KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Ishwori Neupane elected unopposed as Chairperson of State Affairs and Good Governance Committee
Nepali Congress (NC) lawmaker Ishwori Neupane has been elected unopposed as the Chairperson of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee. She was elected without opposition after no other candidacies were filed for the position. Her nomination was proposed by the current committee Chair, MP Ramhari Khatiwada, and seconded by UML MP Krishna Gopal Shrestha.
No fines for not installing embossed number plates: Transport Department
No fines will be imposed for failing to install embossed number plates on vehicles by Asoj 1 (September 17). The Department of Transport Management issued a press release on Tuesday, urging the public not to be misled by rumors about fines for missing the Asoj 1 deadline. The press release stated, “It has been decided to gradually install embossed number plates on all government, private, and public vehicles. However, there is a misconception that fines or immediate action will be taken if the plates are not installed by Asoj 1, 2082 (September 17, 2025). We clarify that no fines will be imposed immediately.”
President Paudel urges Jordanian king for Bipin’s release
President Ram Chandra Paudel has urged King Abdullah II of Jordan to take necessary steps for the release of Bipin Joshi, a resident of Mahendranagar who was taken hostage by Hamas. In a letter sent on Tuesday, President Paudel requested the Jordanian monarch to make every possible effort to determine Joshi’s condition, ensure his safe release, and facilitate his return to Nepal. He also expressed Nepal’s appreciation for the humanitarian and diplomatic efforts made by Jordan in this regard.
NC’s Ishwari Neupane resigns as Parliamentary Hearing Committee chair
Nepali Congress lawmaker Ishwari Neupane has resigned from her position as Chairperson of the Parliamentary Hearing Committee. Her resignation comes after the party decided to appoint her as Chair of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee. In a letter submitted to Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire, Neupane informed of her decision to step down, citing her inability to continue in the role. “I hereby inform you that due to special reasons, I am unable to remain as Chairperson of the Parliamentary Hearing Committee constituted under Rule 25 of the Joint Meeting and Joint Committee (Operation) Rules, 2023. Accordingly, I resign from the post with immediate effect,” her letter stated.
Govt to set up 23 new Area Administration Offices
The government has decided to establish 23 new Area Administration Offices across the country. A Cabinet meeting held on Monday endorsed a proposal and forwarded it to the Cabinet’s Administrative Committee for further discussion and implementation, according to officials. The Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the move aims to make administrative services under District and Area Administration Offices more accessible and efficient. The decision comes amid concerns over unequal access to services caused by population density, geographical barriers, and remoteness.
RSP accuses govt of indifference on national issues
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has accused the government of showing indifference towards safeguarding national interests, particularly on the disputed territories of Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani. In a statement issued Tuesday, Shishir Khanal, chief of RSP’s International Relations Department, said the government’s approach had left the party suspicious of its intent. The party demanded that Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal raise the border issue with “clarity and firmness” during his upcoming visits to India and China.
Bidya Devi Bhandari offers support to new generation of politicians
Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has expressed her willingness to support the new generation of political leaders in Nepal. During a meeting with Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) spokesperson Manish Jha at her residence in Bhangal, Bhandari, also a former deputy chairperson of the CPN-UML, stated that she is ready to act as a mentor and guide for emerging political leaders. The 2022 elections saw new parties, including RSP, challenge traditional political forces, while independent leaders such as Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah have also attracted young political talent.
Cholera in Birgunj: Infection confirmed in eight out of 10 samples
Cholera infection has been confirmed in eight out of 10 samples tested in Birgunj, health officials said. Dr. Ranjan Raj Bhatta, Director of the National Public Health Laboratory, stated that stool samples from patients showing cholera symptoms were collected in Birgunj and sent to the national lab for further testing. “Using ‘Bhitech’ technology, we found cholera bacteria in eight out of 10 cultured samples,” he said.
Scrap dealers intensify protest against Balen Shah
Scrap dealers in Kathmandu have stepped up protests against Mayor Balen Shah, accusing him of unleashing a bulldozer terror against their businesses. On Tuesday, scrap workers and traders surrounded the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) office in Kamaladi, chanting slogans and carrying placards with sharp messages against the mayor. They demanded an immediate halt to what they described as harassment, assaults, and forced demolitions carried out by the city police under Shah’s leadership.
