KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Roka, accused in 61 kg gold smuggling case, arrested
Amala Roka, an absconding accused in the 61 kg gold smuggling case, has been arrested. According to police, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police apprehended Roka in Kathmandu. Roka had been on the run since being linked to the high-profile smuggling case. An Interpol notice had been issued to locate her. She is also the wife of Belgian national Dawa Tshering, who is also implicated in the gold smuggling operation. Hotel Vienna in Thamel is registered in her name.
Nagarjuna Mayor Basnet found guilty in bribery case
Mohan Bahadur Basnet, Mayor of Nagarjuna Municipality in Kathmandu, has been found guilty of corruption by the Special Court. A joint bench comprising Chairman and Judge Ek Narayan Kunwar and Judge Ram Bahadur Thapa delivered the verdict. The court confirmed that Mayor Basnet accepted a bribe of Rs 92.246 million from Padma Colony Pvt. Ltd., Padma Merchant Company Pvt. Ltd., and the company’s chairman, Raju Prasad Kandel. The bribe was given in exchange for facilitating the acquisition of land in the name of these companies.
Prime Minister Oli inaugurates Gwarko Overpass
Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli inaugurated the Gwarko Overpass in Lalitpur, constructed under the Kathmandu Valley Ring Road project. The long-awaited infrastructure is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion in the area. The project was initiated by the Quality Research and Development Center under the Department of Roads, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport. The government had signed an agreement with Ashish-Samanantar Religare JV Construction Company, setting the initial completion deadline for February 2024.
RSP boycotts House meeting, resumes symbolic protest with blue scarves
The opposition Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) on Friday boycotted the House of Representatives meeting, citing the government’s continued failure to address its demands over the visit visa scandal. At the same time, its lawmakers resumed their symbolic protest by appearing in the House wearing black attire and blue scarves, despite previous objections from the ruling Nepali Congress. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, RSP lawmaker Sumana Shrestha said the boycott was a response to repeated dismissal of the party’s concerns. “We are not being heard, not even given space to speak. There’s disruption in the House, but nothing is being addressed. That is why we have boycotted today’s session,” she said.
Q&A with Prime Minister cancelled after RSP’s House obstruction
A scheduled question-and-answer session with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was removed from the Parliament’s agenda on Friday after lawmakers from the opposition Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) continued to obstruct proceedings. The RSP has been demanding action and clarity from the government regarding the recent “visit visa scandal,” which it claims involves serious irregularities and exploitation in the immigration process. Citing the continued disruption, Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire announced that the previously planned direct Q&A session with the Prime Minister could not go ahead.
Deal with Maoists enough, no need for talks with others: Mahesh Bartaula
CPN-UML Chief Whip Mahesh Bartaula on Friday said that the government does not need to reach a separate agreement with every political party regarding the ongoing ‘visit visa’ controversy, as an understanding has already been reached with the main opposition, CPN (Maoist Centre). Speaking to journalists at the Federal Parliament Building in New Baneshwar, Bartaula stated that the investigation into the visa scandal will move forward in line with the agreement with the Maoist Centre, asserting that the government will not engage in piecemeal deals with different parties or individuals.
Budget discussion removed from House agenda
Following the cancellation of the scheduled Q&A session with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, the House of Representatives on Friday also removed discussions on the allocated budgets for two ministries from its agenda. Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire informed lawmakers that the discussions on the budgets for the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens had been withdrawn from the day’s schedule due to the absence of concerned ministers.
Maoist Center accuses govt of undermining parliament
Hitraj Pandey, Chief Whip of the Maoist Center, has accused the government of disregarding the authority and procedures of the House of Representatives. His remarks came after relevant ministers failed to attend a scheduled discussion on allocated topics during a House meeting. Pandey criticized the government’s handling of parliamentary business, particularly the inconsistent inclusion and removal of agenda items. “The government has shown blatant disregard for this House. It’s beyond explanation,” he said. “We keep receiving agendas, and then they are withdrawn without explanation. When we inquire, we’re told the concerned ministers are not present.”
