KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
PM Oli questions Mayor Balen’s repeated absence: If he won’t come, remove his name next time
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has expressed frustration over Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah’s continued absence from official government events.
Speaking at a meeting held on Monday at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar, Oli pointedly remarked that there’s no need to keep inviting those who repeatedly fail to attend.
The meeting was organized to form the main committee for Republic Day celebrations scheduled for May 29. Mayor Balen, as in the past, did not attend. Referring to such absenteeism, Oli said, “Some people never show up. What’s the point of keeping their names on the list? This habit needs to stop. If someone isn’t going to participate, don’t include their name next time.”
Cabinet meeting postponed as Oli, Deuba prepare for key talks
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba are scheduled to hold talks shortly, according to the Prime Minister’s secretariat.
The meeting is expected to focus primarily on reaching a consensus on the appointment of the Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank.
In connection with this, the regular Cabinet meeting, which usually takes place on Mondays, has been cancelled for today.
Til village in Humla’s Namkha Rural Municipality at risk due to landslide
Til village in Ward No. 6 of Namkha Rural Municipality, Humla, has been placed at risk following a landslide accompanied by debris in the Sekhanglugwa stream on May 15.
According to Narayan Pandey, Chief District Officer of Humla, 32 individuals from 18 households affected by the landslide were relocated to a school on the same night.
“They are still living under tarpaulins,” he said. “There are 21 women, 9 men, and 2 children among them.”
PM Oli says UML could secure single-party majority in 2027 election
Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli has said that it is not impossible for the UML to secure a single-party majority in the upcoming 2084 BS general elections.
Speaking at the opening of the 7th National Convention of the Nepal Oppressed Racial Liberation Society in Kathmandu on Monday, Oli acknowledged that the current mixed electoral system, which includes proportional representation, generally makes it difficult for any single party to achieve a majority. However, he argued that a UML majority is still within reach.
He emphasized that preparations must be made to develop the UML as a majority-holding party within the framework of the current electoral system.
Republic Day Main Celebration Committee formed
The Republic Day Main Celebration Committee-2082 BS has been formed with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli as its chairperson.
In a meeting held at the Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the proposal put forth by the Home Ministry to this regard was endorsed, along with the draft of proposed programmes for the celebrations of the Day.
The Committee comprises Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers, Ministers of State, the Kathmandu Metropolis Mayor, the Chief Secretary, the Army Chief, the Lalitpur Metropolis Mayor, the government senior officers, the Inspector General of Nepal Police, the Inspector General of the Armed Police Force, the Chief Investigation Director of the National Investigation Department, and Mayors of municipalities from the Kathmandu Valley and the Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs.
EU Ambassadors call on Minister Dr Rana
Ambassadors of EU member countries in Kathmandu and the Non-Resident Ambassadors and Heads of Mission based in New Delhi to Nepal, met with Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba today.
During the meeting held at the MoFA today, matters related to consolidating relations between Nepal and the European Union and its member countries and promoting mutual interests and common concerns on various issues, including climate change were discussed, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On the occasion, Dr Rana expressed her gratitude for the continued support of the European Union and its member countries in the economic and social sectors of Nepal, and their participation in the recently concluded “Sagarmatha Sambaad” held in Kathmandu from May 16 to 18.
House of Representatives passes Water Resources Bill
The House of Representatives has passed the Water Resources Bill, 2024. During the meeting held on Monday, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, presented the proposal to endorse the bill. The proposal was put to a vote by Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire and was passed by a majority. Prior to the endorsement, the House held a discussion on the bill along with the report submitted by the Infrastructure Development Committee. Responding to the concerns raised during the discussion, Minister Khadka said the government had introduced the bill to formulate necessary legal provisions for the proper use and conservation of water resources.
PABSON calls for end to surprise school inspections, sparking legal debate
The umbrella organization of private and residential schools—PABSON (Private and Boarding Schools’ Organization Nepal)—has made what officials are calling an unlawful demand: that monitoring of private schools should not be conducted without prior notice. After the Department of Commerce, Supplies, and Consumer Protection began monitoring private schools, PABSON met with the Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, demanding that no inspections be carried out without advance information.
Shankar Pokharel calls for immediate relocation of vulnerable Himalayan settlements
General Secretary of CPN-UML, Shankar Pokharel, has stressed the urgent need to relocate vulnerable Himalayan settlements to safer locations. Through a social media statement, Pokharel highlighted the recent landslide in Namkha, Humla, which has rendered many residents homeless. He emphasized the necessity of relocating such at-risk communities without delay.
