KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Shankar Pokharel: UML halted Bhandari’s membership renewal to restore her role as national guardian
CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has stated that former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s party membership was not renewed out of respect, in order to re-establish her as a national guardian figure.
Speaking at an extended meeting of ethnic organizations organized by the Democratic Indigenous Nationalities Federation in Kathmandu on Sunday, Pokharel said the issue of Bhandari’s membership unexpectedly entered the party’s ninth Central Committee meeting due to media reports and social media rumors.
He argued that dignitaries like former presidents should not re-enter active party politics. “Since the issue gained traction through speculation, the party was compelled to deliberate on it and reach a conclusion,” Pokharel said. “The party concluded that former presidents and vice presidents, who remain under the protection of the Nepal Army, should continue to hold the role of national guardians.”
UN tech chief calls for global AI rules
The world must urgently come together to develop a global framework for regulating artificial intelligence (AI), said Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union (ITU), warning that fragmented strategies could intensify existing global inequalities and technological risks.
In an interview with AFP, Bogdan-Martin emphasized the need for international cooperation in AI governance, noting the rapid pace of AI development has outstripped regulation and could lead to unintended consequences. “There’s an urgency to try to get the right framework in place,” she said. “The need for a global approach is critical.”
Her remarks come amid starkly different regulatory paths taken by major global powers. The European Union has passed a risk-based AI Act, while China maintains a centralized, state-driven model. In contrast, former U.S. President Donald Trump recently unveiled a strategy advocating sweeping deregulation to keep American AI development ahead of China’s.
Over 2,300 Police personnel resigned in a year amid growing discontent
Nepal Police has witnessed a growing trend of resignations in recent years, with a significant number of personnel leaving the force within the past fiscal year. Despite being considered a secure and attractive job, the pressures and challenges of the role have led many officers to seek alternative careers.
According to data released by Nepal Police Headquarters in Naxal on Sunday, a total of 2,369 personnel, from junior constables to officers, voluntarily resigned during the fiscal year 2081/82 (mid-July 2024 to mid-July 2025).
Durga Prasai issues emotional appeal from prison
Royalist activist and medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai, currently in custody at Dillibazaar Jail, has released an emotional public appeal addressed to his supporters, family, and the Nepali public. In the message, shared via his secretariat through Facebook, Prasai reflected on his imprisonment, expressed longing for his family, and vowed to continue his nationalist campaign even from behind bars.
In his statement titled “From the Darkness of Dillibazaar Prison”, Prasai recounted how much his grandson misses him, adding, “When my family tells him I’ll be back soon, he looks at my photo on a mobile phone. Part of me thinks, should I call him here to play with me for a while? But then I hesitate, what would he think seeing his grandfather inside prison?”
Nepali Congress deploys MP Rajendra Kumar KC to resolve rift in Bagmati Province
In an effort to resolve the intensifying internal dispute within the Nepali Congress in Bagmati Province, the party’s central committee has deputed central member and Kathmandu-10 lawmaker Rajendra Kumar KC as a mediator.
KC traveled to Hetauda on Sunday to initiate talks between Bagmati Chief Minister and Parliamentary Party Leader Bahadur Singh Lama and provincial president Indra Baniya, whose faction recently filed a no-confidence motion against Lama.
Speaking to Khabarhub before departing, KC said, “A no-confidence motion has been filed against Chief Minister Lama by fellow party members. The central committee has tasked me with facilitating dialogue between the two sides to resolve the dispute.”
NA meeting: Lawmakers draw government’s attention on various issues
Lawmakers in the National Assembly (NA) on Sunday drew the government’s attention to a range of pressing issues, from the ongoing drought in the Tarai to the plight of Nepali migrant workers abroad and unresolved infrastructure projects.
During the meeting, lawmaker Sabitri Malla urged the government to take immediate relief measures for drought-stricken farmers in eight districts of the Tarai, noting that even in the monsoon season, water sources have dried up. “Merely declaring districts as drought-affected is not enough,” she said, calling for urgent and tangible interventions.
