KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Miraj Dhungana group announces ‘United Gen-Z’ movement
The Gen-Z group led by Miraj Dhungana has announced the launch of a nationwide ‘United Gen-Z’ movement starting tomorrow (Monday). The announcement was made during a program held on Sunday in Kathmandu. Dhungana has called for a gathering at Maitighar tomorrow at 11 a.m. He criticized the Sushila Karki-led government for ignoring the September 8-9 movement and its demands, saying no tangible action has been taken that the people can feel. He stated that the interim government, formed after the uprising on September 8-9, has lost its legitimacy. Criticizing the administration, Dhungana said the current government has become illegal and its authority is no longer recognized.
PM Karki holds meeting with RSP chair Rabi Lamichhane
Prime Minister Sushila Karki and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane held a meeting on Sunday evening. The discussion, held at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar, focused on the current political situation and ongoing developments in the country.
Government to register and list online television channels
The government of Nepal has decided to register and officially list online television channels. Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Jagdish Kharel, announced that the registration and listing process will begin immediately to ensure professional security and institutional development for online television and online journalism. During a meeting with online TV journalists, Minister Kharel emphasized that the state is committed to providing online media and their journalists the same benefits as mainstream media.
JSP-N’s Ram Ashish Yadav elected Speaker of Madhesh Provincial Assembly
Ram Ashish Yadav of Janata Samajwadi Party Nepal (JSP-N) has been elected Speaker of the Madhesh Provincial Assembly. Yadav was elected on Sunday through a division of votes in the Provincial Assembly. Representing the seven-party ruling coalition, Yadav secured 72 votes in favor, while 24 votes were cast against him.
Rabi lashes out at Congress and UML: Those who drank children’s blood should not lecture us
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) chair Rabi Lamichhane has accused the entire state machinery of conspiring to frame him. Addressing a program at the party’s central office in Banasthali on Monday after being released on bail following nearly nine months in custody in a cooperative fraud case, Lamichhane said this was not a moment for celebration as “the blood of young children was shed during the Gen-Z uprising.”
EC proposes strict rules on use of vehicles for March 5 polls
The Election Commission (EC) has drafted a proposed Code of Conduct for the upcoming election of members of the House of Representatives, scheduled for March 5, 2026. The proposal includes strict provisions regulating the use of vehicles during election campaigning. According to the proposed code, candidates will not be allowed to use vehicles for campaigning or to display campaign materials without prior permission. Vehicles used without authorization will be seized, and legal action will be taken. Traffic police or other security personnel are authorized to confiscate such vehicles and report the matter to the District Code of Conduct Approval Committee.
Trash barrier installed to collect floating waste in Bagmati
The Bagmati Civilization Integrated Development Committee, under the Ministry of Urban Development, has installed a ‘trash barrier’ to collect floating waste in the rivers of Kathmandu. Following the completion of the installation at Guheswori, the trash barrier is now operational at six locations: Gokarna Barrage, Guheswori, Tilganga Eye Hospital, Bagmati Manahara Dobhan, UN Park, and Karmanasha Dobhan of the Manohara River. The installation was carried out under a contract worth Rs 6.5 million. According to the personal secretariat of Urban Development Minister Kulman Ghising, the trash barrier stops plastic, polythene, bottles, wood pieces, and other floating waste and collects it at designated points.
Chinese Ambassador Song Meets Speaker Ghimire
Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nepal, Chen Song, paid a farewell call on Speaker of the House of Representatives Devraj Ghimire today. The meeting, held at the Speaker’s office in Singha Durbar, focused on strengthening bilateral relations, expanding economic and development cooperation, and other key issues. Speaker Ghimire expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Song, who is returning home after successfully completing his term, and praised his contributions to enhancing Nepal-China relations, promoting economic development cooperation, and strengthening parliamentary ties between the two countries.
NC recommends three names from Kalikot
The Nepali Congress District Working Committee in Kalikot has recommended three names for the direct election of members of the House of Representatives (HoR) scheduled for March 5, 2026. The recommended candidates, Bhupendra Jung Shahi, Amba Bahadur Shahi, and Sita Rawal, have been forwarded to the Provincial Working Committee. District Working Committee President Amba Bahadur Shahi stated that the Provincial Working Committee has further sent these names to the party center.
NEPSE index drops by 19 points
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index experienced a double-digit decline today, falling by 19.92 points to close at 2,595.10. A total of 12.99 million shares of 345 companies were traded 70,576 times, generating a turnover of Rs 4.52 billion, according to NEPSE. All sub-indices, except for mutual funds, recorded losses during today’s trading session. In today’s market movements, the share price of SY Panel Nepal Limited hit the upper price limit, while Sindhu Bikash Bank Limited shares fell to the lower price limit.
