KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
PM Oli disapproves of Bhandari’s liaison office in Thapagaun
Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has expressed strong disapproval over the opening of a liaison office by former President Bidya Devi Bhandari in Thapagaun. Speaking at a program held at the UML central office in Chyasal on Friday, Oli said he had never imagined that the former President would create problems for the party after completing her tenure. “I never thought that a former President would act in ways that create friction within the party after leaving office,” Oli remarked.
RSP suspends Hari Prasad Kandel over fake certificate allegations
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has suspended its leader, Hari Prasad Kandel, following his arrest on charges of producing fake academic certificates from institutions in Nepal and India. Kandel, who served as coordinator for RSP’s Bagmati Province Training Department, was suspended by Ramakanta Rimal, acting head of the party’s Central Disciplinary Commission, on Friday. The suspension aims to facilitate investigation and ensure that party responsibilities are not compromised during the inquiry. “If found guilty, further action may be taken. Meanwhile, Kandel will not hold any position or responsibility within the party,” said Rimal.
National Assembly passes Citizenship Amendment Bill
The National Assembly (NA) has unanimously passed the Nepal Citizenship (Second Amendment) Bill, 2081. During Friday’s session, Speaker of the National Assembly Narayan Prasad Dahal announced the bill’s approval. The bill had been received from the House of Representatives along with the report of the Legislative Management Committee and was tabled by Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak for final passage. Addressing concerns raised by lawmakers during earlier discussions, Home Minister Lekhak stated that the bill had been made more progressive, practical, and transparent through the parliamentary process, compared to the original version submitted by the government.
Cricket: Nepal narrowly loses to Pakistan Shaheens
Nepal lost to Pakistan Shaheens by just one run in today’s match under the ongoing Top End T20 Series in Darwin, Australia. In the game held at Marara Cricket Ground 2, Pakistan Shaheens won the toss and chose to bat first, setting a target of 145 runs. In reply, Nepal fell just short, scoring 143 runs for the loss of seven wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Nepal’s captain Rohit Paudel led the scoring with a half-century—52 runs off 44 balls—hitting six fours and one six. Dipendra Singh Airee added 41 runs, Asif Sheikh made 27, and Lokesh Bam chipped in with 10.
Parties once fighting feudal landlords now pave way for corporate landlords
Political parties in Nepal that once championed movements against feudal land ownership are now under fire for enabling a new form of land concentration in the hands of big corporations and business houses. Both ruling and opposition parties have been backing legal amendments that allow firms and corporate groups to own land holdings beyond the legal ceiling, a practice critics are calling corporate land grabbing. Since the promulgation of the Constitution, the Land Act of 1964 has already been amended more than half a dozen times. Successive governments, from KP Sharma Oli to Pushpa Kamal Dahal and the current coalition, have each pushed changes that expand exemptions on land ceiling rules in the name of investment facilitation.
NC General Secretary Thapa Calls for Constitution amendment
General Secretary of the ruling Nepali Congress (NC), Gagan Thapa, emphasized on Thursday that amending the constitution is not a matter of choice or luxury, but a necessary step to resolve the pressing challenges confronting the country’s political system. Speaking at a talk program organized by the Local Leadership Development Forum on the theme “A Decade of Federalism: A Review and the Way Forward”, Thapa stated that major political parties must be willing to take bold steps — even at political risk — to amend the constitution.
PABSON takes a stand against Education Bill with vehicle rally
Private and Boarding Schools’ Organization Nepal (PABSON) staged a protest today against provisions in the Education Bill, claiming they are against the interests of private schools. Starting at 11:00 AM, schools across the country displayed black banners on their vehicles and positioned them at key intersections near school premises. PABSON announced that the vehicles would move slowly at a speed of 20 km per hour in city areas as part of the protest. Within the Kathmandu Valley, all school vehicles circulated around the 27-kilometer Ring Road carrying black banners. PABSON’s protest reflects growing opposition among private school stakeholders to the bill, which they argue could negatively impact school management and operations.