NEA denies load shedding return, calls recent reports misleading
The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has refuted claims that load shedding is making a comeback, stating that recent news reports and social media posts referring to an internal power management notice as a “load shedding schedule” are misleading and inappropriate.
In a press release issued Sunday, the NEA clarified that a notice published by the Chanauli Distribution Centre was meant solely for internal load management purposes for one day and not an indication of a nationwide power cut schedule.
“The confusion and public perception created by the publication of this technical notice as a ‘load shedding schedule’ by certain media outlets and social media platforms have drawn the serious attention of the Authority,” the statement said.
Ranjita Shrestha appoints acting chair to avoid disciplinary action
An internal conflict within the Nagarik Unmukti Party (NUP) has escalated to the point where Chairperson Ranjita Shrestha now faces potential disciplinary action from her own party.
The dispute, which has been intensifying in recent weeks, took a dramatic turn after party patron Resham Chaudhary called for a Central Committee meeting scheduled for Sunday, allegedly to initiate proceedings against Shrestha. In a strategic counter-move ahead of the meeting, Shrestha invoked the party statute and appointed senior leader Shiva Bastola as acting chair, citing health concerns.
Youth of Bhojpur active in preserving old customs and culture
With the goal of preserving, promoting, and passing on local culture, the youth of Bhojpur are actively working to continue original traditions, including the traditional ‘Laakhe Naach’ (dance). They are increasingly engaged in preserving customs, costumes, and cultural heritage.
Breaking the notion that ‘Laakhe Naach’belongs only to the Newar community, a campaign has been launched to preserve traditional customs with participation from all communities, said local youth leader Nabin Budhathoki. He shared that ‘Laakhe Naach’, which begins on Nag Panchami, will be organized district-wide.
Previously, this dance was performed mainly in areas inhabited by the Newar community. However, recently, with an emphasis on collective participation, it has expanded as part of efforts to preserve the tradition, Budhathoki added.
NEPSE index drops by 18.44 points
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) ended the day (Sunday) with a decline of 18.44 points (0.61%), closing at 2,964.20. This comes after a modest gain of 3.76 points in the previous trading session. The index had opened at 2,984.92 and climbed to an intraday high of 3,013.17, before falling to a low of 2,958.34. During the trading session, a total of 58,653,762 shares were exchanged through 203,658 transactions involving 323 companies.
Bridge construction on Sunkoshi River stalled for five years
Construction of a concrete motorable bridge over the Sunkoshi River at Chehere—connecting Kavrepalanchok and Sindhupalchowk—has remained stalled for the past five years. The bridge project was initiated in Bhadau 2077 BS with the goal of providing road access to several wards and settlements of Saping in Bhumlu Rural Municipality, located east of the Koshi River in Kavrepalanchok. However, the construction company’s failure to complete the project on time has caused ongoing hardship for thousands of local residents.
The Road Department had signed a contract with Amar Construction Pvt. Ltd. in August 2020 to build the bridge and integrate Chehere with the road network in Sindhupalchowk.
State’s role crucial in journalists’ security: Chief Minister Kandel
Chief Minister of Karnali Province, Yamlal Kandel, has emphasized that the role of the state is vital for the security of media personnel. Addressing the Journalist Health Insurance Policy Handover programme organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law of Karnali Province today, the Chief Minister said journalism is not only a challenging profession but also a pillar of democracy.
“Journalism is always a profession dedicated to seeking truth and shaping public opinion. The state must be concerned with the security and protection of journalists who perform such a sensitive and demanding duty,” the Chief Minister added.
Constitution amendment will be advanced: Minister Sudi
Janata Samajwadi Party leader and Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens, Nawal Kishor Sah Sudi, has said that the incumbent government will advance the process of constitutional amendment based on national needs.
Speaking to RSS correspondent Sushil Darnal in an interview, Minister Sudi stated that the amendment would be pursued in line with the aspirations and requirements of all classes, regions, and communities.
