KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Bidya Devi Bhandari: I knew I wouldn’t be allowed to attend the statute convention
Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has accused the CPN-UML of creating an atmosphere of fear within the party after she expressed her intention to re-enter active politics. In a discussion held at her residence in the capital on Tuesday, Bhandari voiced her concerns about the direction of the party. Without naming him directly, she appeared to criticize UML Chair KP Sharma Oli, suggesting that the discussions around term limits and the 70-year age cap were being used to target her. Bhandari stated that debates around policy and ideology had disappeared from the party, while factional gatherings were becoming more frequent and democratic values were weakening.
Bhandari accuses Oli of abandoning his own democratic values
Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has accused CPN-UML chairperson KP Sharma Oli of abandoning the very democratic values he once promoted, signaling deepening rifts within Nepal’s ruling party. Speaking to a select group of journalists at her residence on Tuesday, Bhandari offered a sweeping narrative of her political journey post-republic and her return to active politics. But it was her pointed critique of Oli’s leadership that stood out. Bhandari, who announced her return to active politics on June 28, described her decision as a natural continuation of her political life, motivated by the current ideological drift within UML. She revealed that despite internal resistance within the party, particularly from Oli, she had made up her mind to re-enter political life and would not back down.
UML Central Committee likely to decide on former President Bhandari’s political role
The ninth Central Committee meeting of the CPN (UML) continued on Tuesday, with growing discussions around the potential return of former President Bidya Devi Bhandari to active party politics. According to Rajendra Gautam, head of the party’s publicity department, 58 members shared their views during the second day of the meeting, following 49 participants on the first day. With 77 members yet to speak, the meeting is expected to conclude today. Gautam confirmed that Tuesday’s discussions included remarks on the former president’s possible return to the party, the renewal of her membership, and the process of granting her organized party membership. He said many members voiced opinions on the matter, making it one of the most debated issues at the gathering.
Bidya Devi Bhandari determined to rejoin active politics despite UML’s reluctance
Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has reportedly made up her mind to return to active politics within the CPN-UML, despite visible hesitation from the party leadership. According to a UML leader close to her, Bhandari expressed her firm decision during a one-on-one meeting with party chair and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at the UML headquarters in Chyasal, Lalitpur. During the meeting, Oli is said to have advised Bhandari against re-entering frontline politics, cautioning that those who return from high offices like the presidency often face public criticism and slander. In response, Bhandari made it clear she had already renewed her party membership and was committed to participating in the party’s active political process.
PM Oli meets CIDCA Chief
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli met with a delegation from China’s International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) led by its Chair Chen Xiaodong on Tuesday at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar. During the meeting, both sides discussed the long-standing Nepal–China bilateral relationship, recent agreements signed on Monday at the Ministry of Finance, and the implementation status of previous development cooperation commitments made during high-level visits between the two nations. Prime Minister Oli reiterated Nepal’s firm commitment to the One-China Policy and expressed gratitude to the Chinese side for prioritizing the reconstruction of infrastructure at the Rasuwagadhi border point, which was damaged during a recent flash flood. He also noted that the Nepalese side is providing the necessary support to expedite the reconstruction.
President unveils National Land Cover Map
President Ram Chandra Paudel officially launched the National Land Cover Map 2020–2022 at a ceremony held Tuesday at the Office of the President, Shital Niwas. The map, published by the Forest Research and Training Centre under the Ministry of Forests and Environment, was handed over to President Paudel by the Centre’s Director, Dr. Rajendra KC. Speaking at the event, President Paudel highlighted the need to ensure that forest conservation efforts reflected not just on paper but also in the field. He stressed the importance of balancing forest-based economic activities with strict forest protection measures.
Stranded Nepalis to be repatriated from China via Tatopani border
Around 200 Nepali citizens who were stranded in China following the destruction of the Miteri Bridge at Rasuwagadhi border due to a flood in the Bhotekoshi River will be repatriated to Nepal on Wednesday via the Tatopani (Zhangmu) border point. The group had been left stranded in the Chinese town of Kerung after a devastating flood hit the Lhende River along the Nepal-China border on July 8, washing away the Miteri Bridge. Nepal’s Consul General in Lhasa, Laxmi Prasad Niraula, confirmed that 203 Nepali nationals had been provided temporary shelter and support by the Chinese government in Kerung.
Nepal participates in Unistream Social Innovation Delegation in Israel
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel is hosting the “Unistream Social Innovation Delegation 2025” from July 19 to 24. The program brings together emerging talents in the field of innovation from around the world—including participants from Nepal, South Korea, India, Serbia, and other nations—for a week-long immersion into Israel’s dynamic ecosystem of social innovation and entrepreneurship. Representing Nepal in this international delegation is Mr. Umesh Jang Rai, Team Leader for Biomedical Engineering Research and Innovation at the National Innovation Center (NIC), Kirtipur, Kathmandu.