Controversy erupts over parliamentary subcommittee probing corruption at Bhairahawa Airport
A parliamentary subcommittee formed to investigate alleged corruption in the construction of Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa has stirred controversy right from its inception. The dispute arose after the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives appointed Nepali Congress proportional representative MP Manju Khand — who is herself under investigation by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) — as the coordinator of the subcommittee. Khand’s appointment was made official during Sunday’s committee meeting. However, dissatisfaction emerged immediately, with multiple lawmakers objecting to her leadership due to her past associations with corruption allegations, including the fake Bhutanese refugee scam.
CIEDP, TRC Chairs take oath of office and secrecy
Leela Devi Gadtaula and Mahesh Thapa took an oath of office and secrecy as the Chair of the Commission on Investigation of Enforced Disappeared Persons, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, respectively.
The newly appointed chairs of the twin commissions on the transitional justice took the oath before Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut. The oath-taking ceremony was held at the Supreme Court today.
After taking the oath, both chairs administered the oath of office and secrecy to the members of the respective commissions.
Nepal qualifies for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier for the first time
Nepal has made history by securing a spot in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier for the first time ever. Nepal achieved this milestone after defeating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by five wickets in the Super 3 stage of the Asia Qualifier on Monday. Chasing a target of 115 runs set by the UAE, Nepal reached the total in 19.3 overs, losing five wickets. Captain Indu Barma led the chase with an unbeaten 34 runs.
Nepal Teachers’ Federation objects to parliamentary sub-committee report
The Nepal Teachers’ Federation (NTF) has expressed strong objections to a recent report submitted by a sub-committee under the Education Committee of the Federal Parliament. NTF Chairperson Laxmi Kishor Subedi voiced his dissatisfaction via Facebook, stating that the sub-committee’s report contradicts the essence of the Kathmandu-based protest movement that has been ongoing for nearly a month. Subedi remarked that the sub-committee’s report is even more regressive and anti-teacher than the existing education bill currently registered in Parliament.
Govt to enforce 100% graphic warnings on tobacco products from August
Starting from August 17, all tobacco products sold in Nepal must feature graphic health warnings and messages covering 100 percent of their packaging, as per new government regulations aimed at curbing tobacco use. The Ministry of Health and Population has officially approved the Guidelines for Printing and Marking Warning Messages and Pictures on Tobacco Products, Packets, Wrappers, Boxes and Parcels, Packaging, 2024. This update marks a shift from the previous requirement, where 90 percent of the packaging surface had to display such warnings.
The global order is beginning to change rapidly: Former PM Bhattarai
Former Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai has said that the global order is beginning to change rapidly and that Nepal must no longer remain on the sidelines. Dr Bhattarai said so while launching The Diplomat Nepal magazine at the inaugural ceremony of the Ambassadors’ Club and the International Relations and Global Diplomacy Dialogue (IRGDD) here Sunday. “This initiative is a timely and necessary response at a moment when the world demands more dialogue and decisive action—rooted in peace, proactive sovereignty, and meaningful contributions to justice,” Dr Bhattarai noted.
Hearing on Rabi Lamichhane’s habeas corpus petition postponed again
The hearing on the habeas corpus petition filed by former Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane was postponed again on Monday. The Supreme Court has now scheduled the hearing for Tuesday. On Monday, the court administration stated that the case could not be heard, leading to another postponement. Earlier, on Sunday, a bench of Justices Manoj Kumar Sharma and Sunil Kumar Pokharel had ordered that the case be assigned to a bench eligible to hear it.
Tinkune violence linked to crime, not religion: Home Minister
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has said that the arson and violence that took place in Tinkune, Kathmandu, on March 28 was a criminal act and should not be associated with any religion or faith. Responding to lawmakers’ questions during Monday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Minister Lekhak stated that advocating for monarchy, as was done during the incident, goes against Nepal’s constitution.
Kanti Lokpath blocked after diversion washed away
The Kanti Lokpath road connecting Hetauda and Kathmandu has been obstructed after a diversion near the Bagmati Bridge (Baguwa Khola) was washed away due to flooding triggered by rainfall. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Shyamu Aryal, spokesperson for the District Police Office, Makwanpur, the sudden surge in water flow swept away the humepipes used in the diversion, causing the blockage.