RSP’s spokesperson Manish Jha meets Bidya Devi Bhandari
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) spokesperson Manish Jha held talks with former President Bidya Devi Bhandari at her private residence on Tuesday, sources confirmed. The meeting comes at a time when Bhandari has intensified her political positioning, often seen as sharpening her confrontation with CPN-UML chair and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. RSP, meanwhile, has been staging protests against the government, alleging that its chair Rabi Lamichhane was jailed under cooperative fraud charges as part of a political vendetta. The party is currently running a nationwide signature campaign calling for his release.
Nepal beat Australia’s ACT Comet by 41 runs
Nepal secured a 41-run victory over Australia’s ACT Comet side in a practice T20 match on Tuesday morning. After winning the toss, ACT opted to field first, giving Nepal the chance to set the target. Nepal posted 177 runs for the loss of eight wickets, led by opener Aasif Sheikh’s explosive 69 off 39 balls. Captain Rohit Paudel contributed 26 runs from 28 deliveries, while Aarif Sheikh added a quick 24 from 18. Other batsmen, however, failed to make notable scores. Chasing 178, ACT fell short, bowled out for 136 in 17.2 overs. Nepal’s bowlers kept consistent pressure throughout the innings to secure the comfortable win. Sandeep Lamichhane took a hat-trick.
NEPSE edges up 4.83 points, trading volume drops sharply
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 4.83 points on Tuesday, closing at 2,766.09. Despite the rise, overall market turnover fell significantly by more than NPR 1.5 billion. Tuesday’s transactions amounted to Rs 4.18 billion, down from Rs 5.75 billion yesterday. Out of the listed companies, 101 saw their share prices increase, 149 declined, while one remained unchanged.
Cholera detected in 93 people in Birgunj
The number of confirmed cholera cases in Birgunj Metropolitan City has reached 93 as of Monday. Despite efforts by all three tiers of government to prevent and control the outbreak, the number of infections continues to rise. Until Sunday evening, 71 cases of cholera had been confirmed. According to Jaymod Thakur, Public Health Officer at the Health Office Parsa, a total of 93 infections have now been recorded in the city.
More passports issued than citizenship certificates in Jhapa
The number of people receiving passports in Jhapa has surpassed those obtaining citizenship certificates, according to the District Administration Office. Both citizenship and passports are issued through the District Administration Office, along with the Area Administration Offices in Damak and Gaurigunj. Assistant Chief District Officer Dorendra Niraula reported that between mid-July and mid-August, 1,289 individuals received Nepali citizenship certificates, while 2,333 were issued passports during the same period.
KMC destroys 31 litres of substandard oil in Basantapur
The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) on Monday conducted a joint food inspection in Basantapur and Indra Chowk areas under wards 23 and 24, seizing and destroying substandard cooking oil from local eateries. The monitoring was carried out by KMC’s Agriculture and Livestock Department in coordination with the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control using a mobile laboratory van. The inspection team visited four restaurants and one sweet shop.
Bidya Devi Bhandari expresses concern over Rabi Lamichhane’s case
Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has expressed concern regarding Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane, who is currently held at Nakkhu Prison in connection with a cooperative fraud case. During a meeting on Tuesday morning with RSP spokesperson Manish Jha at her private residence in Bhangal, Bhandari criticized the political handling of Lamichhane’s case, stating that instead of resolving the cooperative issue, it has been unnecessarily politicized.
Taplejung’s ‘Chyo Thangi Chyo Pokhari’ shifts color with weather
Chyo Thangi Chyo Pokhari, located in Yasa (Loden) of Mikwakhola Rural Municipality-5, has been steadily gaining popularity among both domestic and international tourists. Known for its unique ability to change color with the weather, the pond is now drawing increasing attention as local promotion efforts grow. Situated at an altitude of 4,400 meters above sea level, the pond appears blue on some days and red on others, depending on the weather conditions, say locals.
Japanese encephalitis infection confirmed in one person in Tanahu
A case of Japanese encephalitis has been confirmed in Tanahu district. The infection was detected in an 80-year-old man from Bhimad Municipality-2. Sudip Kandel, Information Officer at the Public Health Office, Tanahu, said the infection was confirmed during testing at New Medical College in Chitwan. Following the diagnosis, the health office initiated contact tracing and a public awareness campaign in the affected area.
