KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Rabi Lamichhane released after posting bank bail
Rabi Lamichhane, President of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has been released after posting bank bail of Rs 26 million. Lamichhane was released on Friday evening after depositing the required amount at the District Court, Rupandehi. According to Padam Aryal, information officer at the District Court, Lamichhane secured his release by submitting a bank guarantee for the bail amount. “As per the order of the High Court, he has been released after posting a bank bail,” Aryal said. The High Court in Butwal on Thursday ordered the release of Lamichhane on bail. He was ordered to be released upon depositing Rs 26 million as bail. Meanwhile, Lamichhane is set to resume his party duties immediately following his release from prison. Lamichhane will resume his duties after completing the necessary legal and administrative procedures, according to RSP Acting President Dol Prasad Aryal.
‘We are not afraid of Gen-Z threats,’ Oli tells UML Central Committee
The first meeting of the CPN-UML Central Committee elected from the party’s 11th General Convention was held in Kathmandu on Friday. The meeting, which began at 2:45 pm at Karki Banquet in Babarmahal, was addressed by KP Sharma Oli, who has been elected party chair for a third term. In his address, Chair Oli spoke at length about party discipline, internal democracy and organisational strengthening. Highlighting that CPN-UML is a party guided by firm discipline, he said the party does not believe in anarchic actions carried out in the name of politics. “CPN-UML is not a party that wraps itself in the national flag and burns Singha Durbar. Our party requires genuine and firm discipline,” Oli said.
UML 11th General Convention passes 24-point proposal
The 11th National Convention of the CPN-UML, which concluded on Thursday, has endorsed a 24-point political proposal outlining the party’s stance on national politics, governance, youth engagement, corruption control and recent violent incidents. The proposal drafting committee was formed during the closed session of the convention under the coordination of then Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali, who presented the document at the convention’s closing ceremony. Presenting the proposal, Gyawali said the CPN-UML is prepared to engage in meaningful dialogue with the younger generation for the country’s development and prosperity. He said the party remains committed to addressing youth concerns and advancing cooperation with them.
NC President Deuba calls meeting with Vice Presidents and General Secretaries
Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has called a meeting of four senior party leaders for discussion. The meeting, scheduled for 9 AM on Saturday, will be attended by Vice Presidents Purna Bahadur Khadka and Dhanraj Gurung, and General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwaprakash Sharma. According to party sources, the discussion will focus on the agenda of the general convention, the formation of the statute drafting committee, and other related issues. The Nepali Congress has announced a schedule to hold the general convention from 26 to 28 Poush. However, several leaders have expressed concern that the proposed timeline may not be practical and could be difficult to implement.
Election law amended for population-based inclusion
The government has made legal provisions to determine population-based percentages under the proportional representation electoral system. For this purpose, the Council of Ministers has endorsed an ordinance and forwarded it to the President for issuance. Under the ordinance, legal arrangements have been introduced to determine representation quotas for Dalit, Indigenous Nationalities, Khas Arya, Madhesi, Tharu, and Muslim communities in elections to the House of Representatives. The government has decided to amend the Election Act in line with the final results of the National Census 2078, ensuring that the representation of various groups reflects updated population data.
Nepal Police tighten election-focused security
Nepal Police have intensified security preparations for the upcoming House of Representatives elections to be held on March 5, 2026, by implementing the Integrated Security Plan to ensure a free, fair, fearless, and credible polling environment. In view of the elections, Nepal Police have strengthened manpower mobilization and management. Central Spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General of Police Abhinarayan Kafle said the force is committed to conducting the elections in line with directives from the Election Commission, making maximum use of available resources. Kafle stated that election-focused patrolling has been expanded and made more effective. So far, police have conducted 1,366 long-distance patrols and 389,960 short-distance patrols, deploying a total of 1,346,328 personnel. Patrol intensity is being increased daily to curb election-related vandalism, arson, and other disruptive activities.
RSP lists Rajyalaxmi Golchha in proportional candidate preliminary list
Rajyalaxmi Golchha, a member of the business family Golchha Organization, has been included in the preliminary proportional candidate list of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). Her name appears in the preliminary list of proportional candidates for Koshi Province, under the Madhesi quota, as per the party’s announcement. RSP has allocated Saturday to discuss the candidacy with those included in the preliminary list. Golchha previously served as a proportional representative lawmaker for the UML during the second Constituent Assembly elections. Her selection drew sharp criticism within UML, as she was accused of securing the parliamentary seat by contributing a large sum of money.
