KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
PM Karki expands Cabinet
Prime Minister (PM) Sushila Karki expanded the Cabinet for the fifth time, taking the total number of ministers to 15. Former Nepali Army (NA) Lieutenant General Balananda Sharma has been appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs. Sharma took the oath of office today. With Sharma’s appointment, the Karki-led cabinet will now comprise 15 members.
Govt says all hurdles will be cleared for March 5 election
The government has assured that all obstacles, including restrictions related to political leaders’ movement, will be resolved ahead of the March 5, 2026, House of Representatives (HoR) election, government spokesperson and Minister for Communications Jagadish Kharel said on Friday. Speaking to journalists after a two-hour meeting with CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli at his residence in Gundu, Minister Kharel said the government is committed to creating a conducive environment for the election. Journalists had asked Kharel about Oli’s statement regarding the continuation of the travel ban and restrictions as the election date approaches. Responding to the query, Kharel said, “Elections are a festival and require great commitment. There may be challenges and complications along the way, but it is the government’s responsibility to address them and create the necessary environment to achieve the goal of holding the election.”
Kharel steps up political outreach, meets leaders to build election environment
Government Spokesperson and Minister for Communication and Information Technology Jagdish Kharel has intensified political consultations, holding back-to-back meetings with top leaders of major political parties on Friday. Kharel met Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba at his Maharajgunj residence in the morning. Later in the day, he travelled to Bhaktapur to meet CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli at his residence in Gundu. The government has stepped up dialogue with senior party leaders in a bid to create a conducive environment for the upcoming House of Representatives election. Kharel, who is also a member of the high-level Political Dialogue Committee, has been engaging party leaders to build trust and consensus around the electoral process. Following the meeting in Maharajgunj, Deuba told Kharel that the Nepali Congress has decided to take part in the elections and that polls remain the party’s top priority. According to Kharel, Deuba also emphasized that the government must ensure a free and fair electoral environment.
Deuba urges govt to create conducive election environment
Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba has urged the government to create a credible environment for the upcoming election. Deuba made the suggestion during a meeting with Minister for Communications and Government Spokesperson Jagadish Kharel, who visited Deuba’s residence on Thursday morning. Stating that the government has not yet created a trustworthy atmosphere for the election, Deuba called on the government to act immediately to ensure a conducive environment. Minister Kharel, who also serves as the government spokesperson, held separate meetings today with the chairpersons and presidents of the country’s three major political parties. He began the consultations with Nepali Congress President Deuba.
Minister Kharel meets Dahal amid efforts to build election consensus
Minister for Communications and Information Technology and government spokesperson Jagdish Kharel met Nepali Communist Party Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ at his Khumaltar residence on Friday as the interim government intensifies political consultations ahead of the proposed House of Representatives election. The meeting is part of the government’s broader effort to create a conducive environment for the election scheduled for March 5, 2026, under the interim government led by Sushila Karki. During the discussion, Dahal reiterated that his party is fully prepared to face the election on the scheduled date. He has been consistently maintaining that the poll should be held on March 5 without further delay. While the Nepali Communist Party has expressed readiness, other major parties remain divided. Nepali Congress and CPN-UML have argued that the prevailing law-and-order situation is not favourable for conducting elections and have continued to call for the restoration of Parliament.
Prachanda rules out HoR restoration
Nepali Communist Party (NCP) Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that the House of Representatives (HoR) will not be restored and that the country must now move forward with elections. Speaking at a program at the party office in Parisdanda, Prachanda said that the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML would also eventually prepare for elections. Although both parties have filed writ petitions at the Supreme Court seeking restoration of the House, he said they would now shift their full focus to the electoral process. “We have to go for elections together. I believe that from today onwards, the Nepali Congress and the UML will also concentrate entirely on elections,” Prachanda said.