Teachers’ Federation announces fresh protest against School Education Bill
The Nepal Teachers’ Federation has announced the first phase of protests, claiming that key concerns of teachers and staff were ignored in the School Education Bill recently endorsed by the Education Committee of Parliament. The Federation said that despite earlier agreements with the government, many of their major demands had not been addressed in the draft bill. Federation Chair Laxmi Kishore Subedi acknowledged that the bill contained some positive provisions but stressed that critical issues concerning teachers and employees remained unresolved. As part of the initial protest plan, the Federation will submit memorandums to the Prime Minister, Education Minister, and chief whips of political parties on August 25. From August 27 to September 5, teachers will deliver memorandums to all major political party offices in Kathmandu while staging two-hour sit-ins.
RSP leader arrested over fake academic certificate
Hari Prasad Kandel, a leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has been arrested on charges of producing counterfeit academic certificates from Nepal and India. Police apprehended 50-year-old Kandel, coordinator of the RSP Bagmati Province Training Department, based on information provided by Abhishek Yadav, a 25-year-old Indian national arrested earlier at Belahiya Bus Park in Siddharthanagar Municipality-9, near the Nepal-India border. According to Yadav’s statement to Rupandehi police, he had been producing fake academic certificates, transcripts, hallmarks, visa stickers, and other documents under Kandel’s guidance. Investigations revealed that the forged documents were linked to various educational institutions in both Nepal and India.
Country’s political and social situation deteriorating: Dr. Koirala
Nepali Congress (NC) leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala has expressed concern over the worsening political and social climate in the country, warning that the situation is deteriorating day by day. Speaking at a program in Kathmandu on Friday, Koirala emphasized that the responsibility for reversing this decline lies not only with politicians but also with schools and civil servants. “Our political and social environment is collapsing. It is the duty of schools, political leaders, and government employees to help improve it,” he said, calling for collective effort and a shift in mindset. “We must ask ourselves: how can we move the country forward together?”
Maoist Centre protests tax rate changes made without House’s consent
The Maoist Centre has objected to what it calls unauthorized changes to tax rates, accusing the government of bypassing Parliament. Speaking at Friday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Maoist Centre Deputy General Secretary Barshaman Pun said reports had surfaced that tax rates were altered after the passage of the Finance Bill, raising serious concerns within the party. Pun argued that tampering with tax rates outside the parliamentary process amounted to an economic crime. He warned that such actions undermine transparency and accountability in fiscal governance.
HoR receives report on bill to amend and integrate school education laws
The report on the bill aimed at amending and integrating school education laws, has been presented to the House of Representatives. During Friday’s parliamentary session, Ammar Bahadur Thapa, chairperson of the Education, Health, and Information Technology Committee, submitted the report. The committee had approved the bill the previous day. While presenting the report, Chairperson Thapa claimed that the bill follows a historic path in shaping the country’s education system. He also urged concerned stakeholders opposing the bill not to resort to protests. “This is unprecedented and will not be seen again. The bill adopts a historic approach,” Thapa said. “Therefore, I appeal to those who intend to take the path of protest to reconsider and not pursue it.”
Govt preparing legal framework to tackle cybercrime and media misuse
Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has said the government is preparing to introduce a bill to regulate the use of social media in order to curb disorder and misuse being carried out under the name of media. Speaking at a press conference organized by Press Chautari Nepal in Kaski on Friday, Minister Gurung said attempts were being made to spread confusion about the proposed bill. “This bill is not meant for control but for regulation,” Gurung said. “This is a democratic government, and it has no mandate to act in a way that suppresses democratic values and norms.”
Preparations underway to bring all Nepalis under SSF coverage: Minister Bhandari
Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Sharat Singh Bhandari has said that preparations are underway to bring all Nepalis under the Social Security Fund (SSF). Responding to queries during Wednesday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Minister Bhandari said that necessary measures are being taken to ensure the inclusion of all citizens, including those in the informal sector, under the SSF. He informed the House that 1.835 million Nepali migrant workers have already enrolled in the fund. “Support from all sectors is crucial to ensure full coverage,” he added.
Dengue infection increasing across the country
Dengue infection is on the rise across Nepal, with cases now reported in 74 districts. The number of infections has grown significantly following the onset of the monsoon season. According to Dr. Gokarna Prasad Dahal, Chief of the Insect-Borne Disease Control Section at the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, a total of 3,247 people have been infected with dengue so far. In the past week alone, 211 new cases were reported, and two people have died from the disease. Dr. Dahal said that 568 cases have been confirmed in Koshi Province, 62 in Madhes Province, 675 in Bagmati Province, 914 in Gandaki Province, 551 in Lumbini Province, 93 in Karnali Province, and 384 in Sudurpaschim Province. He also urged the public to remain cautious, as continued rainfall contributes to an increase in mosquito breeding sites.
