KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Rabi Lamichhane to remain in custody as Supreme Court rejects habeas corpus plea
The Supreme Court has upheld the Butwal bench of the High Court’s decision to detain Rastriya Swatantra Party Chairman and former Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane in connection with the Supreme Cooperative fraud case. A joint bench of Justices Nahakul Subedi and Balkrishna Dhakal dismissed the habeas corpus petition filed by Lamichhane’s wife, Nikita Poudel, which had demanded his release from custody. With this ruling, Lamichhane will remain in detention until the Rupandehi District Court delivers a final verdict on the fraud case. He will only be released if acquitted of all charges by the District Court.
Supreme Court warns against indecent remarks on judges
The Supreme Court has ordered the continued detention of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane and former DIG Chhabilal Joshi. The decision was issued by a joint bench of Justices Nahakul Subedi and Bal Krishna Dhakal, upholding the previous ruling of the Butwal bench of the High Court. Alongside the detention order, the Supreme Court also issued a strong warning against making indecent or disrespectful comments about judges and their rulings.
PM Oli vows to crush monarchy revival efforts
Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli has asserted that the CPN-UML is at the forefront of efforts to safeguard the rights of the people and the sovereignty of the nation, vowing to resist all forms of regressive attempts. Speaking at the inauguration of the 10th National Convention of the National Youth Association Nepal today, Prime Minister Oli warned against harboring illusions about the return of the monarchy. “There is no sign in anyone’s horoscope of the monarchy making a comeback,” he said, referring to recent pro-monarchy sentiments.
Police recommend charges against 108 in violent pro-monarchy protest case
Police have submitted a report following the completion of their investigation into those arrested during the violent royalist demonstration in Tinkune on March 28. The Kathmandu District Police Range team submitted the investigation report to the District Attorney’s Office after nearly two months of inquiry. Confirming the submission, Ramhari Sharma, Chief of the Attorney’s Office said that the report has bene received. According to him, they are preparing to register the report on Sunday.
Govt heading the wrong way, public revolt possible: Prachanda
Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has warned that a major public uprising could erupt if the government fails to address growing public discontent. Speaking at a program in Baglung on Friday, Prachanda accused the government of heading in the wrong direction at a time when public frustration and anger are intensifying. He cautioned that while his party has not yet called for agitation, it has issued a stern warning. If the government continues on its current path, he said, a significant uprising could occur after the monsoon.
Writ filed in SC against NRB Governor Poudel over political ties
A writ petition has been filed at the Supreme Court challenging the appointment of Dr. Biswo Nath Poudel as the Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), alleging that his selection violates the Nepal Rastra Bank Act, 2002, and was driven by political interests. Advocates Anantaraj Luintel, Pratibha Upreti, and Bishal Thapa filed the petition claiming Dr. Poudel’s appointment is unlawful, arguing he lacks the required qualifications in monetary, banking, and financial sectors as outlined in Section 15 of the Act. Instead, Dr. Poudel holds a degree in rural development economics, which they say does not meet the eligibility criteria for the position.
Home Minister Lekhak urges zero tolerance on peace and security issues
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has directed security agencies to make no compromises when it comes to maintaining peace and security, calling it the foundation of national stability. Speaking at the inauguration of the Madhesh Province-level security seminar in Janakpur on Friday, Minister Lekhak emphasized that peace and security are essential for ensuring good governance. He urged all security agencies to carry out their duties with discipline and a strong sense of responsibility.
Nepal unanimously elected to WHO Executive Board
Nepal has been unanimously elected as an Executive Member of the World Health Organization (WHO) from the Southeast Asia region during the 78th World Health Assembly held in Geneva. With this election, Nepal will serve on the WHO Executive Board for a three-year term. Following the announcement, Minister for Health and Population, Pradeep Poudel, described the appointment as a significant opportunity for Nepal to share its achievements in healthcare reform and to learn from global best practices.
Pokhara Airport: PAC refers report to CIAA
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Federal Parliament has forwarded a report to the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), outlining findings related to alleged corruption in the construction of Pokhara International Airport. Following a committee meeting held on Wednesday, the report—along with the committee’s official decision—was submitted to the CIAA on Friday.
Despite revenue shortfalls, Nepal set to bring budget above Rs 1.9 trillion
As the fiscal year nears its end, Nepal’s government is preparing to unveil a new federal budget exceeding Rs 1.9 trillion for fiscal year 2025/26, even as past performance raises serious concerns about implementation and funding gaps. Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel is expected to announce the budget on May 29, amid a growing chorus of criticism over chronic under-execution, ballooning debt, and rising political interference.