Temporary houses under construction for disaster victims: Home Minister Lekhak
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has informed lawmakers that government was working actively to construct temporary houses for the disaster survivors. Retrofitting of private houses, reconstruction and rehabilitation are also other priorities, he added.
Home Minister Lekhak said it while responding to the queries raised by lawmakers in the National Assembly, upper house of federal parliament, on Tuesday. The reconstruction drive has gained pace for the survivors of Jajarkot earthquake occurred two years back.
He further said each household affected by the quake was provided monetary relief in two installments so that they could reconstruct their houses. For the reconstruction of houses, each household is provided Rs 50,000. The affected families from Jajarkot, Rukum Paschim, Salyan and Bajhang districts were distributed the amount.
31 employees of the Company Registrar’s Office transferred
The government has transferred 31 employees of the Company Registrar’s Office in a single move. The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies made the decision on Monday, following complaints that service delivery was delayed and files entered into the automated computer system were not being properly validated. Ministry spokesperson Jitendra Basnet stated that the transferred personnel include branch officers, deputy sub-district officers, computer operators, and office assistants, who have now been reassigned to other agencies. The move follows a report submitted by an Investigation and Action Recommendation Committee, which was formed under the leadership of a Joint Secretary, in line with a decision by the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.
Federal ministers discuss drinking water and irrigation issues in Madhes Province
Four federal ministers have held discussions to address the pressing drinking water and irrigation challenges in Madhes Province, exacerbated by an unusually dry monsoon season. The meeting, initiated by Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Ramnath Adhikari, brought together Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka; Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Ajay Chaurasiya; and Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation Pradeep Yadav on Monday. Also in attendance were secretaries from all four ministries. Minister Adhikari informed the meeting that a team has already been deployed to assess the ground situation in Madhes, where rainfall has been significantly below average. Further action will be based on the team’s findings and recommendations.
Around 72% of paddy plantation completed nationwide
Around 72 percent of paddy plantation has been completed across the country so far this year—marking a 12 percent decline compared to the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. Ministry Information Officer Mahananda Joshi stated that plantation has been completed on approximately 1 million hectares of farmland. The country has an estimated total of 1.4 million hectares of land suitable for paddy cultivation. Unless disrupted by adverse weather conditions, the Ministry expects plantation to reach 98 percent by the final week of Shrawan.
5,872 houses at risk of floods and landslides in Baglung
Every year, floods and landslides during the monsoon season lead to significant loss of life and property in Baglung. As this year’s rainy season begins, the District Disaster Management Committee has started identifying high-risk areas and issuing warnings to residents. A total of 5,872 houses across the district have been identified as vulnerable to floods and landslides this monsoon. The committee has urged residents of at-risk settlements to exercise caution and prioritize safety. Many of the settlements are located along riverbanks or on steep terrain, making them particularly susceptible to rain-induced disasters. Nisikhola Rural Municipality has the highest number of at-risk homes, with 2,438 houses identified as vulnerable. In contrast, Jaimini Municipality has the lowest, with only 16 houses listed at risk.
Has Balen Shah really changed Kathmandu?
After three years in office, Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah’s leadership can finally be assessed in numbers. Elected in 2022 as an independent candidate with promises of clean governance, ambitious development, and a break from party politics, Shah has now introduced and attempted to implement three successive budgets. The combined cost of development under his tenure so far exceeds Rs 34.5 billion, but the bigger question remains: how much of that has actually translated into meaningful change?
Nepal’s exports surge by over 81% in FY 2024/25
Nepal recorded a remarkable surge in exports in the last fiscal year 2024/25, with outbound trade rising by 81.80 percent compared to the previous year, according to data released by the Department of Customs. The country exported goods worth Rs 277.03 billion in FY 2024/25, a significant jump from Rs 152.38 billion in FY 2023/24. Total foreign trade, which includes both imports and exports, reached Rs 2.81 trillion, up by 19.24 percent from the previous year’s figure of Rs 1.74 trillion.
Egg prices reach record high as production falls
Egg prices have surged to their highest level ever, driven by a sharp drop in production. As a result, poultry farmers are finally receiving prices that meet or exceed their production costs. According to the Nepal Layer Poultry Association, the new support prices have been set based on rates published by various poultry farms. Effective from Tuesday, the farmers’ rate for large-sized eggs has been fixed at Rs 525 per crate (30 eggs), while medium-sized eggs are priced at Rs 495 per crate.
