KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
India to help evacuate stranded Nepalis from Iran
The Indian government has agreed to assist in evacuating Nepali nationals stranded in Iran, following a formal request from the Government of Nepal amid growing security concerns due to the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. According to the Indian Embassy in Tehran, India will help evacuate citizens of its neighboring countries, including Nepal and Sri Lanka. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the embassy called on Nepali and Sri Lankan nationals in need of rescue to reach out and provided three contact numbers for assistance.
Despite RSP and RPP protest, House continues budget deliberations
Despite ongoing protests from the opposition Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), the House of Representatives proceeded with discussions on the budget allocations for various ministries on Saturday. RSP lawmakers stood in protest by surrounding the well of the House, demanding a parliamentary probe into the visit visa scam. However, Speaker Devraj Ghimire continued House proceedings in the usual manner, allowing the budget session to move forward.
RSP, RPP continue parliament obstruction
Lawmakers from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) once again obstructed proceedings in Parliament on Saturday, reiterating their demand for the formation of a parliamentary probe committee to investigate the visit visa scandal.
RSP lawmakers walk out of House meeting
Lawmakers from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) walked out of the House of Representatives meeting on Saturday amid ongoing discussions on the ministry-wise budget allocations. The walkout came as Speaker Devraj Ghimire began allocating time for lawmakers to speak based on party representation. The Speaker granted 18 minutes of speaking time to Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, a Nepali Congress lawmaker and spokesperson from the ruling coalition.
Rabi Lamichhane claims political conspiracy behind his arrest in 20-page jail statement
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane has released a 20-page statement from the Bhairahawa prison, claiming he was imprisoned as part of a political conspiracy and out of vengeance. Expressing confidence in receiving justice from the people, Lamichhane said his arrest was a result of targeted action against him. In his statement, Lamichhane highlighted the influential role RSP played in parliament and during its time in government, arguing that even in the absence of a majority, the party’s lawmakers had become central to parliamentary function.
RSP appoint Kabindra Burlakoti as general secretary, Manish Jha as spokesperson
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has formally appointed its acting officials to permanent leadership roles. Kabindra Burlakoti, who had been serving as the acting General Secretary, has been officially named General Secretary, while Manish Jha, previously the acting Spokesperson, has been confirmed as the party’s official Spokesperson.
Maoist Centre slams forceful conduct of parliament
The main opposition party, CPN (Maoist Centre), has objected to the continuation of parliamentary proceedings despite obstruction by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP). Speaking at Saturday’s House of Representatives meeting, Maoist lawmaker Madhav Sapkota criticized what he called an “authoritarian approach” to running the parliament forcibly.
Narayanghat-Butwal highway to close nightly for 10 hours
The Narayanghat-Butwal section of the East-West Highway will remain completely closed during nighttime hours starting Saturday, as authorities respond to rising safety concerns along the under-construction road. The road will be shut from 7 PM to 5 AM daily, and heavy vehicles will not be allowed on the route even during the day until further notice.
Yogesh Bhattarai questions govt’s failure to repatriate Bipin Joshi
Ruling coalition MP Yogesh Bhattarai of CPN-UML has raised serious questions in Parliament over the government’s inability to secure the release of Bipin Joshi, the Nepali youth reportedly abducted by Hamas during the October 7 attack in Israel.
Speaking during Saturday’s session of the House of Representatives amid the ongoing deliberations on the ministry-wise allocation of the national budget, Bhattarai asked why Nepal has failed to bring Joshi home, even though Israel and Hamas have exchanged hundreds of war captives since the outbreak of conflict.
NEA MD Shakya unveils 3-point reform plan
Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Managing Director Hitendra Dev Shakya has outlined a three-pronged strategy to reform the country’s power sector, focusing on electricity quality, energy security, and financial resource assurance. Speaking to journalists in Kathmandu on Saturday, Shah said the NEA has intensified efforts in these core areas to address growing concerns from consumers and stakeholders.
Rabi Lamichhane calls for constitution rewrite and end to federalism
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane, currently in judicial custody over a cooperative fraud case, has issued a strong political statement from Bhairahawa prison calling for the complete rewriting of Nepal’s constitution. In a 20-page appeal made public on the party’s third anniversary, Lamichhane claimed the current constitution supports corruption and political criminality, and said only a total rewrite—not mere amendment—can address the country’s deep-rooted problems.
Kathmandu to get round-the-clock safe drinking water supply: Minister Pradeep Yadav
Kathmandu Valley residents will now have access to 24-hour clean drinking water supply, announced Minister for Water Supply Pradeep Yadav during the handover of a newly completed water supply project in Budhanilkantha Municipality-4. Inaugurating the project and formally handing it over to Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL), Minister Yadav said residents will no longer face water shortages. He stated that Melamchi water will be supplied on a daily basis, ensuring consistent availability across the capital.
Night-time traffic to be halted on BP Highway for 15 days
Authorities have decided to suspend vehicular movement along the BP Highway every night from 12:30 AM to 5:00 AM for the next 15 days, starting Saturday. The move comes amid growing concerns over monsoon-related disasters such as landslides and floods.