PM Oli open to scrapping cooling-off period after pressure from bureaucrats
The future of the long-awaited Federal Civil Service Bill has become uncertain after top bureaucrats mounted pressure on the government to scrap a provision requiring a two-year cooling-off period for retired officials before reappointment. Sources say Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has shown signs of acquiescing to their demands, raising alarm within his own ruling coalition. According to officials familiar with the matter, Chief Secretary Baikuntha Aryal, Federal Parliament Secretary Padma Prasad Pandey, and secretaries from various ministries have been actively lobbying to remove the clause.
Monsoon system now active across Nepal
This year’s monsoon has now spread across the entire country. According to a special weather bulletin issued by the Meteorological Forecasting Division today, the monsoon entered Nepal from the eastern region on June 15 and gradually expanded to most parts of Koshi Province. By June 29, it had reached some areas of Madhes, Bagmati, Gandaki, and eastern Lumbini Provinces. As of today, it has extended to Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim Provinces, completing its nationwide spread 23 days after its initial entry.
Nepal preparing to rescue citizens from Israel and Iran: Foreign Minister
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana has said that the Government of Nepal is prepared to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and rescue of Nepali citizens currently in Israel and Iran. Speaking at a joint meeting held on Friday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—with representatives from the Ministries of Labor, Employment and Social Security; Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation; and Home Affairs—Minister Rana stated that preparations are underway to facilitate the return of Nepalis who wish to come back home.
600 Nepalis register to return home from Israel
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said that over 600 Nepali citizens have registered to return home from Israel amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. The Ministry had launched an online portal to collect details of Nepalis wishing to return due to rising security concerns. “More than 600 individuals have registered their information so far, and the process is still ongoing,” the Ministry said in a statement.
Prohibitory order withdrawn as Kathmandu DAO eases restrictions on protests
The Kathmandu District Administration Office (DAO) has lifted the restriction on public gatherings and protest activities in areas inside the Ring Road and its adjoining public spaces. The restrictions were initially imposed on June 1 in response to the growing royalist movement, declaring the ring road and areas within it as restricted zones for protests and assemblies. However, the administration has now officially withdrawn the order.
Bus swept away by Binayi River, all 38 rescued
A passenger bus en route from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj was swept away by the flooded Binayi River in Dumkibas, eastern Nawalparasi, late last night. The bus, with registration number Bhe 1 Kha 4085, was carrying 38 passengers, including three infants, when it was caught in the floodwaters around 11 p.m. Despite the incident, all passengers were safely rescued, according to DSP Madhu Nepal, the Information Officer at the District Police Office, Nawalpur. The bus was later found about one kilometer downstream from the site of the incident.
Two killed, four injured in Doti jeep accident
Two people died on the spot and four others were injured in a jeep accident in Sirasyani, Ward No. 1 of Adarsha Rural Municipality, Doti, on Friday afternoon. According to the District Police Office, Doti, the jeep (Su Pra 01-001 Cha 1395) was en route from Adarsha to Mellekh when it lost control on an inner road and plunged 250 meters down a slope.
Minister Bhandari pledges zero tolerance for labour exploitation and discrimination
Minister for Labor, Employment and Social Security Sharat Singh Bhandari has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy toward exploitation and discrimination of Nepali workers. Speaking at a multi-stakeholder policy dialogue on labor migration, gender equality, and climate change organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Nepal in Lalitpur, Minister Bhandari stated that the government is intensifying efforts to support Nepali workers abroad.
Inland Revenue Office Birgunj collects Rs 8.52 billion in revenue
The Inland Revenue Office (IRO) Birgunj has exceeded its revenue collection target for the first 11 months of the current fiscal year 2081/82. Against a target of Rs 7.51 billion 64.65 million set by the Inland Revenue Department for the period up to the end of Jestha, the office has collected Rs 8.52 billion 989 thousand—achieving 113.36 percent of the target, according to Chief Tax Officer Tikaraj Chaulagain.
PM Oli expresses delight over discovery of natural gas in Dailekh
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has expressed happiness over the recent discovery of underground natural gas reserves in Dailekh district. Taking to Facebook on Wednesday, Oli recalled the early days of petroleum exploration during his previous tenure as prime minister. “I remember the days when petroleum exploration began in Dailekh. There were mixed voices of support and opposition,” he wrote. Oli said the report of 112 billion cubic meters of gas being found brought back those memories. “It is indeed a piece of happy news,” he added.