Prabhu Sah demands govt update on India-China deal to reopen trade route via Lipulekh
The government has been urged to brief Parliament on a recent agreement between India and China to reopen a trade route passing through Nepalese territory at Lipulekh. The request came from Prabhu Sah, a lawmaker from the Aam Janata Party, during the Friday session of the House of Representatives. Speaking in Parliament, Sah said the government should not remain silent on matters tied to the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. “I request the government to inform this House about the agreement between India and China to operate a trade route through Lipulekh,” Sah said. “The government cannot stay quiet on such a critical issue concerning Nepal’s geographical integrity and sovereignty.”
KMC launches ‘Walk and Act’ dengue drive today
Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) launched a one-day mega campaign today to control the spread of dengue in Kathmandu. Titled ‘Walk and Act’, the campaign began at 8:00 AM from the Rastriya Sabha, Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu. As part of the initiative, teams destroyed mosquito breeding sites and use loudspeakers to spread awareness about dengue prevention.
Villages in Myagdi face depopulation as families migrate in search of opportunities
Every year, around 250 families migrate from Myagdi district to other places. According to records from the local registration office, about 100 families move to municipalities within the district annually. This increasing migration is affecting social, cultural, and development activities in rural areas, leading to a shortage of students in schools. In the fiscal year 2024/25, as many as 89 families relocated within Myagdi, while 247 families migrated outside the district. In the previous fiscal year, 2023/24, around 100 families migrated, according to local registration data.
19 rarest bird species in the world found in Shuklaphanta
Shuklaphanta National Park, with its lush green fields, dense forests, and wetlands, is famous not only for tigers, rhinos, and buffaloes but also for its remarkable bird diversity. The park is home to 465 bird species, including 19 that are considered rare worldwide. Among these rare birds are species such as the little tit, stork, black-footed eagle, various vultures including the black-footed vulture and small brown vulture, golden vulture, witch’s eagle, critically endangered falcons, white-throated pheasant, and several others.
Unified Socialist instructs to celebrate party foundation day
The Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Socialist) has instructed all its district committees to celebrate the party’s fourth foundation day on August 25 by organizing various programs across the country. The party has also called on its people’s organizations, both within Nepal and abroad, to mark the occasion. According to Deputy Chief of the Central Publicity Department, Damodar Aryal, the party has directed its central, provincial, district, and local structures—as well as its affiliated organizations and departments—to celebrate the day with creative events.
Suspension bridge connecting Dharan-4 and 14 damaged
The eastern section of the suspension bridge connecting Yayokha Tole of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City-14 and Kirat Basti of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City-4 has been damaged due to flooding in the Seuti River following continuous rainfall. Built in 2057/58 BS at a cost of Rs 5 million, the bridge is considered vital for daily access to Dharan Bazaar. Rajan Chamling, Ward Member of Dharan-4, said the floodwaters from prolonged rains on the 28th, 29th, and 30th of Shrawan damaged the eastern structure of the bridge.
Water level rises in Bagmati, Department urges caution
The water level in the Bagmati River has risen following continuous rainfall in Kathmandu. According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the water level at the Gaurighat Hydrological Station in Kathmandu crossed the alert mark at 12:05 AM. The Department has urged people living near the riverbanks and those traveling along the riverside to exercise caution.
Tax office educating new businesses on tax laws
The Inland Revenue Office has launched an awareness program to educate newly registered taxpayers about income tax, excise duty, and value-added tax (VAT). The initiative targets businesses registered since the beginning of the current fiscal year. According to Punya Bikram Khadka, Chief of the Inland Revenue Office, the training includes key provisions introduced in the Economic Act, 2082. “We are informing new entrepreneurs about income tax, excise, VAT, and how to issue bills properly, as well as how to use the tax-related online portal,” he said.