Cabinet decides to establish nine additional area administration offices
The government has decided to establish Area Administration Offices in nine districts across the country. A Cabinet meeting held on Friday approved the establishment of Area Administration Offices at B.P. Nagar in Doti, Shreechangha in Taplejung, Dho in Dolpa, Khatyad in Mugu, Raskot in Kalikot, Koti in Bajura, Gokuleshwor in Darchula, Meghauli in Baitadi, and Hitdanggadhi in Sankhuwasabha. Government Spokesperson and Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel informed that the Cabinet also approved the organizational structure of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the adjustment of its employees. In addition, the Citizenship Regulation (Fourth Amendment) was endorsed by the meeting.
Prabhu Bank CEO Ashok Sherchan released on bail
Prabhu Bank Chief Executive Officer Ashok Sherchan, who was arrested on November 30, has been released on bail on Friday. Sherchan was taken into custody from Kathmandu by a team of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police in connection with an ongoing investigation. According to police sources, Sherchan was detained following a dispute involving Devi Bhattachan and Kusum Lama. Along with Sherchan, other officials and employees of Prabhu Bank have also been released on bail by the High Government Attorney’s Office, Patan. Last week, a bench of High Court Patan judges Chandrabahadur Saru and Geetaprasad Timsina had granted the government attorney a final extension to complete statements within five days.
Election 69 days away: Code of conduct applies to whom?
With 69 days remaining until the election of members of the House of Representatives (HoR) scheduled for March 5, 2026, many people are curious about which bodies will be subject to the election code of conduct to ensure the polls are clean, dignified, and credible. As Nepal has conducted several elections in the past, the scope of the code of conduct is generally understood. According to the election code of conduct prepared by the Election Commission and currently under consultation, the ministers of the Government of Nepal will be fully subject to the code of conduct. Similarly, provincial governments and provincial ministers, constitutional bodies and their officials, as well as federal and provincial government bodies and their officials, will fall under the code of conduct.
Special general convention has become mandatory: Gagan Thapa
Nepali Congress (NC) General Secretary Gagan Thapa has said that holding a special general convention has become mandatory in accordance with the party statute. Responding after receiving a memorandum submitted by proponents of the special general convention, Thapa stated that no one has the authority to ignore or bypass the party’s statute. He said that the memorandum would be presented at the meeting of the Central Working Committee. “No one is above the party statute, and no one has the privilege to disregard it,” General Secretary Thapa said.
RSP releases final list of proportional representation aspirants
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has published the final list of aspirant candidates under the proportional representation (PR) category for the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, 2026. According to the party, the list includes 387 aspirants selected from a total of 414 applications submitted to RSP. The names of 27 applicants have not been included in the publicly released list. RSP stated that those whose names were excluded from the final list will be involved in the candidate selection process through virtual means. For the PR category, the party had fixed an application fee of Rs 50,000 per aspirant. Based on this, RSP has collected a total of Rs 20.7 million from the applicants.
Deuba says Nepali Congress preparing to contest March 5 elections
Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has said that his party has already begun preparations to participate in the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, 2026. During a meeting with Minister for Communication and Information Technology Jagdish Kharel at his residence on Friday, Deuba said the party has taken a clear decision to take part in the polls and that elections remain the Congress’ top priority. According to Minister Kharel, who is also a member of the government-formed Political Dialogue Committee, Deuba stressed that the government must create an appropriate environment to ensure the elections are held in a free and fair manner. The meeting was part of the government’s ongoing consultations with major political parties aimed at building consensus and ensuring a conducive environment for the upcoming elections.
Kathmandu Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol presents program and budget amendments at 15th municipal assembly
At the 15th municipal assembly of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol presented proposals for amendments to the city’s programs and budget. The proposal was presented in the presence of Mayor and Assembly Chair Balen Shah, municipal assembly members, officials, and media representatives. Deputy Mayor Dangol noted that this assembly marks the eighth municipal session for the elected representatives. She highlighted that previous assemblies prioritized cooperation, coordination, and coexistence, and urged assembly members to continue supporting these values to ensure continuity in governance. The proposal highlights preserving Kathmandu’s historical and archaeological temples, language, religion, culture, attire, and heritage while prioritizing infrastructure development. Plans include continued improvements in basic services such as road and bridge maintenance, waste management, pollution reduction, healthcare, and education.