Seven dead, 18 injured in bus-microbus collision in Chitwan
At least seven people were killed and 18 others injured in a tragic collision between a passenger bus and an electric microbus along the East-West Highway at Rapti Municipality-3, Duduwa, in Chitwan district on Saturday morning. According to police, the deceased include three men and two women. Their identities are yet to be confirmed.
Over 2,300 electric vehicles enter Nepal via Birgunj border
A total of 2,385 small and large electric vehicles (EVs), valued at Rs 1.84 billion, have been imported through the Birgunj border in the first 11 months of the current fiscal year, according to the Birgunj Customs Office. The customs office also reported that it has collected Rs 2.7 billion in revenue from EV imports during this period.
Khotang authorities issue flood alert for people along Sunkoshi River
The District Administration Office (DAO) of Khotang has issued a public alert, urging residents living along the banks of the Sunkoshi River to remain vigilant due to the risk of flooding. The advisory follows reports of potential heavy rainfall and flooding in the Tibetan region of China. Officials warn that rising water levels there could impact downstream areas, including the Sunkoshi River in Khotang.
Two arrested in Pokhara with jewelry worth over Rs 13 million
Police in Kaski have arrested two individuals with nearly Rs 13.5 million worth of illegal gold ornaments. The arrest was made during a routine check on a microbus traveling from Pumdibhumdi toward Butwal. According to Kaski District Police, those arrested are 49-year-old Kuldeep Singh, a resident of Amritsar, Punjab, India, and 47-year-old Ram Bahadur Bik from Tilottama Municipality-16, Rupandehi. Authorities recovered 82 tolas of gold jewelry from their possession.
Glass bottles contain more microplastics than plastic, study finds
A new French study has found that drinks sold in glass bottles contain significantly more microplastics than those in plastic bottles or metal cans, challenging common assumptions about safer packaging choices. Conducted by the French food safety agency ANSES, the research revealed that soft drinks, lemonade, iced tea, and beer sold in glass bottles contained an average of 100 microplastic particles per litre — five to 50 times more than those in plastic containers.
ANFA announces final squad for AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers
The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has announced the final 23-member national women’s squad for the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers. Head coach Patrick De Wilde unveiled the squad on Friday, making a single change from the team that recently played a friendly match against Thailand.
Budget not favorable to farmers: Shakti Bahadur Basnet
Deputy General Secretary of CPN (Maoist Centre), Shakti Bahadur Basnet, has criticized the current budget for failing to address the needs and concerns of farmers. Speaking at a program organized at Sambad Dabali on Friday, Basnet said the budget document lacked adequate provisions to support the agricultural community. The former Home Minister also expressed his party’s commitment to fulfilling its duties while remaining in opposition.
Sudurpashchim Royals retain six players for NPL 2
Sudurpashchim Royals, the runners-up of the inaugural season Nepal Premier League (NPL), have retained six key players ahead of the second season. The team has once again retained national team vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee as their marquee player. Alongside him, Binod Bhandari, Aarif Sheikh, Abinash Bohara, Ishan Pandey, and Naren Saud have also been secured for the new campaign. Before the new season, Sudurpashchim Royals have released several players, signaling a restructuring plan for the team. Among the released players are Arjun Kumal, Naresh Budhathoki, Khadak Bahadur Bohara, Bhojraj Bhatt, Amit Shrestha, and Basanta Khatri.
11th International Yoga Day marked in Kathmandu
The 11th International Yoga Day is being observed across Nepal on Saturday with various events and public demonstrations under the global theme “Yoga for Humanity and Health of the Earth.” In Kathmandu, a yoga event was organized at Narayan Chaur in Naxal where several organizations, including Yoga Bhumi Nepal and Ward 16 Yoga Sadhana Center of Lalitpur, showcased different yoga postures and exercises.
Land Commission begins verification of squatters in Bhojpur
The Land Commission has begun verifying squatters in Bhojpur based on previously collected data. The verification process is currently underway to identify eligible landless individuals for land allocation. In Shadananda Municipality, 60 landless Dalits and squatters have been identified for verification at the municipal level. Deviram Chaulagain, Chairperson of the Land Commission in Bhojpur, confirmed that these individuals were recommended through ward-level facilitation committees.
Iran rejects nuclear talks amid conflict as UN calls for restraint
Iran said it would not engage in discussions about its nuclear program while under Israeli attack. Meanwhile, European countries are attempting to persuade Tehran to return to negotiations, and the United States is deliberating its potential involvement in the escalating conflict, according to Reuters.
Dawartol Drinking Water Project completed ahead of schedule
The Dawartol Drinking Water Project in Dhangadhimai Municipality–13, Siraha, has been completed 20 days ahead of schedule, marking a rare example of timely infrastructure delivery in the region. The project, with a total cost exceeding Rs 100 million, was implemented under the Federal Drinking Water and Sewerage Management Project, Janakpur.
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