Last year, then-Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat presented a budget of Rs 1.751 trillion for fiscal year 2023/24, promising “effective and result-oriented mobilization of resources.”
Negative mindset hindering Nepal’s progress: Dr. Arzu Rana
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Arzu Rana has stated that the prevailing culture of negativity in Nepali society is a major barrier to national development. Speaking at a reception organized by the Nepali People’s Liaison Committee, Japan, in Tokyo, Minister Rana emphasized that the pervasive mindset of defeatism—embodied in attitudes such as “nothing will change” or “it’s not possible”—must be overcome for meaningful progress to take place.
Govt approves economic reform implementation plan
The government has approved the Economic Reform Implementation Action Plan 2025 to begin executing recommendations submitted by the High-Level Economic Reform Recommendation Commission, led by former Finance Secretary Rameshore Khanal. The plan includes 408 detailed action points derived from the commission’s report, which aims to address Nepal’s pressing economic challenges through comprehensive reforms. The action plan is designed to be implemented by various government bodies, including federal ministries, the National Planning Commission, Nepal Rastra Bank, and other key institutions.
Govt to legalize floor-wise property division in major land reform push
The government is set to introduce a new legal provision that will allow the division of individual floors within a house for ownership and inheritance purposes. This is part of the Economic Reform Action Plan, 2025, which outlines a series of reforms aimed at addressing urban housing challenges and land fragmentation. According to the plan, a new law will be issued within one year to prevent the widespread fragmentation of land, which has contributed to inefficient land use and urban sprawl.
Eight Immigration Office employees transferred over visit visa case
Eight staff members from the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Immigration Office have been transferred in connection with an investigation into a visit visa case. The Ministry of Home Affairs also reassigned a deputy sub-inspector and a computer operator amid suspicions of high-level involvement in the matter. Among those transferred, Deputy Sub-Inspector Prem Prasad Poudel and Deputy Sub-Inspector Bir Bhadra Joshi have been moved to the District Administration Office in Kathmandu, while Deputy Sub-Inspector Nara Bahadur Thapa has been posted to the District Administration Office in Banke.
Twin quakes jolt Baitadi
An earthquake has occurred in Baitadi today. The earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale occurred at 1.48 am, with its epicentre at Khalanga, the district headquarters, said Chintan Timalsina, the Head of the Earthquake Monitoring Centre, Surkhet. This was followed by a second earthquake measuring 3.7 on the Richter scale at 2.00 am. After two consecutive tremors, the local residents here had scurried out of their homes. The tremor was felt in Darchula, Bajhang, and Dadeldhura, said the Centre’s chief Timalsina. Details of the damage caused by the earthquake are yet to be received.
Former DSP exposes political pressure in human trafficking probe at TIA
Former DSP Govinda Panthi has made explosive revelations about intense political and bureaucratic pressure, threats, and forced transfers he faced during an investigation into human trafficking, forged documents, and illegal transactions under the guise of “visit visas” at Tribhuvan International Airport.
In a detailed social media post on Friday, Panthi disclosed that powerful human trafficking networks — including agents, travel agencies, consultancies, manpower companies, and even government officials — were involved in systematic exploitation through Tribhuvan International Airport.
Foreign Minister meets JICA President in Tokyo
Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, held a meeting with Dr. Akihiko Tanaka, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), at the agency’s headquarters in Tokyo on Friday. The two discussed Nepal-Japan bilateral relations and a range of issues of mutual interest. During the meeting, Minister Dr. Rana expressed Nepal’s gratitude for Japan’s longstanding support in Nepal’s economic and social development through JICA.
KMC launches yoga camps to promote preventive health care
Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has launched a series of yoga camps to encourage residents to practice yoga based on their physical condition and health status. The initiative is being carried out under the “Arogya Jeevan” (Healthy Life) golden program. According to KMC’s Health Department, each camp runs for five days in a specific location. The first yoga camp was conducted on April 27 in Ward 14, followed by the second in Ward 12 on May 4 and another in Ward 15 on May 13. The most recent camp, which began last Monday in the Dharahara area, concluded on Friday. The next yoga camps are scheduled to be held in Wards 31 and 23.
Gold prices down Rs 1,100
Gold prices have gone down on Friday. According to the Federation of Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold went down by Rs 1,100 on Friday. With that, gold is now being traded at Rs 190,400 per tola, down by Rs 191,500. The price of silver has also gone down by Rs 20. According to the Association, silver is now being traded at Rs 2,005 per tola, down from Rs 2,025 per tola.
