KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Prachanda demands Home Minister Lekhak’s resignation
Maoist Center Chairman and opposition leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has demanded the resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak over the recent visit visa controversy. Speaking to journalists in Chitwan on Tuesday, Prachanda said Lekhak should step down, citing serious concerns related to human smuggling under the guise of visit visas.
“This is not a minor issue. We are taking it seriously and discussing it with other opposition parties. At the very least, the Home Minister must resign,” he stated. Lekhak has been accused of shielding a network involved in trafficking people abroad using visit visas and making substantial profits from the scheme.
Santosh Pariyar slams Home Minister, demands resignation over visa scam
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chief Whip Santosh Pariyar on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, calling on him to resign over his alleged involvement in the visit visa scandal. Speaking in the House of Representatives, Pariyar said it was inappropriate for Lekhak to remain in office after members of his own secretariat were reportedly linked to the controversy.
He also cited Lekhak’s own past statements on ministerial accountability when in opposition, urging the minister to uphold the same standards now. Pariyar quoted Lekhak’s March 16, 2024, speech from Parliament, when the latter had argued that any minister facing investigation should step down.
Writ petition filed against Governor Poudel in Supreme Court
A writ petition challenging the appointment of newly appointed Governor Biswo Poudel has been filed at the Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday. The hearing on the petition has been scheduled for Wednesday. Advocates Anantaraj Luitel, Bishal Thapa, and Prathiba Upreti filed the petition, arguing that Poudel’s appointment is unlawful and should be annulled. The petitioners claim that both the recommendation for Poudel’s appointment and the appointment itself were carried out illegally.
RPP and allies promise peaceful protest on May 29
Three political groups—Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), RPP-Nepal, and Rastriya Shakti Abhiyan—have announced that their planned protest on May 29 will be peaceful and disciplined.
At a joint press meet, RPP Chair Rajendra Lingden said the protest is a non-violent civil disobedience movement within the framework of the constitution. He urged the media to monitor the event independently, free from bias.
RPP-Nepal Chair Kamal Thapa reiterated that the demonstration aims to promote their party’s agenda and create a conducive environment for dialogue with other parties and the government.
Shekhar Koirala questions Congress’s silence on PM’s actions
Nepali Congress leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala has expressed surprise that the party’s recent office-bearers’ meeting at the party president’s residence was focused on him rather than on national issues.
Speaking at the national council meeting of the Nepal Barbers’ Association, a sister organization of the Nepali Congress, in Biratnagar, Koirala said he had expected the meeting to discuss critical matters such as the Prime Minister’s alleged directive to his party cadres to “occupy Kathmandu” on Jestha 15. Instead, he said, the discussion was centered around him.
He criticized the party for remaining officially silent even when the country’s top executive used confrontational and non-political language, adding that the Prime Minister is not just an individual but an institution, and his words carry weight.
Kamal Thapa says national consensus possible on Hridayendra as future king
Rastriya Prajatantra Party Nepal Chair Kamal Thapa stated that national consensus could be reached to establish Hridayendra Shah, grandson of former King Gyanendra, as the future monarch.
Speaking in Kathmandu on Tuesday, Thapa noted that Hridayendra, now 20–21 years old, is mature and capable of assuming leadership of the monarchy. He added that Gyanendra Shah would likely support such an agreement.
Thapa said that the monarchy is not just about a person, but about an idea—monarchy within a democratic framework. He said focusing solely on individuals undermines the broader ideological foundation of constitutional monarchy.
RPP central member detained after filing complaint against PM KP Sharma Oli
A central member of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) ended up in police custody after filing a complaint against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at the Nepal Police Headquarters.
RPP central member Ravi Kiran Hamal was arrested after he lodged a complaint regarding PM Oli’s provocative remarks delivered at an orientation program for ward chairpersons organized by the CPN-UML Bagmati Province Committee on Sunday in Godawari.