Govt speeds up classification of Gen-Z protest injuries
The government has accelerated the classification of individuals injured during the Gen-Z demonstrations on September 8 and 9, with the aim of providing livelihood and financial support based on the severity of their injuries. The Home Ministry said the process has been fast-tracked following the procedure approved by the Council of Ministers on December 8. Under the procedure, the District Administration Offices will make recommendations, which will then be certified by the Ministry of Health and Population. A technical committee, led by the Secretary of the Ministry of Health, has classified the injured into four categories: minor, moderate, serious, and very serious. Individuals with serious injuries will receive a monthly allowance of Rs 9,000, while those with very serious injuries are entitled to Rs 18,000 per month. Those with moderate injuries will receive Rs 4,000 monthly.
Shekhar Koirala raises concerns over security, restrictions ahead of elections
Nepali Congress leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala has reaffirmed that the upcoming elections must be held on March 5, 2026. Speaking at a meeting with local party leaders of Ward No. 4, Sundarharaicha Municipality in his Morang-6 constituency, Koirala said the Congress is eager to participate in the elections, calling it the foundation of democracy. “The election is the only way to protect the constitution and save the country from crisis,” Koirala said. “We are waiting for the election date, but the government’s lack of preparation raises doubts about whether it will actually take place.” He criticized the government for failing to create a proper election environment, noting that some party leaders have been restricted from leaving Kathmandu, stolen weapons remain in circulation, and escaped prisoners are still at large. “What is the government thinking about these issues?” he questioned.
President issues HoR Member Election (First Amendment) Ordinance
President Ram Chandra Poudel issued the House of Representatives Member Election (First Amendment) Ordinance, 2082. According to Pradeep Kumar Koirala, spokesperson for the Office of the President, the ordinance was issued on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers in accordance with Article 114 (1) of the Constitution.
Minister Ghising calls for promotion of local products in construction
Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Kulman Ghising, has stressed the importance of promoting the use of local products across Nepal. Speaking at the launch of the ‘Bamboo Structures Design Guidelines 2082’, organized by Habitat for Humanity Nepal under the slogan ‘Bamboo Housing for the Future’, Ghising said encouraging the use of local production and technology will create employment opportunities. He added that commercial bamboo cultivation can meet domestic demand and help conserve foreign currency spent on construction. “The use of local technology in construction will preserve our originality while fostering economic benefits,” he stated.
RSP to finalize proportional candidates considering party unification process
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has said it will finalize its proportional representation (PR) candidates for the upcoming House of Representatives election by taking into account members who joined the party through the unification process. The party said the selection will consider the needs of newly integrated members, potential cooperation and unity discussed through the High-Level Dialogue Committee, as well as the agreement reached between Gen-Z leaders and the government. According to the RSP, the deadline for submitting PR candidacies has been extended until December 20, and discussions will be held on Friday and Saturday for candidates who submit their applications within the extended timeline.
Gold price drops by Rs 2,000 per tola
The price of gold in the domestic market fell by Rs 2,000 per tola on Friday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, fine gold has been fixed at Rs 258,400 per tola for the day. The precious metal was traded at Rs 260,400 per tola on the previous trading day. Gold had reached an all-time high of Rs 260,700 per tola on Monday, the highest level recorded so far in the domestic market. Meanwhile, the price of silver also declined by Rs 75 per tola. Silver, which was traded at Rs 4,085 per tola a day earlier, has dropped to Rs 4,005 per tola on Friday. The silver price recorded on the previous day was also the highest ever in the local market.
Baburam Bhattarai welcomes court order to release Rabi Lamichhane on bail
Former Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai has said that the court order to release Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane on bail is welcome. In a social media post, Dr Bhattarai said the court’s decision to proceed with the case while releasing Lamichhane on conditional bail is appropriate from the perspectives of the rule of law, political propriety and the interests of cooperative victims. “The decision by the court to move the case forward while releasing him on conditional bail is welcome in terms of the rule of law, justice for cooperative victims and political appropriateness,” Bhattarai wrote.
Two escaped prisoners arrested
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police has arrested two inmates who had escaped from the Jagannath Deval Sundhara Prison Office during protests on September 8 and 9. According to CIB spokesperson Shiva Kumar Shrestha, the arrested individuals are Shyamlal Dangol of Tokha, Kathmandu, and Binod Gautam of Shivapuri, Nuwakot. They were serving prison sentences in cases related to human trafficking, kidnapping, hostage-taking, and organized crime.
