KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
PM Oli receives invitation for India visit
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has been officially invited for India visit. On behalf of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Foreign Secretary of India, Vikram Misri, extended invitation to PM Oli on Sunday. Misri who arrived in Kathmandu in a two-day visit paid a courtesy call on PM Oli at the latter office, Singh Durbar, and handed over the invitation letter. PM’s Chief Advisor Bishnu Rimal shared this information.
Prime Minister refutes rumors of legalizing polygamy
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has firmly stated that no regressive laws, including those recognizing polygamy, can be introduced under Nepal’s democratic republic. Addressing a program organized by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs on the occasion of Muluki Sanhita (Civil Code) Day 2082, Prime Minister Oli stressed that the Constitution and laws must be implemented in line with the principle of checks and balances and separation of powers.
Foreign Minister Rana raises issues from new air routes to export barriers with Indian Foreign Secretary
Indian Foreign Secretary Bikram Misri met with Nepal’s Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba at Singha Durbar on Sunday for talks covering a wide range of bilateral issues. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the discussions focused on mutual interests, bilateral relations, and matters of common concern. Minister Rana said Nepal has always attached high importance to its relations with India and thanked the Indian government and people for their consistent economic, technical, and development cooperation.
Nepal Airlines offers discounted fares to NEA staff and business leaders
Employees of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and members of the private business sector have been receiving discounted fares on Nepal Airlines flights. According to a report obtained by Khabarhub, the financially struggling national flag carrier has been offering up to 15 percent discounts on international tickets for NEA staff and their family members under a formal agreement signed between the two institutions.
RPP Chair Lingden: I have not taken a single rupee in bribe; politics is not for making money
Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chair Rajendra Lingden has urged leaders and cadres not to treat politics as a means of making money. Speaking at a women’s leadership and prosperity training program organized by the RPP’s Central Training Department in Kathmandu on Sunday, Lingden said politics is purely a field of service, not a profession for financial gain.
High-Level Governance Reform Commission discusses dissolution, merger and transfer of redundant govt bodies
The second meeting of the High-level Governance Reform Commission, chaired by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, discussed dissolving, merging, or transferring government institutions deemed unnecessary to provincial and local levels. Held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar, the meeting reviewed recommendations made by various past commissions and taskforces. Based on those reports, the Commission directed its implementation committee—led by Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal—to conduct a detailed study and submit a concrete proposal within 15 days.
Nepal seeks greater benefits from India’s progress: President
President Ram Chandra Paudel has said that Nepal wishes to derive greater benefits from India’s socio-economic and technological progress, as a close friend and neighbor. The President made the remarks during a meeting with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Sheetal Niwas, on Sunday. Misri is currently on an official visit to Nepal.
New guidelines cap sperm and egg donations in Nepal
The Ministry of Health and Population has introduced new guidelines to regulate in-vitro fertilization (IVF) services in Nepal, following reports of illegal extraction and trade of eggs from teenage girls at some IVF centers in Kathmandu Valley. Health Minister Pradeep Paudel has approved the “Guidelines on Infertility Management Services, 2082”, which set limits and safeguards for donors. Under the new rules, donors must be between 20 and 35 years of age. Women can donate eggs up to six times, with a mandatory gap of at least three months between donations, while men can donate sperm up to ten times, with at least a 15-day gap. Service providers are required to coordinate to prevent duplication across different centers.
After Madhav–Jhalanath rift, youth wing of Unified Socialist faces turmoil
The internal dispute within CPN (Unified Socialist) has deepened further, now spilling over into its youth wing. Barely weeks after tensions surfaced between party chair Madhav Kumar Nepal and senior leader Jhala Nath Khanal, the Youth Association Nepal has fractured, resulting in the formation of a parallel committee. The conflict escalated after Youth Association in-charge Laxman KC issued a circular on July 28 announcing the formation of the 9th National Convention Organizing Committee. Opposing factions rejected the move and, on Sunday, convened a separate meeting, declaring a parallel organizing committee led by Sandeep Rai.