Lawmakers raise employment, compensation, and agriculture concerns
Lawmakers in the House of Representatives on Sunday pressed the government to address a range of urgent issues as it prepares the budget for the next fiscal year. During the special session, Rastriya Prajatantra Party MP Dhruba Bahadur Pradhan objected to a colleague’s use of language that he said insulted the Newar community while referring to former MP Jogmehar Shrestha. Pradhan urged the Speaker to ensure respectful speech in Parliament.
EU delegation pays courtesy call on PM Oli
A delegation of the European Union paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Monday at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar. The delegation included the EU Ambassador to Nepal, Veronique Lorenzo, along with EU resident ambassadors based in Kathmandu and non-resident ambassadors based in New Delhi. This marks the first time such a large number of EU ambassadors have visited Nepal together, on the occasion of the Sagarmatha Sambaad held in Kathmandu from May 16 to 18.
Summit Air plane returns to Kathmandu after engine trouble
A Summit Air flight en route to Lukla from Kathmandu was forced to return after experiencing engine trouble mid-flight. The Twin Otter aircraft, which departed from Kathmandu at 6:12 a.m., encountered the issue while approaching Ramechhap and made an emergency landing back in Kathmandu. Due to the emergency situation, other flights and landings at Tribhuvan International Airport were temporarily halted to ensure a safe landing.
Nepali boxer Himalayan Cheetah sets new record
Nepali youth boxer Abiral Ghimire has set a new record in kick boxing sport. Ghimire, also known as Himalayan Cheetah, has won bagged three international kick boxing titles, an extraordinary achievement in this field. Boxer Ghimire clinched the title of the world famous ‘K One Krush 175’, a very prestigious match in the field of kick boxing, in the tournament held in Osaka city of Japan on Sunday.
Gold price up by Rs 600
The price of gold has increased in the Nepali market. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold rose by Rs 600 per tola on Monday. As per the federation, hallmark gold is being traded at Rs 184,800 per tola today, up from Rs 184,200 per tola on Sunday.
MP urges immediate rescue of landslide-hit families in Humla
Member of Parliament Chhiring Damdul Lama has urged the government to immediately rescue residents of Tilgaon in Namkha Rural Municipality–6, Humla, who have been severely affected by a recent landslide triggered by a glacial lake outburst. Speaking during today’s emergency session of the House of Representatives, the CPN (Maoist Centre) lawmaker drew attention to the dire situation of locals who are currently living under tarpaulin shelters in nearby fields. According to Lama, 32 individuals from 18 families are in urgent need of relief and evacuation.
NC leader questions govt silence on Rs 250 million currency seizure
Nepali Congress leader Ramhari Khatiwada has raised serious concerns regarding the government’s reluctance to identify the real owner of Rs 250 million worth of illegal foreign currency seized from Tokha, Kathmandu, on March 18.
Speaking during Monday’s session of the House of Representatives, Khatiwada, who also chairs the State Affairs Committee, criticized the government for limiting arrests to drivers and laborers while the actual masterminds remain unidentified and unpunished.
151 killed overnight as Israeli ground troops enter Gaza
Just days after launching intense airstrikes, Israel began a ground assault in Gaza late Sunday night. Reports indicate that at least 151 people were killed in the overnight attacks, and several hospitals have reportedly shut down due to the escalation. The offensive comes at a time when international actors are actively engaged in efforts to restore peace in Gaza. Indirect talks between Hamas and Israeli officials had already begun in Doha on Saturday. On Sunday, Israel reiterated its demand for Hamas to surrender, though there appears to be little indication that Hamas is willing to comply.
135 climbers scale Everest in a single day
A total of 135 climbers successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest in one day (May 18) as weather conditions improved, according to the Department of Tourism. The achievement marks one of the busiest summit days of the current spring climbing season. The Department’s temporary office at Everest Base Camp reported that clear weather allowed many climbers to ascend the peak today.
Possibility of rain for three more days
There is a possibility of rainfall for three more days in the country as the country is under the influence of westerly winds as well as local winds, the Weather Forecasting Division has said.
Light to heavy rain is still occurring in most parts of the country, with the weather remaining partly to generally cloudy across the country.
Rainfall with lightning occurs during the pre-monsoon period, especially in the evening, and it is likely to rain in various parts of the country tonight as well.
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