KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Bidya Bhandari hits back: ‘No one can erase my 45 years in UML’
Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has stated that there is no justification for revoking her membership in the CPN-UML, asserting her longstanding commitment to the party. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Bhandari said, “It has been 45 years since I became a member of the party. This fact is as clear as daylight. There is no reason to strip me of my membership.” She further said, “The recent decision, which undermines both the rule of law and party values—as well as my individual freedom—has deeply hurt me. Such actions will only harm the party in the long run. Even if the truth can be suppressed for a time, it cannot be hidden forever. This is the essence of democracy.”
Four Ministers resign from Bagmati Province government
Four ministers from the Bagmati Province government have tendered their resignations. The ministers stepping down are Min Krishna Maharjan (Youth and Sports), Suraj Chandra Lamichhane (Internal Affairs and Law), Bimal Thakuri (Culture and Tourism), and Madhu Kumar Shrestha (Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation). All four had recently held a meeting with Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, fueling speculation about political realignments within the province.
No alternative to the incumbent government: PM Oli
Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli has said that the incumbent government has ushered in a wave of development across the country. Addressing a program in Matihani, Mahottari district today, PM Oli stated that the current government, formed through an alliance between the two largest parties—CPN (UML) and the Nepali Congress—is working tirelessly to promote development and good governance. He claimed that significant achievements have been made as infrastructure projects have progressed rapidly, with special priority given to key sectors such as education, health, and transportation.
PM Oli visits drought-hit areas in Madhesh Province
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Friday visited drought-affected areas in the Madhesh Province to assess the impact of the prolonged dry spell on agriculture. Earlier this month, on July 22, the Council of Ministers declared the entire Madhesh Province a disaster crisis zone for a period of three months, citing extreme drought conditions that have severely disrupted paddy plantation across the region. Amid growing concerns over the impact of delayed monsoon rains, PM Oli has been holding consultations with relevant ministers, provincial authorities, and top officials to explore ways to mitigate the crisis and support affected farmers.
PM announces immediate installation of 500 deep borings in Madhes Province
Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli has announced that 500 deep borings will be installed immediately to address the growing water scarcity in Madhes Province. Speaking at the inauguration of a bridge over the Bighi River in Matihani Municipality-8 and a newly built maternity home in Ward No. 6 of Mahottari district, Prime Minister Oli said the initiative aims to alleviate the irrigation and drinking water crisis caused by inadequate rainfall in the region.
Constitutional amendment possible based on necessity: NC President Deuba
Nepali Congress (NC) President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has stated that the Constitution can be amended as needed. Speaking at a talk program titled “Federal Democratic Republic and the Present Constitution”, held in the federal capital on Friday, President Deuba emphasized that the Constitution is rooted in pluralism and is subject to change in response to evolving demands. “Various sectors are currently calling for constitutional amendments—some specifically concerning the role of the Vice President,” he noted.
Nepali Congress slams UML’s Civil Service Bill amendment as ‘unethical’
The ruling Nepali Congress has strongly criticized a recent amendment proposal put forward by lawmakers from coalition partner CPN-UML, calling it “unethical” and “inappropriate” for a party within the governing alliance. The amendment in question seeks to remove the “cooling-off period” provision from the Civil Service Bill, a clause that currently bars retired civil servants from immediately entering politics or taking up politically appointed roles. Five UML lawmakers registered the controversial proposal after the bill passed the House of Representatives and moved to the National Assembly.
No-confidence motion filed against NC parliamentary party leader and Bagmati Chief Minister
A majority of Nepali Congress (NC) members in the Bagmati Province Assembly have registered a no-confidence motion against Chief Minister Bahadur Singh Lama, who also serves as the party’s parliamentary party (PP) leader. Despite being the largest party in the Bagmati Province Assembly with 37 seats, internal dissent has led 21 NC provincial lawmakers to file the motion against their own leader. NC Province Assembly member Indra Bahadur Baniya confirmed the submission of the no-confidence motion at the party’s PP office.
President Poudel and Speaker Ghimire hold talks
Speaker Devraj Ghimire met with President Ram Chandra Poudel at the Presidential Residence, Sheetal Niwas, on Friday. According to the President’s Secretariat, Speaker Ghimire briefed President Poudel on Nepal’s upcoming participation in the World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments, which will be held in Geneva from July 29 to 31. Speaker Ghimire is scheduled to depart for Geneva on July 27 to attend the conference.
We are committed to transforming frustrations into hope: President Paudel
President Ram Chandra Paudel has emphasized that the essence of the federal democratic republic lies in responding to the people’s voices, addressing their aspirations, and building a prosperous nation rooted in good governance and economic development. Speaking at a program organized in Kathmandu to mark the 251st birth anniversary of national luminary Bhimsen Thapa, President Paudel stated, “Within this system, we can fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to us by our ancestors and history.” He called on all stakeholders to stay focused on this shared national goal.
