KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Supreme Court orders release of Rabindra Mishra
The Supreme Court has ordered the release of Rabindra Mishra, senior vice-chairman of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party. A joint bench comprising Justices Kumar Chudal and Til Prasad Shrestha issued the order, according to Supreme Court Information Officer Nirajan Pandey. Mishra was arrested on March 28 in connection with a violent protest organized by royalist supporters in Tinkune, Kathmandu. Police had been investigating him on allegations of involvement in the unrest.
PM Oli stresses global unity to protect mountains and humanity
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that saving the mountains is synonymous with saving the earth, oceans, and humanity as a whole. Speaking at the inaugural session of the Sagarmatha Sambaad in Kathmandu on Friday, Prime Minister Oli stressed the importance of global cooperation in addressing the climate crisis. He said the Sagarmatha Sambaad, organized for the first time by the Government of Nepal, was conceived as a global platform for honest dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collective action in response to the growing environmental challenges that threaten all of humanity.
Climate change threatens humanity’s future: Foreign Minister Rana
Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has said that climate change is not only endangering the fate of humanity but also putting its future at serious risk. She made the remarks during the inaugural session of the first edition of the Sagarmatha Sambaad, which began in Kathmandu on Friday.
Highlighting the global scope of the crisis, Minister Rana stated that climate change is no longer a regional or national issue but a threat to the entire human race. She stressed that the efforts of a single country are insufficient to address such a widespread and complex problem, calling instead for coordinated and collective global action.
Rajendra Lingden accuses govt of prohibition politics
Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chair Rajendra Lingden has accused the government of violating the constitution and promoting what he called prohibition politics. Speaking during an emergency session of the House of Representatives on Friday, Lingden alleged that individuals were being detained and humiliated merely for holding dissenting views. He specifically pointed to the arrest of Rabindra Mishra and others, calling it a breach of constitutional and democratic principles.
Foreign Minister Dr. Rana holds talks with Indian Environment Minister
Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana met today with India’s Minister for Forest, Environment, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, who is visiting Nepal to attend the Sagarmatha Sambaad. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the event and focused on a range of topics concerning Nepal-India relations, including shared interests and areas for cooperation. Dr. Rana expressed appreciation to Minister Yadav and the Indian government for their participation in the inaugural edition of the Sagarmatha Sambad, hosted by Nepal.
Upendra Yadav says land bill favors land mafia, vows strong opposition
Chairman of Janata Samajwadi Party, Nepal (JSP), Upendra Yadav has strongly opposed the government’s land bill, alleging that it has been introduced to serve the interests of the land mafia by including provisions that allow the confiscation of forests and land. Yadav stated that his party had already objected to the land ordinance when it was introduced, and now the same provisions have been brought back in the form of a bill. He emphasized that the bill is not in the interest of the nation or its people and pledged to resist it through both street protests and parliamentary opposition.
Man kills two children in Chitwan
A man killed two children and attempted to take his own life in a violent incident that took place Thursday morning in Bharatpur Metropolitan City-25, near Kisan Chowk. According to Superintendent of Police Govinda Puri of the District Police Office, 42-year-old Leela Raj Giri attacked his seven-year-old daughter, Prabha Giri, and his five-year-old nephew, Sajan Giri, with a sharp weapon while they were preparing to leave for school. He then turned the weapon on himself in an apparent suicide attempt. All three were rushed to Chitwan Medical College for treatment. However, the two children succumbed to their injuries, while Giri remains in critical condition.
SC dismisses writ petition against Dr. Poudel’s appointment as Governor
The Supreme Court has dismissed a writ petition challenging the potential appointment of Dr. Biswo Poudel as the Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank. Advocates Prathiba Upreti and Bishal Thapa had filed the petition, arguing that the appointment process violates the governing Act. The petition was dismissed on Thursday, confirmed Supreme Court Information Officer Nirajan Pandey. According to Pandey, the petition was admitted despite questions over its basis, including the absence of a recommendation from the Governor Recommendation Committee.
3-year-old boy dies in car accident in Baneshwor, driver in custody
A three-year-old boy died after being hit by a car in mid-Baneshwor, Kathmandu, on Friday morning. The accident occurred around 9:26 AM at Katyani Chowk in Kathmandu Metropolitan City-31, when a car (Ba. Pra. 01-31 Cha 9563) heading towards Bhimsengola struck the child. According to police, the victim, Shivans Jha, was the son of Alok Kumar Jha, an Indian national from Sitamarhi currently residing in Katyani. The child sustained critical head injuries and was rushed to Kathmandu Medical College, Sinamangal, where he died during treatment at 10:30 AM.
Nabin Manandhar to continue as KMC spokesperson
Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has clarified that Nabin Manandhar will continue to serve as its spokesperson, despite recent changes to the leadership of several municipal committees. Mayor Balen Shah recently reshuffled the coordinators of four key committees under the municipal executive, including the Information Technology Committee, previously headed by Manandhar. That responsibility has now been given to Birendra Prajapati. Traditionally, the coordinator of the Information Technology Committee also serves as the city’s spokesperson, leading to speculation that Manandhar would be replaced. However, KMC has confirmed he will remain in the role.