Rising number of women and children reported missing in Baitadi
Cases of women and children going missing are on the rise in Baitadi in Sudurpaschim Province, which shares an open border with India. Police records show that 52 people reported missing in the past three years remain untraced. According to the District Police Office, 105 people were reported missing in the fiscal year 2022/23, of whom 91 were found, while 14 are still unaccounted for. In 2023/24, 115 people went missing, with 113 later traced. In 2024/25, 122 missing complaints were registered, but only 86 people have been located so far.
Gold price rises by Rs 400 per tola in Nepal
The price of gold in Nepal increased by Rs 400 per tola on Friday, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. With the rise, fine gold was traded at Rs 195,200 per tola, up from Rs 194,800 on Thursday. Earlier, on August 8, gold had reached an all-time high of Rs 199,400 per tola. Silver prices also climbed, rising by Rs 20 per tola. Silver was priced at Rs 2,310 per tola, compared to Rs 2,290 the previous day.
Mechi Customs revenue rises despite decline in trade volume
The Mechi Customs Office has reported revenue collection of Rs 1.265 billion and 79 thousand in the first month of the current fiscal year—an increase of 7.74 percent compared to the same period last year. According to Ishwor Kumar Humagai, Information Officer at the Mechi Customs Office, revenue collection during Shrawan of the previous fiscal year stood at Rs 1.174 billion and 91 thousand. “Although both imports and exports through Mechi Customs declined by 4.90 percent and 14.68 percent respectively, revenue from imports rose by 6.87 percent and from exports by a significant 80.14 percent,” he said.
Public holiday announced in six Lumbini districts on Sunday
The Lumbini Province Government has declared a public holiday on Sunday, August 24, to mark the Barka Atwari festival celebrated by the Tharu community. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law announced that the holiday will be observed in six districts—Dang, Banke, Bardiya, Kapilvastu, Rupandehi, and West Nawalparasi—where the Tharu population is concentrated. Barka Atwari is a traditional festival during which Tharu men customarily observe a fast and worship the sun.
Six students injured in college van accident
Six people were injured when a van carrying college students met with an accident near Shivalaya Temple at Galkot Municipality-5 in Baglung district on Thursday morning. According to the Area Police Office, Galkot, the injured have been identified as Sushmita BK (18), Pramila BK (18), Mohan Singh Sunar (25), Jivan Khattri (19), Amisha Chettri (19), and Sunita Sapkota (18).
Preparations underway to reopen Galchhi–Rasuwagadhi road within a week
The Road Department has initiated efforts to reopen the Galchhi–Trishuli–Syafrubesi–Rasuwagadhi road within a week, following repeated damage caused by floods. According to the Department, reconstruction work is currently ongoing, with the goal of restoring full access within the next few days. The road section sustained significant damage in the flood of July 8, which washed away 1,300 meters of the road. Although it was temporarily reopened on July 20, another flood on July 30 caused extensive damage to five additional locations, completely washing away 600 meters of the road at Medamudung, Kulung, Tatopani, Timure, and Checkpost.
Cardamom exports nearly double via Mechi Customs
Cardamom exports through the Mechi Customs Office have surged by 99.50 percent in the first month of the current fiscal year 2025/26 (August). According to data from the customs office, cardamom worth Rs 321.76 million was exported in Shrawan alone, compared to Rs 161.15 million during the same period last fiscal year. In total, 216.15 metric tons of cardamom were exported in the past month. However, tea exports saw a decline. Exports dropped by 26.80 percent, totaling Rs 374.82 million in August of the current fiscal year, down from Rs 512.28 million during the same period last year, according to Information Officer Ishwar Kumar Humagain.
KOICA marks 30 years in Nepal with $29 million grant agreement
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) celebrated 30 years of development partnership with Nepal through a commemorative event titled “Together for 30 Years: A Journey of Trust and Cooperation” held in Kathmandu. The highlight of the event was the signing of three major project agreements totaling USD 29 million, reflecting KOICA’s strategic priorities for the years ahead.
SAFF U-17 women’s football: Nepal defeats Bhutan
Nepal came from behind to defeat Bhutan in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U-17 Women’s Championship. In the match held today at Changlimithang Stadium in Bhutan, Nepal defeated the hosts by a score of 2-1. Nepal was trailing 1-0 at halftime but equalized in the 58th minute. Sahara Limbu leveled the score, canceling out Bhutan’s opener by Kunden Sonam Shegel in the 42nd minute.
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