47 Nepali women traveling to Kuwait on visit visas returned from India
A group of 47 Nepali women attempting to travel to Kuwait on visit visas has been returned to Nepal from Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, India. The women, who were traveling without a No Objection Certificate (NOC), were stopped in coordination with the Nepali Embassy in Delhi and transported to Rupandehi by land last night. According to Rupandehi Chief District Officer (CDO) Basudev Ghimire, the women were taken into custody by a team from the Nepali Embassy in Delhi, including Senior Superintendent of Police Prakash Malla.
Five Nepalis released from Iranian jail return
Five Nepali nationals who had been imprisoned in Iran have safely returned to Nepal, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Friday. In a press statement, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba informed that the individuals arrived in Kathmandu last night following sustained diplomatic efforts by the Government of Nepal. According to the ministry, the repatriation was carried out amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran following the outbreak of conflict on June 13. Upon learning that five Nepalis were incarcerated in Iran, the government initiated diplomatic measures to ensure their release and safe return.
Nepal calls for international solidarity to address climate crisis
Deputy Speaker Indira Rana, has called for urgent international solidarity to ensure climate justice for countries like Nepal that are facing the severe and disproportionate impacts of climate change. Speaking at a forum organized by the Shanghai Cooperation Forum in Henan Province, China, on Friday, Deputy Speaker Rana said Nepal, as a mountainous and climate-vulnerable country, is on the frontlines of the climate crisis despite contributing very little to its causes. “Mountains are losing snow cover. Citizens of mountainous and rural areas are directly affected by the impacts of climate change,” she said. “We need international solidarity immediately to lessen such impacts, promote green energy, and ensure climate justice.”
Exhausted from nonstop work: PM Oli
Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli said that he is feeling exhausted due to continuous work pressure, day and night. In a social media post on Friday morning, the Prime Minister shared that he did not participate in any external programs on Thursday because of fatigue. “I was tired due to the pressure of work day and night. I did not attend any outside programs yesterday,” he wrote.
HoR: Lawmakers urge govt to announce relief package for Tarai-Madhes
Lawmakers in the House of Representatives have urged the government to immediately announce a relief package for drought-affected farmers in the Tarai-Madhes region. Farmers in these districts are struggling with both drinking water shortages and severe drought due to lack of rainfall. Speaking during Thursday’s House session, lawmakers called for urgent measures, including subsidies and concessions on electricity used for irrigation.
2,337 electric vehicles imported via Birgunj checkpoint last fiscal year
A total of 2,337 electric vehicles (EVs), both small and large, worth Rs 1.64 billion were imported through the Birgunj checkpoint in the last fiscal year. The Birgunj Customs Office collected Rs 1.80 billion in revenue from EV imports alone during this period. According to Deepak Lamichhane, Chief Customs Administrator at the Birgunj Customs Office, fuel-powered vehicles still outnumber EVs in terms of total imports via the checkpoint.
Motorcyclist dies after being hit by Bolero jeep
A motorcyclist died after being hit by a Bolero vehicle carrying vegetables at Shanti Chowk, Ratnanagar Municipality-3, along the East-West Highway. The victim has been identified as Mukunda Kandel, 35, of Kalika Municipality-2. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Rabindra Khanal of the Chitwan District Police Office, the accident occurred around 12:30 am when a Bolero (Province 2-02-001 Cha 0510), en route from Khairhani to Tandi, struck a motorcycle (Ba Pra 03-001 Kha 3365) heading from Janakpur to Kathmandu.
Lumbini should be developed as a hub for quality education: FM Paudel
Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel has stressed the need to develop Lumbini as a center for quality education. Speaking at a program to lay the foundation stone of an international hostel and launch the Devdaha Master Plan, Paudel also unveiled the Infrastructure Master Plan for Devdaha in Rupandehi district, which carries an estimated cost of Rs 80 billion. He recalled that the government had allocated around 92 bigha of land at Devdaha to Lumbini Buddhist University in 2077 BS. This land has now been incorporated into the newly unveiled master plan.
Shyam Ghimire mocks RSP MPs: Visit visas made you politicians
Nepali Congress Chief Whip Shyam Kumar Ghimire on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and its leadership, including party chair and former Deputy Prime Minister Rabi Lamichhane, during a meeting of the House of Representatives. Ghimire’s remarks came amid an ongoing disruption of parliamentary proceedings by the RSP, which has been demanding the formation of a high-level investigation committee to probe alleged irregularities in visit visa processing involving Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.
Gold price drops for second straight day
The price of gold in Nepal declined for the second consecutive day, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. As per the latest rates, the price of gold fell by Rs 500 per tola, bringing it down to Rs 194,700 per tola. In contrast, the price of silver has seen a slight increase. It rose by Rs 5 per tola and was traded at Rs 2,340 per tola.
