KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
ICC Congratulates CAN on Successful Completion of Nepal Premier League
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has extended its congratulations to the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) for the successful completion of the second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL). In a letter addressed to CAN Chair Chatur Bahadur Chand, ICC Chair Jay Shah commended the association for organizing the event and expressed confidence that CAN would reach new heights under Chand’s leadership.
NRNA to hold 12th General Convention in February
The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has scheduled its 12th general convention from February 23 to 25 in Kathmandu. The decision was taken during a steering committee meeting on Sunday, following the unification of various NRNA groups, to hold the 12th Unity General Convention. In a joint press release, NRNA General Secretaries Gauri Raj Joshi and B.R. Lama said the committee announced the convention dates and took several decisions to strengthen organizational unity and internal management.
Special Court orders CIAA to submit all documents in corruption case against Madhav Kumar Nepal
The Special Court has ordered the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) to submit all documents related to the corruption case filed against senior Nepali Communist Party leader and former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal. The order was issued in connection with alleged irregularities in the Patanjali Yogpeeth land transaction in Sanga, Kavre, where Nepal has been accused of facilitating unlawful land acquisition during his tenure as prime minister.
NRB amends unified directives, tightens loan monitoring rules
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has amended, revised and added new provisions to the Unified Directives, 2024, issued to banks and financial institutions, introducing several changes related to loan classification, monitoring and repayment standards. Under the revised provisions, loans of Rs 2 billion or more that have not been converted into consortium financing will now be kept under close or micro supervision. However, NRB has clarified that this provision will not apply to short-term working capital loans.
Nepal bids farewell to two elephants to be gifted to Qatar
The government has bid farewell to two elephants, Khagendra Prasad and Rudrakali, set to be presented as a gift to the Government of Qatar. The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation formally sent off the elephants from their habitat at Chitwan National Park on Monday. According to authorities, the elephants will be officially handed over to Qatar on December 17 in Bhairahawa. The handover is being arranged from Bhairahawa considering climatic suitability and logistical convenience for transportation.
Pradeep Gyawali rebels after being denied General Secretary post in UML
Senior CPN-UML leader Pradeep Gyawali has rebelled against party chairman KP Sharma Oli after being denied the post of General Secretary, a position he had naturally expected to contest. Gyawali, who has consistently stood with Oli in party politics, had presented himself as a natural contender for the General Secretary position even before the 11th general convention was officially announced. His candidacy received support from prominent party leaders, including Vice Chair Bishnu Paudel and Deputy General Secretary Prithvi Subba Gurung.
Nepal Rastra Bank, IFC Sign MoU to boost climate finance
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote climate finance in Nepal. The signing ceremony was held on Monday at NRB in the presence of Deputy Governor Bam Bahadur Mishra. The MoU was signed by Dayaram Sharma Pangeni, Executive Director at the Governor’s Office, on behalf of NRB, and Gregory Smith, Country Advisory and Economics Manager for IFC South Asia.
Commercial banks cut interest rates for personal and institutional deposits in Poush
Most commercial banks have reduced interest rates on personal fixed deposits for the month of Poush in the current fiscal year, while some have also cut rates on institutional deposits. According to banking data, the average interest rate on personal fixed deposits for 20 commercial banks fell by 0.27 percentage points compared to Mangsir, while the average rate on institutional deposits decreased by 0.21 percentage points.
Govt forms high-level political dialogue committee
The government has formed a high-level political dialogue committee to engage with various political parties and stakeholders. The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting at Singha Durbar on Monday. The committee will be chaired by Law Minister Anil Sinha, with Communications Minister Jagdish Kharel and Prime Minister’s Chief Political Advisor Ajaya Bhadra Khanal as members.