Mountains are vital climate regulators: Forest Minister
At the plenary session following the Sagarmatha Sambaad opening ceremony, Minister for Forests and Environment Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri stressedthe critical role of mountains not only as majestic landscapes but also as essential climate regulators. Representing Nepal, Minister Shahi highlighted the urgent climate crisis impacting the Himalayan region, describing it as a global emergency with visible transformations—receding glaciers, changing ecosystems, and disrupted traditional lifestyles. “This is not a local but a global crisis,” he stressed.
Two women killed after being hit by speeding car in Kapilvastu
Two women lost their lives after being struck by a speeding car at Basantapur in Buddhabhumi Municipality-1, Kapilvastu, on Thursday morning. According to Police Inspector Birat Sharma Paudel of the Area Police Office, Gorusinghe, the victims were hit while walking along the Gorusinghe–Arghakhanchi road section. The deceased have been identified as Shanta Khatri, 60, and Til Kumari Rayamajhi, 65. Both sustained critical injuries and died while being taken to a hospital. Police have taken the driver, Khimraj Shrestha, 32, of Sainamaina Municipality-5 in Rupandehi district, into custody for investigation.
Kulekhani-Kalanki-Humanay road to remain closed for 19 days from today
The Nepal Police Headquarters has urged all drivers to use alternative routes as the Kulekhani-Kalanki-Humanay road, a key route between Kathmandu and Hetauda, will be closed for 19 days starting today (Friday) for maintenance work. Nepal Police Spokesperson and Senior Superintendent of Police Ramesh Thapa said the closure was announced in coordination with local administrative offices to minimize public inconvenience.
Gold price rebounds by Rs 3,000 per tola after sharp fall
After a sharp decline of Rs 3,500 per tola on Thursday, the price of gold surged again today. According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Federation, the price of gold rose by Rs 3,000 per tola on Friday. On Thursday, gold was priced at Rs 181,800 per tola after the drop. Today, it is being traded at Rs 184,800 per tola. The price of silver has also seen an uptick today, increasing by Rs 30 per tola. It is now being traded at Rs 1,945 per tola.
Korala border remains non-operational, causing frustration among locals and traders
The much-anticipated Korala border immigration office, inaugurated by Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak on October 30, 2024, remains non-operational months after its opening, sparking growing discontent among local traders and residents. The office, envisioned to facilitate economic activity and cross-border trade with China, was shut down just days after its inauguration and remains locked even as of April 2025. Despite the symbolic opening, the absence of functioning customs facilities and essential quarantine services—crucial for any cross-border operation—has left the border post in limbo.
KMC to promote locally-made sanitary pads for schoolgirls
Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol has directed officials to ensure that the production, marketing, and distribution of sanitary pads are linked with locally made products, supporting women-led entrepreneurship and sustainable health practices. Addressing the Social Development Department, Deputy Mayor Dangol emphasized the importance of laboratory testing for the pads produced by entrepreneurs trained under KMC’s programs.
NC parliamentary party meeting to take place on Saturday
The parliamentary party meeting of the ruling Nepali Congress is summoned for Saturday. The Chief Whip of NC parliamentary party Shyam Kumar Ghimire said that the meeting would be held at the federal parliament building in Naya Baneshwor. The upcoming fiscal year’s budget and contemporary political issues would be discussed at the meeting, Chief Whip Ghimire said.
RPP Nepal calls central committee meeting
Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Nepal has scheduled an expanded meeting of its central committee for May 27 in Kathmandu. According to party general secretary Rajaram Bartaula, the meeting will also be attended by district chairpersons and the heads of affiliated mass organizations. The primary agenda of the meeting is to devise a strategy ahead of the indefinite mass movement planned to begin in Kathmandu from May 29. The movement is being coordinated by the Joint Mass Movement Committee.
Stability of system depends on Maoist strength: Prachanda
Chairman of the Maoist Center, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, has said that the Maoists need to be strong for the current political system to remain stable. Launching the party’s campaign focused on the Mid-Hill Highway on Friday, Prachanda emphasized that the Maoists must win in order to end corruption and establish good governance.
“To truly end corruption and ensure people’s rights, the Maoist Center must be strong. Those who brought this system must also be strong,” he said. “If the Maoists can be empowered like in 2006, good governance and improvements in the economic and social sectors will follow.”
NEA rules out load shedding, vows long-term solutions after blackout
Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Managing Director Hitendra Dev Shakya has assured that the country will not face a return to load shedding, despite a major power outage on Thursday evening that affected large parts of the country. Speaking at a press conference to clarify the incident, Shakya attributed the disruption to weather-related technical problems and dismissed rumors of regular power cuts returning. On Thursday evening at 6:38 PM, electricity supply was disrupted across much of the country.