Bagmati govt tells defaulters of troubled cooperatives to settle loans by September 16
The Office of the Problematic Cooperative Management Committee under the Bagmati Provincial Government has issued a public notice urging borrowers of five troubled cooperatives to settle their outstanding loans by September 16. According to the notice published on Friday, the committee has called on borrowers from Civil, Darshan, National Namobuddha, Laligurans, and Sumeru Savings and Credit Cooperatives to clear their dues by September 16. The committee clarified that for those who repay their loans within the deadline, interest and penalties will be calculated based on the day prior to the cooperative being officially declared problematic.
Man killed by younger brother in Siraha
A man was fatally attacked by his younger brother in Golbazar Municipality–3, Musaharnia, Siraha, on Thursday evening following a domestic dispute, police said. According to the Area Police Office in Golbazar, 25-year-old Shyam Sada attacked his 35-year-old brother Motiram Sada with a khukuri during a heated argument. Reports indicate that the victim had stepped in to break up a family quarrel when he was struck. Motiram sustained serious injuries to his chest and was rushed to the Provincial Hospital in Lahan for treatment. However, doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.
NEPSE logs five-day winning streak and jumps 112 points
Nepal’s stock market extended its rally for a second consecutive week, buoyed by positive investor sentiment following the release of the Monetary Policy for the current fiscal year. The NEPSE index posted gains in all five trading sessions this week, rising by a cumulative 112 points to close at 2,982.64 on Thursday. The market opened the week at 2,870.63 and gained an average of 22 points per day, reflecting sustained bullish momentum across sectors. Investor confidence has been lifted by expectations of improved liquidity and policy support for the capital market, as signaled by Nepal Rastra Bank’s recent measures.
Five arrested for duping job seekers with fake foreign employment promises
Nepal Police have arrested five individuals on charges of defrauding job seekers by promising lucrative employment opportunities abroad. Those arrested have been identified as Sajan Gurung, Deepak Thapa, Tek Bahadur KC, Bharat Prasad Pandey and Prem Prasad Bhushal. According to the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office in Teku, the suspects allegedly lured victims with promises of jobs in Germany, Georgia, Greece, and South Korea and collected large sums of money before cutting contact.
Coffee farming expanding in Koshi Province
Coffee farming is rapidly expanding across Koshi Province, with commercial cultivation now underway in all 12 districts. Ananta Dhungana, Information Officer at the National Tea and Coffee Development Board’s Regional Office in Birtamod, said that coffee farming has spread over more than 2,000 hectares in the province. Commercial coffee cultivation is active in Ilam, Dhankuta, Bhojpur, Khotang, Sankhuwasabha, Okhaldhunga, Solukhumbu, Tehrathum, Udayapur, Morang, Panchthar, and Taplejung districts. Over 5,000 farmers are currently engaged in coffee farming.
Madhesh faces acute drought as monsoon fails to arrive
Despite nearly two months of an active monsoon system across the country, eight districts in Nepal’s Madhesh Province have yet to receive meaningful rainfall, pushing the region into a severe agricultural crisis. Farmers who rely entirely on seasonal rains for rice cultivation have been left waiting well beyond the traditional planting period. With the third week of July already over, most farmers in the region have been unable to transplant paddy due to a prolonged dry spell. The crisis has deepened to the extent that on July 10, the Madhesh Provincial Government declared the eight districts drought-affected.
Unfavorable monsoon raises concerns over reduced paddy production
Paddy planting has been severely affected in Madhes Province and other key grain-producing regions of Nepal due to this year’s unfavorable monsoon. On the recommendation of the Madhes Province government, the Federal Government has declared the province a disaster-prone area for three months. Stakeholders have expressed growing concerns over a potential decline in paddy production. According to the Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives of Madhes Province, only 47 percent of the paddy planting has been completed so far.
Bhanu Ghansi Park being reconstructed
Bhanu Ghansi Park, located in Ghansikuwa, Byas Municipality-12 of Tanahun, is set to be reconstructed after being displaced due to the expansion of the Muglin–Pokhara road. The Muglin–Pokhara Road Project (Eastern Section) is leading the reconstruction effort. The park, originally built to honor national literary figure Bhanubhakta Acharya, was dismantled as it fell within the road expansion parameters. Now, a detailed project report (DPR) has been prepared with support from the road project to restore and enhance the park. Gopal Surkhali, Vice-Chairperson of the Bhanu Ghansi Memorial Conservation Committee, stated that the DPR aims to develop the park into a more attractive and meaningful site.