NC Acting President Khadka urges cadres to engage in election activities
Acting President of the Nepali Congress (NC), Purna Bahadur Khadka, has said that both the party’s general convention and the general election are mandatory to resolve the political uncertainty facing the country. Addressing the first general convention of the Association of Private School Teachers and Staff in Kirtipur on Friday, Acting President Khadka urged party cadres to actively engage in election-related activities, stating that the Nepali Congress has already initiated preparations for the upcoming elections. “The party can achieve the expected results in the House of Representatives election if it successfully conducts its general convention,” he said.
Prachanda calls on revolutionary forces to unite above differences
Coordinator of the Nepali Communist Party (NCP), Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, has called on all revolutionary forces to rise above differences and unite. Issuing a message on the occasion of the 133rd birth anniversary of Mao Zedong on Friday, Dahal said collective efforts are essential to achieve the goal of a sovereign, self-reliant, egalitarian and socialist Nepal. He stated that Mao Zedong’s vision of building a self-reliant national economy and establishing genuine democracy of the people remains relevant even today. Emphasizing the need to move forward in the same direction, Dahal urged revolutionary forces to work together with a shared commitment to national transformation and social justice.
Govt allows land parceling under transmission lines
The government has made a new provision allowing land parceling (kittakat) of plots that fall beneath electric transmission lines. Through the third amendment to the Land Use Regulation, 2079 BS, land located within the right of way of transmission lines can now be subdivided while ownership remains in the name of the concerned landowner. The provision has been introduced to address long-standing problems faced during the construction of transmission lines, particularly disputes related to land use and ownership restrictions. The amendment was published in the Nepal Gazette on Kartik 27 and has already come into force. Officials say the new arrangement is expected to ease obstacles in transmission line expansion projects while safeguarding landowners’ property rights.
Gold, silver prices hit new record highs in domestic market
Gold and silver prices have been rising continuously in the local market over the past several days, with both precious metals posting fresh record highs again today. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of hallmark gold has reached Rs 269,300 per tola, while silver was traded at Rs 4,585 per tola. The current rates are the highest ever recorded for both metals in the domestic market. Market analysts attribute the continued rise in gold and silver prices to the strengthening of the US dollar, which has pushed up prices in the domestic market.
Motorcyclist dies in road accident in Chitwan
A motorcyclist has died in a road accident in Chitwan. The deceased has been identified as 20-year-old Trishal Mahato of Gardi, Madi Municipality–1. According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Rabindra Khanal at the District Police Office, Chitwan, the accident occurred this morning near Tikauli forest area in Ratnanagar Municipality–9. The motorcycle (Ba Pra 03-004 Pa 5205), which was heading towards Tandi from Bharatpur, went out of control and met with an accident. Both the rider, Trishal Mahato, and the pillion rider, 19-year-old Ankit Mahato, sustained injuries in the crash.
Orange festival begins in Muglin today
The second Ichchakamana Orange Festival and Food Festival began today in Muglin. The festival is being jointly organized by the Chitwan Industry Association, Ichchakamana Committee, and the Hotel Entrepreneurs Association, Ichchakamana Unit, and will be held at Muglin Bazaar. The festival has been organized with the aim of attracting both domestic and foreign tourists, according to Ramhari Kandel, Chairman of the Chitwan Industry Association Ichchakamana Committee. He informed that more than 50 stalls has been set up during the festival, and around 100 orange farmers from Ichchakamana are directly benefitting by selling their products. The festival also aims to preserve and promote local art, culture, and traditions, while strengthening brotherhood, business networks, and local-level cooperation.
Senior citizens’ knowledge, experience are source of inspiration: President Paudel
President Ram Chandra Paudel has said that senior citizens enriched with knowledge, skills, and experience are a valuable source of inspiration and play an important role in societal development. Extending best wishes to all Nepali citizens at home and abroad for good health, longevity, and a dignified life on the occasion of National Senior Citizens Day, 2082 BS, the President emphasized the need for respect, care, and proper protection of senior citizens, describing them as sources of love, affection, and compassion. President Paudel expressed confidence that the observance of National Senior Citizens Day would encourage collective efforts to ensure a dignified life and sustainable livelihood for the elderly.