A police team detained Hamal from Lazimpat, Kathmandu, at around 6 pm on Monday and took him into custody. He was released the following day, Tuesday, at 2 pm after being questioned.
YCL protests demanding PM and Home Minister’s resignation
The youth wing of the Maoist Centre, Young Communist League (YCL), staged a protest at Maitighar demanding the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.
Protesters held placards with slogans such as “Incompetent Prime Minister, Resign!”, “Resign, Incompetent Home Minister!”, “Down with the Traitor Government!”, and “Shame on the Human Trafficking Government!”
The demonstration comes amid mounting pressure over the visit visa scandal, with YCL accusing the government of failing to take accountability and protect citizens from exploitation.
COVID-19 reappears in Nepal: seven cases detected in Kathmandu and Dhulikhel
A new wave of COVID-19, recently observed in countries like India and China, has now been detected in Nepal. According to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, seven individuals have tested positive for the virus — one through the National Public Health Laboratory and six at Dhulikhel Hospital.
Director of the division, Dr. Chandra Bhal Jha, stated that none of the infected individuals have a history of foreign travel and all have already been discharged and sent home. Discussions with the World Health Organization and other experts suggest that the situation does not warrant the same level of concern as previous outbreaks. However, necessary precautions and preparations are being initiated in light of the emerging trend.
Health desks have been set up at border points and international airports, and health directorates across all seven provinces have been instructed to remain on standby. The ministry has also been requested to procure additional testing kits.
RPP accuses govt of trying to disrupt monarchist rally
Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chairman Rajendra Lingden accused the government of attempting to provoke and disrupt their planned monarchist rally on May 29 in Kathmandu.
Speaking with editors on Tuesday, Lingden claimed Prime Minister Oli’s directive for CPN-UML cadres to gather near RPP’s venue in Ratna Park was an attempt to incite conflict.
Lingden asserted that the rally will be peaceful and that over 2,000 volunteers will be deployed to ensure order.
Cabinet decisions: 10 secretaries transferred, key appointments and agreements approved
The government has transferred 10 secretaries at once, as per the decisions made during the Cabinet meeting held on Monday, 12 Jestha. The decisions were made public on Tuesday by government spokesperson Prithvi Subba Gurung.
The transferred officials are from the gazetted special class of the civil service. The Cabinet also decided to promote Joint Secretary Bhupal Baral from the administration service and Dinanath Mishra from the engineering service to the position of secretary.
The meeting approved the tabling of a bill on information technology and cyber security in Parliament and endorsed the Public Service Broadcasting Regulations 2082. Laxman Humagain was appointed as the new chairperson of the Advertisement Board.
PM Oli skips NHRC anniversary after criticism
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli skipped the 25th anniversary celebration of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday, despite receiving a formal invitation 15 days prior to attend as the chief guest.
NHRC officials were fully prepared for his arrival, but Oli’s Secretariat informed them at the last moment that he would not attend, citing his late-night schedule.
The PM’s absence came a day after the NHRC publicly criticized his recent remarks encouraging CPN-UML cadres to “control Kathmandu” during monarchist protests planned for May 29.
Economic Survey presentation uncertain amid parliamentary deadlock
The scheduled presentation of the Economic Survey for the fiscal year 2024/25 by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel has become uncertain due to ongoing obstructions in the House of Representatives.
Opposition parties disrupted today’s parliamentary session demanding the resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak over the controversial “visit visa” scandal, halting all scheduled proceedings in the lower house.
Today’s agenda included ministerial question-and-answer sessions related to tourism, energy, and forests, as well as the tabling of the Agriculture Committee’s report. However, the protest by opposition lawmakers rendered the entire schedule ineffective.
HoR postponed until Wednesday
The meeting of the House of Representatives has been postponed once again.
The Parliament Secretariat issued a second notice, announcing that the session has been deferred until 11 am on Wednesday.