Myagdi produces 35,000 metric tons of potatoes
Potato production in Myagdi district has increased by nine percent this year compared to the previous year. According to the Agricultural Knowledge Center, a total of 35,000 metric tons of potatoes have been produced across 1,820 hectares of land, with an average yield of 19.5 metric tons per hectare. Sanjeev Bastola, head of the center, attributed the rise in production to the expansion of cultivated area, favorable weather conditions, and the absence of major pests and diseases. In the previous fiscal year 2024/25, the district had produced 31,450 metric tons of potatoes on 1,750 hectares of land.
6.5-km trail built to boost access to Dhaulagiri Base Camp
A trekking route leading to the base camp of Mt. Dhaulagiri—the world’s seventh highest mountain at 8,167 meters—has been constructed in Mudi, Dhaulagiri Rural Municipality-4. In the last fiscal year 2024/25, the rural municipality developed the trail from the Italian Base Camp in Mudi to the Swiss Camp via the Japanese Camp, utilizing a federal budget of Rs 5.4 million. Kul Bahadur Gharti, Secretary of the Dhaulagiri Mountain Climbing Trekking Route Construction Users’ Committee, said around 6.5 kilometers of trail were constructed using Rs 4.9 million from the budget and an additional Rs 500,000 in labor contributions from the local community.
Historical ‘Thuldhunga’ in Lamjung awaits preservation
A large stone known as ‘Thuldhunga’ sits on the banks of the Madi River, about 500 meters from the Ishaneshwor Mahadev Temple in Karaputar, Central Nepal Municipality-7 in Lamjung district. This historically and mythologically significant stone remains neglected despite its cultural value. According to local legend, the stone marks the spot where a woman in labor for seven days was buried. However, efforts to preserve this heritage site have been lacking.
‘One community forest, one pond’ campaign progresses in Syangja
A total of 27 recharge ponds have been constructed across Syangja district under the ‘One Community Forest, One Pond’ campaign. Initiated by the Gandaki Province Government in fiscal year 2078/79 BS, the campaign aims to conserve water sources and enhance the sustainability of forest ecosystems. According to Ammar Bahadur Parajuli, Forest Officer at the Division Forest Office, the campaign has been implemented steadily over the past four fiscal years. “Three recharge ponds were constructed in FY 2081/82, 12 in FY 2080/81, eight in FY 2079/80, and four in FY 2078/79,” he informed.
Bharatpur Metropolitan City awards scholarships to 438 students
Bharatpur Metropolitan City in Chitwan has selected 438 students for scholarships this year, significantly increasing the number from 266 last year. The scholarships are intended for students entering grade 11, with eligibility based on student numbers in both institutional and community schools. According to Subash Chandra Acharya, Chief of the Educational Administration Division at the metropolis, the selected students will receive scholarships for both grades 11 and 12. He stated that 1,161 students had applied, and 438 were selected based on the criteria set by the city.
Fires destroys property worth over Rs 2 million in eastern Nepal
Multiple incidents of fire across eastern Nepal have destroyed property worth over Rs 2.3 million, according to local police reports. In Sunsari’s Barahakshetra Municipality-2, a fire broke out at the cowshed of Subash Rai on Thursday night, causing damage worth approximately Rs 900,000. Similarly, a blaze at a scrap warehouse operated by Amit Jaishwal in Duhabi-3, Sunsari, on Thursday afternoon destroyed goods worth around Rs 600,000.
‘Chhaugoth’ demolition campaign continues in Krishnapur after snakebite death
The campaign to demolish Chhaugoths—menstrual sheds—has continued in Krishnapur Municipality-1 following the death of 28-year-old Kamala Damai (Auji), who died of a snakebite while staying in a Chhaugoth during her menstruation last week. Ward Chairperson Mohan Basnet informed that the demolition drive has been initiated in Nigali and Shreepur Tole of Domilla within the ward. So far, 15 Chhaugoths have been torn down in these two localities. A dedicated committee has been formed and mobilized to carry out the demolitions and raise awareness.
Number of tourists visiting Shuklaphanta decreases
The number of tourists visiting Shuklaphanta National Park has declined this fiscal year. Compared to the previous fiscal year, both domestic and international tourist arrivals in the park saw a drop in 2024/25. According to Purushottam Wagle, the park’s information officer, a total of 4,574 visitors had entered the park in fiscal year 2023/24. Among them, 4,294 were Nepali nationals, 137 from SAARC countries, and 143 from other foreign nations. In contrast, this year’s figure dropped to 3,722, comprising 3,371 Nepalis, 199 SAARC nationals, and 152 foreign visitors.
Couple electrocuted while cutting grass dies during treatment in Surkhet
A couple has died after being electrocuted while cutting grass at their home in Birendranagar Municipality-12, Neware. According to the District Police Office, Surkhet, 55-year-old Dhaniram Acharya and his 50-year-old wife Dhankumari Upadhyaya sustained serious injuries while using an electric grass-cutting machine. The incident occurred on Friday morning.
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