Infrastructure development a top priority for Maoist Centre: Prachanda
Chairperson of the Maoist Centre Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ emphasized that infrastructure development remains a top priority for his party. He made this statement while attending a program organized by Tarakhola Rural Municipality in Baglung district today. During the event, Dahal pledged to advocate for sufficient budget allocation to upgrade the Shahid Marga (Martyr Road) in Tarakhola. “We will request the government to allocate funds for expanding the road that connects Tarakhola Rural Municipality to the national road network,” he said.
380 households in Baglung’s Dagatundanda face water crisis
A decade-old drinking water project remains incomplete in Dagatundanda of Badigad Rural Municipality, Baglung, leaving 380 households grappling with a severe water shortage. The ‘One House, One Tap’ scheme was launched ten years ago to address the deteriorating condition of a 1991 water supply system that had once served over 700 households. However, the new project, initiated in 2015 to provide clean water to an additional 380 homes, has yet to be finished—leaving the community frustrated and desperate.
Pre-monsoon rains expose BP Highway’s dire condition
The BP Highway, one of Nepal’s key roads, remains in a state of disarray nearly eight months after a massive flood in the Roshi River severely damaged it. Despite its strategic importance, reconstruction work has yet to begin, and the road condition continues to deteriorate, causing growing concern among commuters and locals. Even pre-monsoon rains are enough to turn the diversions in the highway into a dangerous route. With the onset of monsoon nearing, passengers and drivers are forced to navigate life-threatening conditions, risking accidents and further delays.
Nikol Kovalchuk completes 14 peaks, nears Seven Summits achievement
High-altitude mountaineer, entrepreneur, and mother of four, Nikol Kovalchuk, has successfully completed one of the most prestigious and demanding feats in global mountaineering — summiting all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks. Her final climb, Kanchenjunga (8,586m), was completed on May 19, alongside Elite Exped and under the guidance of celebrated climber Nimsdai “Nims” Purja. The 14 Peaks are known for pushing even the most experienced climbers to their limits.
Nine injured in jeep accident in Taplejung
A Bolero jeep accident in Taplejung has left nine individuals, including the driver, injured. According to police reports, the vehicle was en route from Nalbu in Meringden Rural Municipality–6 to the district headquarters, Phungling, when the incident occurred. The jeep (license plate Me 1 Cha 1317) lost control due to a brake failure and crashed in Sakphara, located in Ward 2 of Santhakra, within the same rural municipality.
Nepal aims to become hub for Buddhism and spiritual tourism: Minister Pandey
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey has pledged to establish Nepal as a global centre for Buddhism and spiritual tourism. Speaking at the inauguration of the Buddhist International Travel Mart (BITM), Minister Pandey highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting Nepal’s rich Buddhist heritage. Key initiatives include developing major Buddhist circuits such as Kapilvastu, Ramgram, Devdaha, and Tilaurakot, and promoting Lumbini as the “International City of Peace.”
Industries to get cheaper electricity in rainy season under new economic plan
The government has proposed providing electricity to industrialists at concessional rates during periods of high power generation. This plan is outlined in the Economic Reform Action Plan, 2025, which the government has approved. According to the plan, the concessional electricity rate will be implemented during the rainy season when electricity production is abundant.
President Paudel stresses self-discipline, compassion, and non-violence
President Ram Chandra Paudel has underscored the importance of translating the core principles of Buddhist philosophy—self-discipline, compassion, tolerance, and non-violence—into practice. Speaking at a program on Friday attended by lamas and nuns who had completed the 47th nationwide visit representing various monasteries, President Paudel said that putting these principles into action while preserving both the tangible and intangible Buddhist heritage would gradually open avenues for national benefit.
Nepal-UK Parliamentary Friendship Group meeting set for May 26
The Nepal-UK Parliamentary Friendship Group is scheduled to meet on May 26. Group coordinator and House of Representatives member Biraj Bhakta Shrestha informed that the meeting will be held at the International Relations and Tourism Committee hall in Singha Durbar. According to Shrestha, the meeting aims to strengthen the historic Nepal-UK relations and enhance mutual cooperation and support between lawmakers of the two countries.
Education a vital right for people with disabilities: Minister Pant
Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Raghuji Pant, has emphasized that access to education is crucial for empowering people with disabilities across all dimensions of life. Speaking at an interaction program on “Policy Provision for Inclusive Education and Future Roadmap,” organized by the Education and Human Resources Development Centre today, Minister Pant stated that people with disabilities can outperform others if provided with equal opportunities.
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