Naubise-Nagdhunga tunnel nearing completion: PM Oli
Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli has said that the construction of the Naubise-Nagdhunga tunnel is close to completion. Sharing the update on social media today, he noted that the project has achieved 93 percent physical progress and is expected to come into operation soon, easing travel for the public. Earlier, on August 11, the Council of Ministers fixed vehicle charges for using the 2.688-kilometer tunnel once it opens. The toll has been set at Rs 65 for cars and vans entering Kathmandu and Rs 60 when exiting.
Preparations complete for HKH Parliamentarians’ Meet 2025
Final preparations have been completed for the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) Parliamentarians’ Meet 2025, scheduled to begin in Kathmandu on Monday. The two-day event aims to foster dialogue, coordination, and shared understanding among parliamentarians from HKH region countries. The event, supported technically by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), will bring together representatives from Nepal, India, China, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Pakistan. Afghanistan has not been invited, as Nepal has yet to recognize its current government.
Immigration Department issues strict guidelines to curb irregularities in foreign travel
The Department of Immigration has issued strict directives to curb irregularities in foreign travel, including ticket overbooking, fraud, brokerage exploitation, and unauthorized currency exchange. The move comes amid rising concerns over the mistreatment of Nepali travelers and growing incidents of forced ticket sales and entrapment. At a press conference held on Sunday, the Department called on various stakeholders—including airlines, local administrations, media, diplomatic missions, travel and tour operators, and currency exchange institutions—to address these issues and support safer and more transparent travel practices.
Gangster Raju Gorkhali arrested
Notorious gang leader Raju Gorkhali, also known as Rajendra Bahadur Gorkhali, has been arrested. He was taken into custody by a special team from the District Police Range, Kathmandu. According to police sources, Gorkhali was arrested on charges related to banking offences. In the 2022 House of Representatives elections, Gorkhali had been recommended as a Nepali Congress candidate from Sindhupalchowk Constituency-2, but was ultimately not granted a party ticket.
Finace Minister Paudel calls RSP a ‘raging flood’
Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel has likened the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) to a “raging flood” that appears powerful for a moment but soon disappears. Speaking at a press conference organized by the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Palpa chapter, in Tansen on Sunday, Poudel criticized the RSP’s political approach, calling it unsustainable. “A raging flood may seem forceful during the rainy season, but it dries up before the season ends. Then, even ants begin to move,” he said. “The RSP will also fade away. Politics rooted in mere opposition and temporary excitement does not endure.”
Landslide blocks Kalikot road section of Karnali Highway
raffic has been disrupted at several points along the Kalikot road section of the Karnali Highway following landslides triggered by heavy rains since Saturday night. According to Kalikot Police Chief Tek Bahadur Rawat, landslides have blocked the road at Gagane Khola and Bihani in Kalikot, Khidki Jyula in Dailekh, and the Sinja–Nagma section on the Kalikot–Mugu border. He said traffic movement in Dailekh has been halted since Saturday evening, while efforts are underway to clear debris at Gagane and Bihani.
Beni Provincial Hospital begins services from new building
Beni Provincial Hospital has officially begun offering both internal and external (outpatient department) services from a newly constructed building, easing long-standing service delivery challenges caused by years of operating from cramped, temporary facilities. After nearly eight years of functioning from makeshift rooms, the hospital has now relocated its treatment services to a modern building, significantly improving patient care and working conditions for healthcare professionals.
Gold price drops further, silver also down
The price of gold continued its decline today, falling by Rs 700 per tola. On Friday, gold had already dropped by Rs 600 per tola. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers, the price of fine gold now stands at Rs 195,500 per tola. On Friday, it was Rs 196,200 per tola. Gold had been on a five-day losing streak last week before recording a slight rise on Thursday.