PM Karki stresses need to preserve traditions
Prime Minister (PM) Sushila Karki has urged Nepalis to preserve their traditional culture and attire, saying that while harmful practices should be discarded, the essence of original customs must be maintained. She emphasized that while harmful practices within cultures should be eliminated, original traditions and traditional attire should not be abandoned. The Prime Minister made the remarks while meeting a delegation of the Tamu Hyul Chhonj Dhi Gurung National Council on Friday.
Prices of gold and silver fluctuate in local market
Prices of gold and silver have been fluctuating in the local market over the past few days. On Friday, the price of one tola of fine (hallmarked) gold reached Rs 260,400. However, the price declined to Rs 258,300 per tola today (Sunday). Gold was priced at Rs 259,000 on Tuesday, Rs 259,700 on Wednesday, and Rs 260,400 on Thursday. Similarly, silver prices also saw fluctuations. Silver rose from Rs 3,885 per tola to Rs 4,080 on Thursday. According to the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Federation, the price of one tola of silver has been fixed at Rs 4,105 today.
World Meditation Day observed in Kathmandu
In line with an announcement by the United Nations, World Meditation Day was celebrated in Kathmandu today with various programs. The United Nations has designated December 21 as World Meditation Day, and the occasion is being observed across Nepal as well. The UN General Assembly has recognized yoga and meditation as complementary approaches to health and well-being. On December 7 last year, the United Nations officially declared December 21 as World Meditation Day. The day was observed for the first time the same year at Tundikhel under the government’s initiative. This year, the celebration is being organized by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.
Number of people seeking foreign employment from Karnali on the rise
The number of people going abroad for foreign employment from Karnali Province is increasing. According to statistics from the Safe Migration Program, around 30,000 people from Karnali obtain labour permits each year for foreign employment. In the fiscal year 2024/25 alone, a total of 28,049 people from Karnali’s 10 districts received labour permits. Among them, Salyan recorded the highest number, with 7,587 people (6,967 men and 620 women) obtaining permits. Similarly, 5,657 people, including 5,089 men and 568 women, obtained labour permits from Surkhet. A total of 4,288 people (3,965 men and 323 women) went abroad from Dailekh, while 2,859 people from Rukum West, 2,518 from Jajarkot, 1,252 from Kalikot, and 1,255 from Jumla also received permits. Likewise, 686 people from Mugu, 608 from Humla, and 688 from Dolpa obtained labour permits.
Kaligandaki Corridor: Tatopani–Ghasa section upgraded
The road from Tatopani in Myagdi to Ghasa in Mustang has been upgraded under the national pride Kaligandaki Corridor, part of the Beni–Jomsom–Korala road project connecting China and India. The project to widen the road from Bhurung–Tatopani (Annapurna Rural Municipality–2) to Nagdhunga in Mustang and then to Kaihkukhola in Ghasa was initiated in fiscal year 2073/74. The plan involved widening the road to 11 meters, blacktopping it, and stabilizing slopes. Work has now been completed on all but three kilometers and 300 meters of the 16.5-kilometer Tatopani–Ghasa section, contracted by Sharma–Gajurmukhi JV for Rs 630 million under a variation order.
Preparations underway for tiger census in Shuklaphanta National Park
Preparations have been completed for the upcoming tiger census in Shuklaphanta National Park in Kanchanpur district. The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation has begun a nationwide tiger census, and Shuklaphanta is included in the effort. The park office has stated that three “complexes” have been formed for the census, covering five national parks and surrounding areas. Although the tiger census is currently underway in the Chitwan-Parsa Complex as well as Bardiya and Banke National Parks, Shuklaphanta, which falls under the third complex, will begin its census after the completion of the first two complexes, said Purushottam Wagle, information officer of the park.
Terai and Valley to experience haze and fog
Partial westerly winds are affecting weather across the country, bringing haze and fog to the Terai and Valley regions, the Weather Forecasting Division reported Sunday morning. The Division has issued a warning and advisory, noting that temperatures are likely to decrease slightly in the Terai. Haze and fog may partially affect daily life, health, and road and air transport during the morning hours.
Dadeldhura’s Aalitaal Lake shines as new tourist spot
Work has begun to promote tourism at Aalitaal, a lake of both natural beauty and cultural significance. To this end, Aalitaal Rural Municipality has prepared an action plan for the conservation and development of the lake, located in Aalitaal-3, from which the municipality takes its name. In collaboration with the Chure-Terai-Madhes Conservation Committee, initiatives are underway to develop physical infrastructure aimed at attracting tourists. According to Aalitaal Rural Municipality Chairman Sher Singh Parki, the rural municipality has allocated a budget of Rs 90 million in the current fiscal year for the reconstruction of the lake area and the development of additional infrastructure.