Budget allocation for infrastructure sector unfair: MP Basnet
Shakti Bahadur Basnet, a Member of Parliament from the main opposition party CPN (Maoist Centre), has proposed a symbolic reduction of one rupee in the expenditure allocated to the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport in the Appropriation Bill, 2082. Presenting the proposal during Friday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, MP Basnet criticized the allocation of the ministry’s budget, stating that despite an overall increase, the distribution was inequitable.
EC consults Prime Minister on by-elections
The Election Commission (EC) held consultations with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today regarding the by-elections for vacant seats in the House of Representatives, Provincial Assembly, and the National Assembly. Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari, along with other commissioners, met Prime Minister Oli at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar. The discussion focused on conducting by-elections for the vacant seats in the House of Representatives and the Provincial Assembly in the last week of October, and elections for 18 vacant seats in the National Assembly in March next year.
Landslide blocks Kaligandaki corridor in Dablyang
The Kaligandaki Corridor has been blocked by a landslide in Dablyang, Baglung Municipality-10, following continuous rainfall since Thursday night. The road section in Dablyang was washed away by the landslide, causing a complete disruption of traffic from Baglung Bazaar, the district headquarters, to the southern parts of the district, said Police Assistant Inspector Gangaram BK. Vehicles traveling long distances through the corridor have been halted near the landslide site.
Janata Samajwadi Party holds Federal Council meeting
The Ashok Rai-led Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) held its Federal Council meeting today. Party leader Durga Subedi said that the meeting will continue tomorrow as well. This is the first Federal Council meeting since the party’s formation. During the session, Federal Council Chairman Rajendra Prasad Shrestha is expected to present a proposal outlining the party’s policies, principles, and ideological direction.
Suspension bridge in Puchighat temporarily repaired
The suspension bridge at Puchighat, which connects Khandadevi Rural Municipality of Ramechhap with Sunkoshi Rural Municipality of Sindhuli, has been temporarily repaired, bringing relief to local residents just as the monsoon season begins. The 180-meter-long bridge, linking Puchighat in Ward No. 4 of Khandadevi and Chainpur in Ward No. 6 of Sunkoshi, was completely damaged by flooding in the Sunkoshi River following incessant rainfall in Ashoj last year. For the past nine months, locals had been struggling to cross the river safely.
Siraha filled with aroma of mangoes
With the arrival of mango season, the sweet aroma of ripe mangoes fills the air in Siraha. Mangoes are not only abundant in the markets but also line the roadsides, especially along the East-West Highway. While some farmers patiently wait for customers, others struggle to sell their harvest. The scent of mangoes drifts through courtyards, gardens, and marketplaces, defining Siraha’s seasonal identity — an identity that blends flavor with livelihoods, commerce, and self-reliance.
Area Police Office receives book donation
The Kaligandaki Foundation Nepal has donated over 150 books of various genres to the Area Police Office in Rampur, Palpa. The donation aims to help establish a library within the police custody. Foundation Chairperson Nilkantha Bhandari said the initiative is intended to inspire positive behavior and discourage crime by providing access to books. Police Inspector Ram Bahadur Nepali confirmed that the library will be set up at the police custody soon.
Satellite agricultural farm to be established in Upper Mustang
A satellite agricultural farm is set to be established in Ghami, located in Loghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality-2 of Upper Mustang, as a branch of the Temperate Horticulture Development Center based in Marfa. The initiative aims to protect and promote the cultivation of temperate fruits and vegetables in the region. According to Padmanath Atreya, Chief of the Temperate Horticulture Development Center, the land acquisition process has been completed, with 801 ropanis of land registered in the name of the government for the establishment of the farm.
Farmers’ school proving effective: Farmers learn pesticides are not medicine
Rudra Bahadur Thapa of Anandabagar, Beni Municipality-1, now heads to his field not just with a hoe and spade, but also with a pen in hand. While farmers traditionally carry tools for physical labor, Thapa carries a pen to take notes—symbolizing a shift toward knowledge-based agriculture. Since last six months, 25 farmers from Anandabagar have been attending a weekly Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Farmers’ School initiated by Beni Municipality.