Finance Minister briefs President on upcoming budget
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel met with President Ram Chandra Poudel on Tuesday morning at the President’s Office, Sheetal Niwas. During the meeting, Finance Minister Poudel provided an overview of the federal budget for the fiscal year 2082/83 (2025/26).
According to the President’s personal secretariat, the Finance Minister briefed the Head of State on key aspects of the upcoming budget. As per constitutional provisions, the government is scheduled to present the budget on Thursday, Jestha 15 (May 29).
Kami Rita breaks own record, summits Everest for 31st time
Renowned climber Kami Rita Sherpa has set a new world record by summiting Mount Everest for the 31st time, breaking his own previous record. According to Chhang Dawa Sherpa, expedition director at Seven Summit Treks, Kami Rita reached the summit of the world’s highest peak on Tuesday morning.
Last year, the 55-year-old climber made headlines by climbing Everest twice within 10 days, completing his 29th ascent on May 12, 2024 and his 30th on May 21, 2024. With this latest climb, he extends his record as the individual with the most ascents of Everest
Rajendra Bajgain hits back at Shashank Koirala
Nepali Congress lawmaker Rajendra Bajgain has raised sharp questions against party leader Shashank Koirala, demanding clarification over alleged lavish gifts he received, including luxury vehicles, gold Rolex watches, cash, and house renovations.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Bajgain posted a status accompanied by photos asking Koirala these questions. “I had hoped I wouldn’t have to ask about SUV gifts (one Kia, two Mahindras), gold Rolex watches, bags full of cash, so-called house ‘renovations’, or political favors,” Bajgain wrote on X, sarcastically adding, “Of course, you will be asked for a clarification.”
Visa scam is human trafficking, not just corruption: Ganesh Parajuli
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Ganesh Parajuli has said the recent visit visa scandal is not merely a corruption case but also a matter of human trafficking, warranting a serious and impartial investigation. Speaking to journalists at the Federal Parliament Building in New Baneshwor on Tuesday, Parajuli accused the Ministry of Home Affairs of turning a blind eye to complaints of human trafficking and instead providing protection to those involved.
Three killed, four injured in Makawanpur road accident
Three people lost their lives and four others were injured in a road accident that occurred in Thaha Municipality-3, Makawanpur, along the Makawanpur-Tribhuvan Highway. The incident took place last evening when a passenger bus (Ba 3 Kha 5990), en route from Bajravarahi Gopali village to Thana Bazaar, went out of control due to brake failure and struck seven pedestrians near the Nepal Electricity Authority office.
According to the District Police Office, the deceased have been identified as Krishna Balami (around 40), Lokendra Kumar Thakur (38), and Raghunandan Yadav of Siraha Aurahi Rural Municipality-1. The identities of two of the victims remain unconfirmed.
Transport entrepreneurs announce protest with 7-point demand
Transport entrepreneurs have announced a protest program, putting forward a seven-point demand, citing increasing threats to investment and employment in the public transport sector.
In a joint press conference, the Federation of Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs, the Central Federation of Public Transport, the Federation of Nepal Truck Transport Entrepreneurs, the Federation of Transport Entrepreneurs, the Nepal Transport Independent Workers’ Organization, and the Nepal Transport Workers’ Association announced the protest plan.
BP Koirala Cancer Hospital launches ‘Flow Cytometry’ test
The BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital in Chitwan has launched the ‘Flow Cytometry’ test, a specialized diagnostic tool used to identify different types of blood cancer. The hospital has trained its doctors and technicians to perform the test. According to Dr. Greta Pandey, Head of the Laboratory Department, more than 90 patients have already undergone the test since the service was introduced. Previously, samples had to be sent to India for the test, often incurring high costs. Now, the test is available at the hospital for Rs 12,000.