Referring to widespread public opinion, he said, “Everyone wants the constitution to be amended. However, this is not just a demand of one political party. It is a collective demand of all classes and ethnic groups. The current government has a clear stance that the constitution must be amended. We hope the government will move forward with this agenda soon. I have been emphasizing that the constitution should be revised to reflect the aspirations of the people.”
Debt-ridden Parbati wins Rs 10 million Ncell prize
On Friday, July 18, Parbati Karki of Bangepipal Baseri in Dhading was preparing to head to the local fair, just as she did on many other days. As the rain began to fall, she decided to leave her mobile phone at home. After all, who would call her? Her husband, working abroad, and her son, studying in Kathmandu, usually phoned only in the mornings and evenings.
When she returned home from the fair, Parbati noticed a missed call from an unknown number. While she was busy with household chores, the phone rang again. This time, she answered. The caller was from Ncell’s central office in Kathmandu, asking questions about her name, address, and family.
Oli intensifies efforts to block Bidya Bhandari’s return
CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli is making determined efforts to prevent former President Bidya Devi Bhandari from re-entering the party. Oli summoned leaders who had participated in the Chyasal meeting to Baluwatar and instructed them not to provide any space for Bhandari within the party structure. Oli had already revoked Bhandari’s organized membership following her announcement of a return to UML politics on June 28. Since then, internal discussions have intensified.
MP Amaresh Singh voices support for RSP Chair Rabi Lamichhane
Independent Member of Parliament (MP) Dr. Amaresh Kumar Singh has expressed his support for Rastriya Swatantra Party President Rabi Lamichhane, who is currently held in Bhairahawa jail in connection with a cooperative fraud case.
Dr. Singh signed the support letter on Sunday after visiting the RSP central office in Banasthali, Kathmandu. The Supreme Court has ordered Lamichhane’s detention, stating that the evidence gathered so far does not prove his innocence.
Dr. Singh also criticized Nepal’s major political parties, accusing them of misgoverning the country for the past 30 years and driving it into debt. He emphasized that Rabi Lamichhane has been active in politics for only three years and argued that corruption is widespread across the country.
Mosquito killing pill, Ivermectin drops malaria by 26%: Study
A groundbreaking study has revealed that the mass administration of ivermectin–a drug once known for treating river blindness and scabies–can significantly reduce malaria transmission when used in conjunction with bed nets.
Ivermectin administered to the whole population significantly reduces malaria transmission, offering new hope in the fight against the disease. The BOHEMIA trial, the largest study on ivermectin for malaria to date, showed a 26% reduction in new malaria infection on top of existing bed nets, providing strong evidence of ivermectin’s potential as a complementary tool in malaria control.
Humla-Mugu link road: Bailey bridge installed at Lotikhola
A Bailey bridge has been successfully installed over Lotikhola in Chankheli Rural Municipality, establishing a direct road connection between Humla and Mugu districts. The 42-meter-long bridge, built at a cost of Rs 49.8 million, now stands 10 meters above the Karnali River and measures 3.15 meters in height. It features three panels and three decks, according to Naresh Raj Jaisile, Chief Engineer at the Infrastructure Development Office.
Until now, the absence of a proper bridge at Lotikhola had created significant hardship for locals. During winter, when the river’s water level dropped, vehicles would cross directly through the riverbed.
Sitaula calls for majority-based decision-making system in Constitutional Council
Nepali Congress (NC) leader Krishna Prasad Sitaula has stressed the need for a mechanism that allows the Constitutional Council to make decisions based on majority votes, particularly in situations where consensus cannot be reached or all members are not present.
Speaking to journalists in Kathmandu on Sunday, Sitaula said that while the ideal is to reach a unanimous decision in the first phase of council meetings, a majority-based decision-making provision should be in place as a fallback to avoid deadlock.
“In the first phase, all members of the Constitutional Council should be present, and the goal should be to reach a unanimous decision,” he said. “But if consensus is not possible, and not all members are present, then a decision should be made by a majority in the second phase.”