Pokharel camp gains momentum as Oli allies rebel amid leadership disputes
Ishwar Pokharel’s camp in the CPN-UML is reportedly gaining momentum as several close allies of party chai KP Sharma Oli have openly rebelled, intensifying the leadership crisis within Oli’s faction. The recent unrest comes after the party decided to increase the number of central committee office-bearers to 19, overturning decisions made at the second general convention in Bhadra.
Pradeep Gyawali walks out of UML convention amid General Secretary row
CPN-UML leader Pradeep Gyawali walked out of the ongoing 11th national convention on Monday, deepening the rift within the faction led by Chairperson KP Sharma Oli. Gyawali, a contender for the General Secretary post, left the Gundu meeting in the morning after disputes over the position remained unresolved. He later also exited the convention venue at Bhrikuti Mandap, refusing to accept the vice-chairperson role offered by the Oli team.
Remittance inflows surge 31.4% in first four months of FY 2025/26
Nepal’s remittance inflows rose sharply by 31.4 percent in the first four months of the current fiscal year 2025/26, reaching Rs 687.13 billion, according to the latest financial statistics released by Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) on Monday. In the same period last fiscal year, remittance inflows had increased by just 9.4 percent. NRB data shows that remittance inflows in Kartik alone stood at Rs 133.82 billion, up from Rs 114.31 billion recorded in the same month a year ago.
KMC targets reclaiming encroached land worth Rs 200 billion: Mayor Shah
Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has set an ambitious target to reclaim around 230 acre of encroached land, valued at nearly Rs 200 billion, in the coming days, Mayor Balen Shah said on Sunday. Addressing a special ceremony organized at Tundikhel on the occasion of KMC’s 31st establishment day, Mayor Shah said the metropolis is moving forward with a clear focus on protecting public land and strengthening urban governance. He said reclaiming encroached land is a key priority of the city administration as part of broader efforts to bring order to urban management.
Death toll rises to 16 after terror shooting targeting Jewish community at Australia’s Bondi Beach
The death toll from a shooting that targeted the Jewish community celebrating the first day of Hanukkah at Australia’s Bondi Beach has risen to 16, while at least 40 people remain hospitalised, New South Wales (NSW) Police confirmed on Monday. In a statement posted on X, the NSW Police Force said 16 people had died following Sunday’s attack and dozens were still receiving treatment in hospitals. Authorities said more details would be released as the investigation progresses.
UML revises election schedule for 11th general convention
The CPN-UML has revised its election schedule under the party’s 11th General Convention. The Central Election Commission of the party has made public the amended election program. According to the commission, the previously announced schedule for the election of office-bearers and members of the Central Committee, Central Disciplinary Commission and Central Accounts Commission has been revised.
Oli finalizes UML panel, excludes anyone under 40 despite youth rhetoric
CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli has finalized his panel for the party’s 11th General Convention, but the line-up has sparked criticism for completely excluding leaders below the age of 40, despite repeated commitments to bring youth into the party’s top leadership. While Oli has accommodated several new faces in his team, none of them fall under the 40-year age bracket. The absence of younger leaders has stood out sharply, especially after Oli himself pushed through a statute amendment during Sunday’s closed session, citing the need to strengthen the party following the Gen-Z movement of September 8 and 9.
Kathmandu Metropolitan City celebrates 31st establishment day
Kathmandu Metropolitan City marked its 31st establishment day today with a special program held at Sainik Manch, Tundikhel, in the presence of President Ramchandra Poudel. The city commemorates its establishment every year on Mangsir 29 according to the Nepali calendar. Addressing the program, President Poudel urged everyone to sincerely recognize the responsibility entrusted by the people and dedicate themselves to the nation’s development. He emphasized the need for innovative thinking, strategic planning, determination, energy, and leadership grounded in integrity and character to achieve these goals.
Gold price continues to rise, reaches Rs 260,700 per tola
The upward trend in gold prices continued on Monday, with the price increasing by Rs 1,900 per tola compared to Sunday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, gold is being traded at Rs 260,700 per tola today. On the previous day, the price of gold stood at Rs 258,800 per tola.
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