Three killed in Nepal Telecom jeep accident
Three people were killed on the spot in a jeep accident in Jagannath Rural Municipality, Bajura, on Monday. According to the District Police Office, the deceased have been identified as Lok Bahadur Khadka, 55, head of the Nepal Telecom Bajura office and a resident of Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City; Karan Mahatara, 40, the driver of the jeep; and Rabindra Dhami, 28, of Badimalika Municipality-7.
11 killed, 67 injured in fire incidents across Nepal in one month
Fires across Nepal claimed 11 lives and injured 67 people over the past month, according to Nepal Police. The victims include three men, five women, two boys, and one girl. Nepal Police Central Spokesperson, Senior Superintendent of Police Ramesh Thapa, said that the statistics from the month of Baisakh show a sharp rise in fire-related incidents, resulting in significant human and material losses. Among the injured are 27 men, 32 women, and eight children.
Preservation of the Himalayas is our shared responsibility: Minister Pandey
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey has emphasized that protecting the Himalayas is a collective responsibility. Speaking at an event organized to mark the Everest Summit Conference on Tuesday, Minister Pandey congratulated all the successful mountaineers and highlighted the importance of preserving Himalayan culture and ensuring the mountains remain safe for future generations.
Manaslu region records highest number of tourists to date
The Manaslu region in northern Gorkha has received a record number of foreign tourists, with 12,259 visitors arriving by April of the current fiscal year. According to the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP), this is the highest tourist inflow recorded in the region’s history. MCAP Chief Santosh Sherchan shared that 9,782 tourists visited the region in fiscal year 2080/81 BS, as many as 7,705 in 2079/80, and 2,284 in 2078/79.
Tashi Gyalzen Sherpa receives heroic welcome after summiting Everest four times in 15 days
Tashi Gyalzen Sherpa, a 29-year-old mountaineer from Solukhumbu, has set a new world record by summiting Mount Everest four times within just 15 days. Sherpa completed his fourth successful ascent on Friday at 3:13 am, achieving what is believed to be an unprecedented feat in high-altitude mountaineering. Upon his return, Sherpa received a grand welcome at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Gold prices down by Rs 200 per tola
The price of gold decreased by Rs 200 per tola today. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association, gold is being traded at Rs 190,800 per tola today. On Monday, the price stood at Rs 191,100 per tola. Meanwhile, the price of silver has also gone down. Silver was traded at Rs 1,995 per tola, the Federation said.
Baidya-led party blasts Oli govt over privatization and corruption
The Revolutionary Communist Party, led by Mohan Baidya, has launched a scathing attack on the government led by UML Chair KP Sharma Oli, accusing it of undermining national interests through privatization, corruption, and flawed foreign policies.
The party, formed after splitting from the Maoist movement, alleged that the Oli administration is driving the country toward regression and failure. The accusations were presented in a statement issued by the party’s acting general secretary CP Gajurel (Gaurav), following a two-day politburo meeting held in the absence of party chief Mohan Baidya, who is currently ill.
Two killed in motorcycle accident in Nawalparasi, one critically injured
Two youths have died and another was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in Nawalparasi East. According to DSP Madhu Nepal of the District Police Office, the accident occurred early Tuesday morning on the inner road of Madhyabindu Municipality-7, Amrasa forest.
“Nabin Kumal, 24, and Radim Midhun, 22, both residents of Chormara in Madhyabindu-7, died during treatment after sustaining serious injuries in the crash,” said DSP Nepal.
Khotang District Hospital to be upgraded to 50-bed facility
The Koshi Province government has decided to upgrade Khotang District Hospital into a 50-bed facility. At present, the hospital operates with only 15 beds. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki on Monday. Minister for Health Bhupendra Rai tabled the proposal during the meeting.
Established on April 13, 1992, the hospital has been serving the district with limited capacity for over three decades. The construction of a new hospital building to accommodate the expansion is now in its final phase.
Roads connecting Baglung and Jaimini municipalities being blacktopped
Blacktopping works are in full swing on three key roads in Jaimini Municipality. Two of these roads, which lead to the municipality’s center, are rapidly progressing, while the blacktopping of the road from Kushmisera to Sakurba–Byadthala has reached its final stage.
