulsipur drowned while swimming in the Babai River near Purandhara Chhahara in Babai Rural Municipality-4. The victims have been identified as 17-year-old Bidhan KC and 16-year-old Kushal Budhamagar, both residents of Tulsipur Sub-metropolitan City-2.
According to Dev KC, Police Chief at the Hapure Area Police Office, the boys had gone swimming with friends when they drowned. Their bodies have been taken to Rapti Provincial Hospital in Tulsipur for post-mortem examination.
Shekhar Koirala questions cabinet’s decision to retain minister accused of bribery
Nepali Congress leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala has expressed shock over the continued participation of a minister accused of bribery in Cabinet meetings, suggesting that the individual should have been dismissed instead.
Taking to Facebook on Tuesday morning, Koirala indirectly referred to Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration Rajkumar Gupta, who has been embroiled in a high-profile bribery scandal.
Despite what he describes as clear evidence against the minister, Koirala criticized the prime minister for allowing Gupta to remain in the Cabinet by “sweet-talking” his way through the controversy.
Prachanda steps in to break NC-UML gridlock on constitution amendment
Exactly one year after the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML began their power-sharing arrangement with a focus on amending the constitution, the third-largest party, CPN (Maoist Centre), has now expressed willingness to take responsibility for securing the required two-thirds majority in Parliament to push the amendment forward.
As the ruling coalition of Congress and UML has failed to muster the numbers necessary to proceed with constitutional amendments, Maoist Centre Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has stepped in, announcing in Parliament on Monday that his party is ready to deliver the numbers if the government commits to a progressive amendment of the constitution.
Dahal laid out several conditions for his support, stating that the amendment must address the long-standing dissatisfaction that emerged during the promulgation of the constitution in 2015.
Trump warns Russia with tariffs, unveils major weapons support for Ukraine
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to send advanced weaponry to Ukraine via NATO allies and warned Russia of harsh tariffs if a peace agreement isn’t reached within 50 days.
“We want Ukraine to be in a position to make its own decisions,” Trump said after meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Washington.
Rutte confirmed the U.S. will provide substantial military aid to Ukraine through NATO channels, while European countries are expected to cover the costs. As part of the plan, European nations will send their Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, with the U.S. providing replacements.
Landslides block BP Highway in Kavre since last night
The BP Highway has remained blocked since last night due to landslides in multiple locations in Kavre district. Despite continuous efforts to clear the debris, the road has not yet been reopened, according to DSP Min Bahadur Ghale of the District Police Office, Kavre. Landslides have occurred at Mamati Khola in Rosi Rural Municipality-11, Pinthali in Rosi-9, and Biruwadanda, leading to complete obstruction of traffic.
Dharahara to open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM
The iconic Dharahara tower in central Kathmandu will now be open to the public from 8 AM to 8 PM daily, starting July 16.
The Ministry of Urban Development announced that the change comes in response to widespread public demand for extended visiting hours.
Currently, the tower is open from 10 AM to 4 PM and remains closed on public holidays. However, from July 16, Dharahara will also remain open on holidays, while its weekly off day will be shifted from Saturday to Wednesday, according to ministry spokesperson Narayan Mainali.
NEPSE jumps 34.46 points
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) recorded a strong performance on Tuesday, with all sector indices ending the day in green.
The NEPSE index surged by 34.46 points (1.26%), closing at 2,760 points.
Trading volume also rose significantly. While turnover on the previous trading day stood at Rs 8.17 billion, it jumped to Rs 9.41 billion today. Out of the total listed companies, share prices of 209 advanced, while only 39 declined.
UML to introduce mandatory exams for organized party membership
The ruling CPN-UML has decided to introduce mandatory exams for individuals seeking organized party membership, as part of a broader push to strengthen ideological commitment and restructure internal organization.
A meeting of the UML’s Organization Department, held on Tuesday in Chyasal in the presence of General Secretary Shankar Pokharel and Organization Department Chief Kashinath Adhikari, endorsed the proposal.
Organization Secretary Madhav Dhungel informed that new applicants will now be required to take an exam testing their basic understanding of the party’s principles before they are granted organized membership. The exam will be administered through an online system using standardized digital forms.
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