Over 17,000 new voters added in Kaski
More than 17,000 new voters have been added in Kaski district for the upcoming election. In the previous election, the district had 294,151 registered voters. For the forthcoming election, an additional 17,842 people have applied to be included on the new voter list. According to Rudra Neupane, Information Officer at the Provincial Election Office in Pokhara, applications for new voter registration were accepted from September 27 to November 21. He added that the office is currently conducting further verification of the applications and that the final voter list will be published soon.
Cold wave disrupts life in Mahottari
Citizens in Jaleshwor and surrounding areas in central, western, and southern Mahottari have been grappling with harsh cold weather for the past week. Since December 19, freezing temperatures, strong winds, and dense fog have affected daily life, livestock, birds, and crops. Although no human casualties have been reported this year, residents say life in the villages has become increasingly difficult. “The cold has made it hard for people to carry out daily tasks, while children and the elderly are falling ill,” said Dr. Bikash Sah, Chief of the Provincial Hospital in Jaleshwor. He added that around 150 to 200 patients are visiting the hospital daily due to cold-related illnesses.
NC youth leader Tiwari urges party to pave way for special convention
Nepali Congress youth leader Shankar Tiwari has demanded that the party’s central leadership immediately pave the way for a special convention. Tiwari, who is also a representative at the party convention and a signatory supporting the special convention, expressed serious dissatisfaction with the party leadership through a press note on Friday. He said there has been no sign that the regular convention would take place within the stipulated timeframe. “The 49-day-long central working committee meeting, held after the turmoil of September 8 and 9, had set the convention for January 10 to 12, yet as of December 26, there is no indication it will proceed,” Tiwari said.
One dead, 16 injured in Arghakhanchi Jeep accident
One person died and 16 others were injured in a jeep accident involving students of Janajagruti Secondary School in Bhumikasthan Municipality. The jeep (Lu 2 Cha 5179), traveling from Bhumikasthan-10 Dhanchaur to Nuwakot, met with the accident near Chirling Khola in Bhumikasthan-7. The driver, 45-year-old Rudra Bahadur Budhamagar of Bhumikasthan-10 Dhanchaur, died on the spot. All injured passengers are receiving treatment at Arghakhanchi Hospital. The students were reportedly on their way to participate in the municipal-level President’s Running Shield competition organized by Bhumikasthan Municipality. Following the accident, the municipality has announced that all of today’s scheduled games have been postponed.
Rabies Infection on the Rise in Sudurpaschim
Rabies has emerged as a growing public health challenge in Sudurpaschim Province, spreading among animals and humans primarily through fox and stray dog bites. According to Naresh Prasad Joshi, senior veterinary doctor at the Animal Disease Research Laboratory in Dhangadhi, at least 18 animals have died from rabies in the past 20 days alone. “In the past three years, rabies has been confirmed in 371 animals, based only on cases reported to the laboratory. Meanwhile, at least five human deaths have been reported due to rabies, though the actual number could be higher due to underreporting,” he said.
NHRC urges govt to protect senior citizens’ rights
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the government to take the rights of senior citizens seriously and to ensure the effective implementation of existing laws and policies related to their welfare. The Commission called on the government to identify the needs and priorities of senior citizens and to give due importance to their concerns while formulating policies, plans, programmes, and budgets. It also emphasized the need to create opportunities for senior citizens to pass on their skills and experiences to future generations. “NHRC directs all three tiers of government to focus on ensuring respect and dignity for senior citizens,” said NHRC Spokesperson Dr Tikaram Pokharel. He also urged family members and civil society organizations to fulfill their responsibilities in safeguarding the rights and dignity of senior citizens.
60 stolen motorcycles and scooters handed over
The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office has recovered 60 motorcycles and scooters that had been stolen at different times and handed them over to their respective owners on Friday. At a program organized at the Kathmandu Valley Police Office, Ranipokhari, Additional Inspector General of Police and Chief of the Kathmandu Valley Police Office Ishwor Karki, along with Chief of the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office and Senior Superintendent of Police Nabaraj Adhikari, jointly handed over 34 motorcycles and 26 scooters to their owners.
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