Teej a symbol of emotional unity: President
President Ram Chandra Paudel has said that the Teej festival is not only a religious celebration but also a symbol of emotional unity, love, compassion, and creativity. He emphasized the importance of protecting and promoting the festival and its cultural significance. Extending his best wishes on the occasion of Haritalika (Teej) 2025, a major festival celebrated by Nepali Hindu women, President Paudel wished for happiness, peace, prosperity, and religious, cultural, and social harmony among Nepali women and sisters at home and abroad.
Govt faces backlash over costly, underprepared embossed number plate rollout
Starting from Asoj 1 (September 17), the government has mandated the use of high-security embossed number plates for vehicles across the country. However, many vehicle owners remain unaware of this decision, and the move has faced immediate pushback from stakeholders. On Monday, the Nepal National Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs protested against the mandatory implementation, urging the government to reconsider the directive. The Federation criticized the authorities for collecting fees for embossed number plates without establishing the necessary infrastructure. “At present, transport operators are simply renewing their tax documents under the old system, while also being charged for embossed plates,” the federation stated. “Without proper infrastructure, such revenue collection is unjustified. We call on the relevant ministry to immediately revise the directive.”
Kathmandu Marathon 2025 set for November 1
The much-anticipated Kathmandu Marathon 2025 is scheduled to take place on November 1 with the theme “Run for Heritage, Run for Health.” Organized by NRS Sports Foundation, the annual marathon aims to bring together people from all walks of life onto a single platform, promoting fitness, discipline, and unity through sports. According to the organizers, the event is not just a race but also a campaign to inspire healthy lifestyles and highlight the importance of cultural preservation. Participants will include school students, professional athletes, teachers, bankers, businesspersons, restaurant workers, corporate executives, and even families with young children.
Rhino dies after getting trapped in marsh in Chitwan
A one-horned rhinoceros died after getting stuck in a marsh near Gundrahi Dhakaha Community Forest in Kawasoti-15, Chitwan, the Chitwan National Park reported. According to conservation officer Avinash Thapa Magar, the rhino got trapped in the swamp while going to drink water and died on Tuesday morning. The animal’s horn and hooves remain intact. The latest national rhino census in 2021 recorded 752 rhinos in Nepal, of which 694 reside in Chitwan National Park.
Free dialysis service begins at Bheri Hospital
Bheri Hospital will now provide free dialysis services to patients suffering from Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and seropositive conditions under the government’s Poor Citizens Medical Treatment Program. The hospital has been included in the list of designated facilities by the Nursing and Social Security Division under the Department of Health Services. Chief Medical Superintendent Dr. Nirajan Subedi said that patients infected with hepatitis B and HIV are categorized as seropositive and will also be eligible for free dialysis services worth up to Rs 300,000 per year.
Two arrested on fraud charges over foreign employment scam
Police have arrested two individuals on charges of fraud after they allegedly swindled victims by falsely promising foreign employment opportunities in Israel and Japan. The suspects have been identified as Susan Tamrakar, 28, of Putalibazaar Municipality-1, Syangja, and Yogendra Ghale, 50, of Kathmandu Metropolitan City-15.
Delay in Simaltari–Sautamare–Machchi road construction causes inconvenience
Construction of the road section from Simaltari in Gulmi to Machchi in Pyuthan, part of the Madan Bhandari Highway, has been significantly delayed, causing difficulties for commuters—especially during the rainy season. Despite being three years into the project, only 26 percent physical progress has been achieved, according to Engineer Prabhat Tiwari of the Madan Bhandari Highway Planning Office, Gulmi. Financial progress stands at just 23 percent over the same period.
Biratnagar Metropolitan City establishes technical education promotion centre
Biratnagar Metropolitan City has established a technical and vocational education and training promotion centre. The centre is being set up in collaboration with Sagarmatha I-Lab Group (Koshi Province), Kathmandu University’s School of Education, and ETH Zurich of Switzerland. According to Mayor Nagesh Koirala, the promotion centre will play a key role in producing the skilled technical workforce needed at the local and provincial levels.
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