Impact of erratic weather: Paddy production declines in Bhojpur
Paddy production in Bhojpur district has declined this year due to erratic weather. The Agriculture Knowledge Center stated that insufficient rainfall during sowing and unseasonal rains afterward have affected the crop. Ghanashyam Baral, Information Officer at the Center, said that a lack of timely rainfall delayed sowing, while excessive rain in some areas submerged and damaged the paddy fields. “Farmers cultivating paddy have been the most affected by irregular weather,” he added. According to statistics, Bhojpur produced 37,790 metric tons of paddy last year, but this year’s production has dropped to 36,998 metric tons. Similarly, while paddy was cultivated on 12,154 hectares last year, only 11,500 hectares were sown this year.
More people in Chitwan taking non-resident citizenship
The number of people acquiring non-resident Nepali citizenship in Chitwan has surpassed those renouncing their Nepali citizenship. Since last July, 40 individuals have given up their citizenship, while 49 have obtained non-resident citizenship. Assistant Chief District Officer Chiranjivi Sharma noted that among those renouncing citizenship, 13 are women and 27 are men. He explained that many individuals renounce their Nepali citizenship upon returning to Nepal in order to obtain non-resident citizenship.
Free eye check-up camp in Ghodaghodi: 75 of 384 people diagnosed with cataracts
A high prevalence of cataracts has been observed in the Ghodaghodi Municipality area of Nepal’s western Kailali district. During a free eye check-up camp organized in Ghodaghodi-1, Sukkhad, 75 out of 384 people tested were found to have cataracts. The camp was conducted by Geta Eye Hospital, operated by the Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh. Ramesh Chandra Bhatta, External Program Manager and Senior Eye Officer at the hospital, said all patients diagnosed with cataracts will receive free surgery at Geta Eye Hospital.
Baglung farmers’ woes: Forced to sell oranges at low prices
Rural areas of Baglung are currently awash with oranges, but farmers say they are not receiving fair prices for their produce. They complain that every year they are forced to sell oranges cheaply as traders come directly to orchards and dictate prices. Areas such as Kathekhola, Baglung Municipality, Jaimini, and Galkot are well known for orange production. According to To Bahadur Khadka, a farmer from Sigana in Baglung Municipality–8, oranges that sell for more than Rs 120 per kilogram in urban markets are purchased from villages at just Rs 40 to Rs 50 per kilogram. He said both farmers and consumers are suffering due to the role of middlemen. Khadka said the lack of a proper marketing system for farmers’ produce has left growers at a disadvantage.
Farmers encouraged by rise in orange production
Farmers in the eastern hill districts are enthusiastic after orange production increased this year compared to last year. Oranges produced by farmers from Dhankuta’s Khoku, Chintang, Budhuk, as well as Bhojpur, Sankhuwasabha, Panchthar, and other eastern hill districts are being supplied to the agricultural produce market in Dharan Sub-metropolitan City–13. According to Laxman Bhattarai, Chairman of the Dharan Agricultural Market Management Committee, the volume of oranges entering the Dharan market during November and December has increased by about 25 percent compared to last year. He added that orange turnover has risen by around 30 percent this year.
Promotion of Buddha Himal-Himalchuli Great Lake Circuit emphasized
Authorities from five rural municipalities across Lamjung and Gorkha districts have reaffirmed their commitment to developing and promoting trail-based tourism, with a focus on the newly discovered Buddha Himal-Himalchuli Great Lake Circuit. The circuit spans Barpark, Sulikot, and Ajirkot rural municipalities in Gorkha, as well as Dordi, Dudhpokhari, and Marsyangdi rural municipalities in Lamjung. It features Buddha Himal, the Manasiri mountain range, and several glacial lakes.
Equipment of Jumla’s Tila Micro Hydropower Project abandoned
Electrical equipment worth crores of rupees has been abandoned at the Tila Micro Hydropower Project in Tila Rural Municipality-2 in Nepal’s western Jumla district. Various electricity-generating equipment has been left on the roadside due to the prolonged closure of the hydropower project. Locals say that the equipment, purchased at a cost of lakhs of rupees, has become useless following the project’s closure. The project was originally built to expand electricity access to remote areas of the district. The electrical equipment, procured by the rural municipality for the project under construction in 2074 BS with investment from the Infrastructure Development Fund, now lies abandoned as the project remains completely inactive.
Construction of Buddhist Stupa completed in Bhojpur’s Panchdhare
The construction of a Buddhist stupa in Bhojpur’s Panchdhare, Temkemaiyung Rural Municipality-9, aimed at promoting the area as a tourist and religious destination, has been completed. The stupa has been built to encourage religious tourism and foster religious tolerance. Ward Chairman of Temkemaiyung-9, Navaraj Mangpahang, stated that the project was completed with a budget of Rs 2.7 million provided by the Federal Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation. The stupa was modeled after the Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu in both style and structure.
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