Nepal increases minimum wage to Rs 19,550
Nepal has officially raised the minimum wage for workers to Rs 19,550 per month. The decision was published in the government gazette on Monday, following a tripartite agreement reached last Thursday among the government, employers, and workers’ organizations. The agreement was finalized in a meeting held at the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security on July 16. It will apply for the next two fiscal years. According to Section 107 of the Labour Act, 2017, Nepal is required to revise the minimum wage every two years. This is the first time the wage has been set through a consensus among all three parties — government, employers, and workers.
Over 100 killed, thousands affected by disasters in three months
From mid-April (Baisakh 1) to July 21 (Shrawan 5), a total of 2,326 disaster incidents have occurred across Nepal, claiming the lives of 102 people and injuring 512 more, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA). Spokesperson and Undersecretary Suresh Sunar informed that 20 individuals are still missing, and over 4,300 families have been directly affected by various calamities, including monsoon-related disasters. Floods have been particularly devastating, with 151 incidents recorded, resulting in 13 deaths and 20 missing persons. Most of the flood-related damage occurred in Rasuwa, officials confirmed.
Seven books shortlisted for Madan Puraskar 2081
The Madan Puraskar Guthi has announced a shortlist of seven books for the prestigious Madan Puraskar 2081, Nepal’s most esteemed literary award. The announcement was made via a press release issued by the Guthi on Monday. According to the statement by Guthi Chairperson Kunda Dixit, the shortlisted works span a variety of genres including fiction, poetry, travel writing, and non-fiction. One of the seven books will be awarded this year’s Madan Puraskar. The shortlist was selected from a pool of 299 titles submitted for consideration.
Social Security Fund distributes over Rs 2.84 billion in interest
The Social Security Fund (SSF) has distributed interest earnings to contributors under its Old Age Protection Scheme for the fiscal year 2024/25. According to SSF spokesperson Dr. Roshan Koju, a total of Rs 2.84 billion in interest has been deposited into the accounts of 2,379,585 registered contributors. The fund provided an annual interest rate of 5.5 percent on savings until March 17, and five percent from March 18 through the end of the fiscal year on July 16.
Narayanghat–Butwal road project deadline to be extended by one year
The deadline for the expansion of the Narayanghat–Butwal section of the East-West Highway is being extended by one year, following prolonged delays in construction. According to Chuda Raj Dhakal, Project Director at the Project Directorate (ADB) under the Department of Roads, the extension was approved after discussions with the construction company and project consultants concluded that the remaining major works, excluding finishing touches, could be completed within a year. “The contractor had asked for more time, but both the company and consultants agreed that 90 percent of the work could be completed within a year. So, we are moving ahead with a one-year extension,” said Dhakal.
Dadeldhura farmers target Rs 5 million annual income from commercial pomegranate farming
Farmers in Ajaymeru Rural Municipality–2, Dadeldhura, have set a target of generating Rs 5 million annually through commercial pomegranate farming. Once-barren land spanning 700 ropanis in the area has now been transformed into productive orchards filled with pomegranate trees. The Mahadev Pomegranate Farming Group, which is leading the initiative, organized local farmers and leased the land at an annual rent of Rs 20,000.
Gold prices rises significantly
Gold prices have gone up significantly on Tuesday. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold has risen by Rs 1,800 per tola. This has taken the price of gold to Rs 195,500 per tola.
Disaster Management Material Storage Center inaugurated in Taplejung
A Disaster Management Material Storage Center has been inaugurated at the Armed Police Force Nepal No. 1 Gulma Headquarters in Kanchenjungha, Taplejung. The facility was established to store essential supplies used in disaster preparedness and rescue operations, including those for floods, landslides, and fires. The center was officially inaugurated by Phungling Municipality Chief Amir Maden. The construction of the building was completed at a total cost of Rs. 860,788, with Rs. 600,000 provided by Phungling Municipality.
Transport entrepreneurs and workers submit amendment proposal on Vehicle Act
Transport entrepreneurs and workers, who have been protesting against the existing Vehicle and Transport Management Act, have submitted a joint amendment proposal to the government, demanding reforms to address what they call unjust penalties and provisions in the current legal framework. The joint proposal, prepared by a working group formed to consolidate the concerns of transport workers and entrepreneurs, was handed over to Krishna Raj Pant, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport and coordinator of the government’s recommendation task force.The proposal specifically seeks revisions in the draft of the Vehicle and Transport Management Bill 2081, the National Transport Policy 2081, and the Road Safety Bill 2081.
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