SC dismisses writ petition against Dr. Biswo Poudel
The Supreme Court dismissed the writ petition filed against Dr. Bishwo Poudel. Advocates Pratibha Upreti and Bishal Thapa had filed the petition, arguing that Dr. Poudel was being appointed as the Governor in violation of the Nepal Rastra Bank Act. However, Supreme Court spokesperson Nirajan Paudel informed that the Supreme Court administration dismissed the writ today. According to him, the writ was dismissed for several reasons: the petition did not show that Dr. Paudel had been recommended for the position by the Governor Recommendation Committee, it was based solely on media reports about an uncertain issue, and it did not clearly explain how collective rights were being violated.
Rajendra Lingden accuses govt of prohibition politics
Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chair Rajendra Lingden has accused the government of violating the constitution and promoting what he called prohibition politics. Speaking during an emergency session of the House of Representatives on Friday, Lingden alleged that individuals were being detained and humiliated merely for holding dissenting views. He specifically pointed to the arrest of Rabindra Mishra and others, calling it a breach of constitutional and democratic principles.
Man kills two children in Chitwan
A man killed two children and attempted to take his own life in a violent incident that took place Thursday morning in Bharatpur Metropolitan City-25, near Kisan Chowk. According to Superintendent of Police Govinda Puri of the District Police Office, 42-year-old Leela Raj Giri attacked his seven-year-old daughter, Prabha Giri, and his five-year-old nephew, Sajan Giri, with a sharp weapon while they were preparing to leave for school. He then turned the weapon on himself in an apparent suicide attempt. All three were rushed to Chitwan Medical College for treatment. However, the two children succumbed to their injuries, while Giri remains in critical condition.
Resignation of Lumbini province MP Gurung not accepted
The resignation of Geeta Gurung, a proportional representative member of the Lumbini Provincial Assembly from the Janamat Party, has not been accepted. Gurung, who currently resides in the United Kingdom, had recently submitted a handwritten resignation letter to the Provincial Assembly Secretariat via email. However, the Secretariat declined to accept the resignation, citing procedural shortcomings.
3-year-old boy dies in car accident in Baneshwor, driver in custody
A three-year-old boy died after being hit by a car in mid-Baneshwor, Kathmandu, on Friday morning. The accident occurred around 9:26 AM at Katyani Chowk in Kathmandu Metropolitan City-31, when a car (Ba. Pra. 01-31 Cha 9563) heading towards Bhimsengola struck the child. According to police, the victim, Shivans Jha, was the son of Alok Kumar Jha, an Indian national from Sitamarhi currently residing in Katyani. The child sustained critical head injuries and was rushed to Kathmandu Medical College, Sinamangal, where he died during treatment at 10:30 AM.
Nabin Manandhar to continue as KMC spokesperson
Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has clarified that Nabin Manandhar will continue to serve as its spokesperson, despite recent changes to the leadership of several municipal committees. Mayor Balen Shah recently reshuffled the coordinators of four key committees under the municipal executive, including the Information Technology Committee, previously headed by Manandhar. That responsibility has now been given to Birendra Prajapati. Traditionally, the coordinator of the Information Technology Committee also serves as the city’s spokesperson, leading to speculation that Manandhar would be replaced. However, KMC has confirmed he will remain in the role.
Mountains are vital climate regulators: Forest Minister
At the plenary session following the Sagarmatha Sambaad opening ceremony, Minister for Forests and Environment Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri stressedthe critical role of mountains not only as majestic landscapes but also as essential climate regulators. Representing Nepal, Minister Shahi highlighted the urgent climate crisis impacting the Himalayan region, describing it as a global emergency with visible transformations—receding glaciers, changing ecosystems, and disrupted traditional lifestyles. “This is not a local but a global crisis,” he stressed.
PM Oli hands over NDC-3 to COP29 President Babayev
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has handed over the Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC-3) to representative of the President of Azerbaijan and President of COP29, Mukhtar Babayev, in order to disseminate positive message in Sagarmatha Sambaad. At an inaugural session of the most awaited Sagarmatha Sambaad, Prime Minister Oli officially unveiled NDC-3 and handed over to Babayev.
Land ownership papers distributed to 64 households in Mithila Municipality
Land ownership certificates were distributed to 64 landless families in Mithila Municipality of Dhanusha district. These families, who had been living as squatters in Wards 1, 6, and 7 of the municipality for years, were granted official land titles following a land survey conducted by the Land Survey Office, Dhanusha, said Office Head Umesh Saha. The certificates were handed over by Mithila Mayor Mahendra Mahato, District Coordination Committee Chief Rajanandan Mandal, and Land Problem Resolution Commission Chair Suresh Koirala, among others.
Apple farming expands onto public land in Mustang
Apple farming has begun on public land in Mustang, raising concerns over unregulated use of public resources. While the promotion of agriculture, improved local livelihoods, and environmentally-conscious expansion of apple cultivation are timely goals, the growing trend of cultivating apples on public land and riverbanks without coordination with government bodies has sparked debate. This practice has been observed across all five local levels of the district, where community groups are engaging in collective apple farming. However, issues related to government revenue, land ownership records, and disaster risk mitigation have emerged.
Comment