Twenty-nine schools in KMC adopt names reflecting Nepali identity
This year, 29 schools under the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) have changed their names to better reflect Nepali identity and heritage. The KMC Education Department confirmed that the changes were made in line with a request issued by the Metropolitan City last year to promote national culture and identity. According to Keshav Gyawali, acting head of the KMC Education Department, the Metropolitan City currently oversees 784 educational institutions. These include 26 basic schools, 58 secondary schools, four special schools, 23 alternative schools, 11 religious schools, 28 community learning centers, and 425 institutional schools. In a related development, KMC announced that 30,779 students from its affiliated schools received scholarships in the academic session 2081 BS.
Dust from hydropower projects triggers air pollution in Dhaulagiri
Dust generated from construction works of hydropower projects in Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality has caused severe air pollution, affecting daily life, agriculture and livestock in several settlements. Locals said soil dumped by dozers along hillsides and dust raised by heavy cargo vehicles transporting construction materials have made movement on roads difficult. Grazing areas have been damaged, while fodder grass and crops have been covered in dust. Residents of Mudi, Khivang, Bagar, Khamla, Basbot, Solwang, Dar, Phaliyagaun, Khorwang, Kauchhini, Basbot and Naura have been most affected. According to locals, dust pollution is severe on the roads connecting Chhahari–Khara–Khamla in ward no. 4 and Dar–Simwang–Mudi in ward no. 3.
Eight thousand families at risk from cold wave in Kanchanpur
The District Administration Office, Kanchanpur, has stated that a total of 8,875 families in the district may be affected by the ongoing cold wave. To minimize potential risks, the local administration has prepared a cold wave preparedness and response plan, said Chief District Officer Laxman Dhakal. According to the plan developed by the District Disaster Management Committee, an estimated 1,350 families in Bhimdatta Municipality, 1,250 in Bedkot Municipality, 1,550 in Shuklaphanta Municipality, 900 in Krishnapur Municipality, 880 in Beldandi Rural Municipality, 850 in Punnabas Municipality, 850 in Dodhara Chandani Municipality, 500 in Belauri Municipality, and 745 in Laljhadi Rural Municipality are likely to be affected.
Myagdi’s Changa emerging as a tourist destination
Changadhuri of Mangala Rural Municipality–5, Arman, rich in natural beauty in Nepal’s Myagdi district, is gradually emerging as a new tourist destination. Located at an altitude of 2,200 meters above sea level, Changa has witnessed a rise in domestic tourist arrivals following improvements in road access, drinking water supply, central electrification, and increased publicity. Changakharka offers mesmerizing views of around a dozen peaks in the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Binod Dhaulagiri of Beni, who recently visited Changa for the first time, said he was drawn by the area’s scenic beauty and rural lifestyle. He noted that linking traditional agriculture and livestock products with tourism could significantly improve the livelihoods of local residents.
Govt prioritizing expert input in policies and programs: Minister Sinha
Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Anil Kumar Sinha has said the current government is prioritizing expert recommendations while formulating and implementing policies and programs. Speaking at a program organised by the Society of Nepal Economic Journalists’ (SEJON) in Kathmandu on Friday, Minister Sinha said public dissatisfaction has grown due to the practice of making public expenditures without proper planning, prioritization and outcome analysis. He stressed that the government has therefore placed greater importance on expert advice in policy-making. He said the continued rise in public frustration ultimately led to the Gen-Z movement, adding that it is the responsibility of the present government to ensure tangible improvements in governance and service delivery before the next election.
AFC fines ANFA USD 2,000 for match delay
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has imposed a fine on the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) for violating competition regulations. ANFA has been fined USD 2,000 for causing delays during the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers final-round match between Nepal and Malaysia, held on November 18. According to a decision made by the AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Committee on December 15, the first half of the match was delayed by 1 minute and 20 seconds, while the second half started 1 minute and 30 seconds late due to ANFA officials. “The delay caused by ANFA representatives resulted in the late start of both halves of the match, leading to the imposition of a USD 2,000 fine,” the AFC stated in its decision.
US suspends Diversity Visa (DV) lottery following Brown University shooting
The United States (US) has suspended the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery program after it was revealed that the suspect in the recent Brown University shooting had entered the country through the scheme. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said late Thursday that President Donald Trump instructed her to immediately pause the program. Acting on the directive, Noem ordered the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to halt the DV program, saying the move was necessary to prevent further harm to Americans.
Comment