The combined length of the three roads under blacktopping is five kilometers, with a total cost of Rs 81.8 million.
Consultative program held in Bhojpur to combat violence against women and children
Ramprasad Rai Rural Municipality in Bhojpur district has organized a legal consultative program aimed at reducing violence against women and children at the local level. The initiative seeks to ensure better access to justice for impoverished, marginalized, and minority communities. According to the rural municipality, the program also aims to raise public awareness from a legal perspective, with women representatives and students identified as primary beneficiaries.
Annapurna first ascent anniversary: Diamond jubilee to be celebrated
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the first successful ascent of Annapurna I (8,091 meters), and a diamond jubilee celebration is being organized to commemorate the occasion. For the first time, the celebration will be held at the base camp of Annapurna (north), located in Myagdi district.
French mountaineer Maurice Herzog made history on June 3, 1950, when he became the first person to climb Annapurna I, accompanied by fellow climber Louis Lachenal and two Nepali Sherpas. Annapurna holds special significance in mountaineering history as the first mountain over 8,000 meters in Nepal to be successfully summited.
Gandaki Provincial Assembly members raise concerns on budget, inclusion, and infrastructure
Member of the Gandaki Provincial Assembly drew the government’s attention to various pressing issues, including budget allocation, development plans, infrastructure, and social inclusion. During the zero hour, assembly members expressed their views on matters they believe require urgent attention from the provincial government.
Gosainkunda fair begins today
The annual Gosainkunda fair in Rasuwa begins today on the occasion of Ekadashi, drawing pilgrims from across the country and beyond.
According to the Gosainkunda Area Development Committee, the fair will continue until Ekadashi on June 7. Devotees have already started arriving to participate in the event, which is expected to attract around 5,000 visitors. Many will take a holy dip in the sacred Gosainkunda pond, located at an altitude of 4,380 meters above sea level.
Bheri–1 Hydropower Project to affect 124 households
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for the proposed 270-megawatt semi-reservoir-based Bheri–1 Hydropower Project has been made public. The report was released by the Ministry of Forests and Environment.
The project, to be developed by Gezuba Group Power Investment Nepal Pvt. Ltd., will utilize the flow of the Bheri River through Nalagadh Municipality (wards 10, 11, 12, and 13) in Jajarkot district and Aathbiskot Municipality (wards 4, 5, and 6) in Rukum (West) to generate electricity before releasing the water back into the Bheri River. It is based on a peaking run-of-river model.
Nepal wins 10 medals, including five golds, at BKSP Judo Championship in B’desh
Nepali judokas have won a total of 10 medals, including five gold medals, at the BKSP Cup Invitational International Judo Championship held in Bangladesh. With the addition of one silver and four bronze medals, Nepal secured second place overall in the championship. The standout performance came from the Prisoners Assistance Mission (PAM) team of Nepal, which claimed four gold medals and one bronze.
Excavator operator killed in landslide at Darkhola Hydropower project
An excavator operator lost his life after being buried in a landslide while working on road construction for the Darkhola Hydropower Project in Muna, Dhawalagiri Rural Municipality-3 in Myagdi district.
According to police, 32-year-old Khemraj Kumal, a resident of Chapakot Municipality-8 in Syangja, died on the spot when a landslide struck as he was digging the Kunauta–Dar Shilbang road, which is being built to lay the hydropower project’s pipeline.
Bamboo product manufacturing begins at Khotang processing center
Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality has launched the production and promotion of bamboo-based products, aiming to boost local incomes through the creation and marketing of household items made from bamboo.
The initiative has energized local entrepreneurs, who see new opportunities emerging from the municipality’s support. As a major step toward this goal, the municipality hosted the First National Bamboo Conference–2081 in Diktel Bazaar last Falgun (February–March).
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