Winter maize production increases in Sunsari
Winter maize production in Sunsari district has seen a notable increase, with output rising by 2.38 percent in the fiscal year 2081/82 (2024/25) compared to the previous year, according to the Agricultural Knowledge Center Sunsari. In fiscal year 2080/81, the district produced 83,120 metric tons of winter maize from 10,640 hectares of land. This figure rose to 84,802 metric tons in 2081/82, informed Prabin Lal Shrestha, the center’s information officer. He noted that farmers are increasingly cultivating hybrid varieties of maize to boost productivity.
Seven malaria cases reported in Chitwan over past year
Seven cases of malaria have been detected in Chitwan district in the current fiscal year, according to the District Public Health Office. The cases were identified through the testing of 7,989 individuals who visited the office with suspected malaria symptoms. Vector Control Inspector Ram KC stated that the infections were primarily found among individuals who had recently returned from foreign employment. In comparison, 10 malaria cases were reported in the previous fiscal year.
Drinking water project constructed at a cost of Rs 3.4 million
Residents of Samala in Letang Municipality-7, Morang, who had long been compelled to fetch drinking water from rivers and streams, have finally found relief with the operation of a new drinking water project. The project has significantly eased daily life in the area. Samala, a location gaining popularity among tourists in recent years, had been facing a severe shortage of drinking water. Local resident Raj Bikram Rai shared that during the dry season, the old Lumai drinking water system could not meet local demand, forcing people to rely on distant wells and streams.
Foreign trade up by 18.8% in 11 months; export sees 77.77% jump
Nepal’s total foreign trade has seen a significant surge in the current fiscal year, rising by 18.80% over the same period last year. According to the Department of Customs, the country’s foreign trade in the first 11 months of the fiscal year has reached Rs. 1.892 trillion. The data shows that imports rose by 13.15%, while exports surged by 77.77%, indicating a notable rebound in Nepal’s trade performance. During the review period, Nepal imported goods worth Rs. 1.644 trillion, up from Rs. 1.453 trillion in the corresponding period last year. Similarly, exports increased from Rs. 139.26 billion last year to Rs. 247.57 billion this year.
Nepal imports smartphones worth Rs 32 billion and rice worth Rs 19 billion
Nepal imported smartphones worth over Rs 32 billion and rice worth nearly Rs 19 billion in the first 11 months of the current fiscal year. According to data published by the Department of Customs, Nepal imported smartphones valued at Rs 32.08 billion between mid-July 2024 and mid-June 2025. Customs revenue collected from mobile phone imports during this period totaled Rs 5.98 billion.
Govt sensitive to reducing damage from road accidents: CM Karki
Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki has said that the provincial government is committed to minimizing the damage caused by road accidents. Speaking at the inauguration of Traffic Week 2082, jointly organized in Biratnagar by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law and the Nepal Police Highway Safety and Traffic Management Office, Itahari-Sunsari, CM Karki said the government is formulating policies and providing necessary resources to traffic police to help prevent accidents.
Balkhu–Chobhar road to be expanded
The government has allocated a budget for the expansion of the Balkhu–Chobhar road in the upcoming fiscal year. The currently two-lane road will be widened under the Kathmandu Valley Road Expansion Project, with a total allocation of Rs 210 million. Additionally, Rs 30 million has been earmarked for the construction of the Saraswati Kund road via the Dholahiti–Sunakothi–Chapagaun–Pyanggaun–Lele–Tileshwor route in Lalitpur.
Journalism should be made a dignified profession: CM Shah
Chief Minister (CM) of Sudurpaschim Province Kamal Bahadur Shah has emphasized the need to make journalism a dignified and respected profession. Speaking at a two-day training program organized in Kanchanpur by the Federation of Nepali Journalists Sudurpaschim Province Committee for women journalists, CM Shah noted that journalism has reached its current state after enduring numerous challenges, and now deserves greater respect and support.
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