Banks revise fixed deposit rates
Commercial banks have published their fixed deposit (FD) interest rates for the month of Bhadra (August 17-Sep 16).Of the 20 banks, 11 maintained the same rates as in the Nepali month of Shrawan (mid-July to mid-August), while nine made revisions. Among those, eight banks reduced their rates and only one opted for an increase. Standard Chartered Bank Limited (SCB) made the largest cut in institutional FD rates, slashing them by 1.13 percentage points—from 6.26% in Shrawan to 5.13% in Bhadra.
Indian Foreign Secretary calls on Prime Minister Oli
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in Singha Durbar on Sunday. Misri is in Kathmandu on a two-day official visit at the invitation of Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Mishri, who arrived in Kathmandu this morning on a two-day official visit, is holding several high-level meetings today.
Couple electrocuted by elephant-deterrent power line
A couple lost their lives after being electrocuted by an elephant-deterrent power line in Pipara, Kanchanrup Municipality-5, Saptari, this morning. The victims have been identified as 50-year-old Badri Sardar and his 45-year-old wife Bimala Devi, according to Madhav Prasad Kafle, Deputy Superintendent of Police at the Area Police Office, Kanchanpur. Police said local resident Mahendra Sardar had set up a live electric wire to protect his paddy field from elephants.
Siraha Hospital: 20 patients forced to wait daily for dialysis service
The Provincial Hospital in Siraha is facing an overwhelming demand for dialysis services, with at least 20 patients reportedly waiting in line each day for treatment. The hospital has been providing dialysis for the past three years, currently operating with 10 dialysis machines. Despite offering the service free of charge, the facility is struggling to meet rising patient demand due to a shortage of equipment and resources.
Indian Foreign Secretary Misri arrives in Kathmandu
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri arrived in Nepal today (Sunday) for a two-day official visit at the invitation of Nepal’s Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai. According to the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, the visit is aimed at further strengthening the longstanding bilateral ties between the two neighboring countries. During his stay, Misri is expected to engage in high-level discussions with senior Nepali government officials, focusing on deepening cooperation in areas such as trade, security, water resources, infrastructure, and regional connectivity.
Ministry of Agriculture invites applications for General Manager of DDC
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has invited applications for the position of General Manager at the Dairy Development Corporation (DDC). According to a notice issued today (August 17) by the Ministry’s Recommendation Committee, eligible Nepali citizens are requested to submit their applications within 21 days to fill the vacant post through open competition. Applications must be sealed and submitted during office hours to the Personnel Administration Branch (Board/Institution Desk) at the Ministry’s office in Singha Durbar, accoridng to the notice.
Two-way traffic resumes on blocked Narayangadh-Muglin road
The Narayangadh-Muglin road section, which was blocked earlier today due to a dry landslide, has now been reopened to two-way traffic. The landslide occurred at Tuinkhola, located in Ichchakamana Rural Municipality-5, Chitwan, where rocks and debris fell from the hillside, temporarily halting traffic. According to the police, the debris was cleared using two JCB excavators, allowing vehicles to resume their journeys.
2,853 incidents of disasters reported since mid-April
A total of 2,853 disaster-related incidents have been recorded across the country from mid-April to mid-August, resulting in 126 deaths and injuries to 585 people. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), 5,041 families have been affected during this period, while 23 individuals remain missing. Among the reported incidents, there were 216 cases of flooding, 317 landslides, 221 instances of heavy rainfall, 245 lightning strikes, and 77 snakebite cases.
China-Nepal agricultural cooperation: Hybrid rice training boosts farmers’ prospects in Chitwan
Over 100 rice farmers from Nepal’s Chitwan region participated in a specialized training program on hybrid rice cultivation techniques at the China-Nepal Southern Agricultural Science and Technology Park. The event, organized by the China Foundation for Rural Development, in collaboration with Nepal’s Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU) and Global cooperation for development (GCD) and supported by the Chongqing Academy of Agricultural Sciences, aimed to enhance rice productivity and farmer incomes through advanced agricultural practices.
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