Gold price drops by Rs 1,100 per tola in local market
The price of gold declined in the local market on Sunday, the first trading day of the week. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers, gold fell by Rs 1,100 per tola. As per the federation, gold is being traded at Rs 193,600 per tola today, compared to Rs 194,700 per tola on Friday. The price of silver also dropped, declining by Rs 50 per tola to Rs 2,290.
Dry landslide blocks movement on Beni-Jomsom road
The Beni-Jomsom road, a crucial route connecting the tourism hub of Mustang to the national highway via northern Myagdi, has been blocked due to a dry landslide. The landslide occurred early this morning at Ghoptebhir, located on the border between Annapurna Rural Municipality in Myagdi and Thasang Rural Municipality in Mustang. As a result, all vehicular movement along the route has come to a halt.
Tej Bahadur Kumal, Chief Police Assistant Inspector at the Sapma Police Post in Ghansa, informed that the Road Department has deployed equipment to clear the debris and restore the road.
Man arrested for murdering wife in Surkhet
A man has been arrested on charges of murdering his wife in Surkhet district. Dansingh Thadamagar, 42, of Birendranagar Municipality-13, allegedly beat his 41-year-old wife, Rabina, to death with a wooden plank while she was asleep, according to Mohan Jung Budthapa, spokesperson for the District Police Office.
Police discovered Rabina’s body after locals from Kaherkhola reported the incident and restrained Thadamagar until officers arrived. Authorities have confirmed that an investigation into the case is currently underway.
Baglung’s Kalbhairav Temple sees threefold rise in offerings collection
The income from offerings at the Kalbhairav Temple in Baglung has tripled following the renewed activity of the Guthi Management Committee and improvements in physical infrastructure. Listed among the government’s 100 major tourist and religious sites, the temple—also recognized as a religious Shakti Peeth—has seen a significant rise in visitors and income.
The Guthi Management Committee became active in 2023 after a six-year hiatus, overseeing the Kalbhairav Temple located in Baglung Municipality-12. With the committee now leading efforts to conduct regular worship and develop infrastructure, the number of pilgrims and religious tourists has increased noticeably.
Thailand and Cambodia agree to hold ceasefire talks
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand had agreed to hold immediate talks aimed at securing a ceasefire, following three days of deadly clashes along their shared border.
Thailand’s acting Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, expressed appreciation for Trump’s efforts and stated that Thailand supports the idea of a ceasefire “in principle.” However, he emphasized the need for “genuine commitment” from Cambodia.
Phumtham made the comments in response to a series of social media posts by Trump, who was visiting Scotland at the time. Trump said he had personally spoken with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Phumtham, and had warned both that the U.S. would not pursue trade deals with either country if the hostilities continued.
Prachanda should be investigated over ‘cooling-off period’: Yogesh Bhattarai
CPN-UML Secretary and Member of the House of Representatives Yogesh Bhattarai has called for an investigation into Maoist Centre Chairman and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ over his role in the controversial “cooling-off period” clause in the Federal Civil Service Bill.
Taking to Facebook on Sunday, Bhattarai said serious concerns have been raised about Prachanda’s recent comments regarding the provision, which regulates the transition of civil servants into politics. Bhattarai argued that Dahal himself should be investigated for three key reasons.
Bhattarai’s remarks come in response to a statement made by Dahal at a public event on Saturday, where the former Prime Minister said that CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli should be investigated in connection with the bill.
22 police personnel, including 4 ASIs, out of contact
The Police Headquarters has issued a notice urging 22 police personnel, including four Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs), to report within one week. According to a statement released by the Legal Branch of the Police Headquarters, the officers have been absent without leave for an extended period. They have been given seven days to establish contact with the authorities. Among the absentees are four ASIs—one of whom is from the technical division—along with two office assistants. The rest are police personnel of various ranks.
One person dies in house fire in Gulmi
One person has died in a fire that broke out in Dhurkot Amrai, Ward No. 5 of Dhurkot Rural Municipality, Gulmi district. According to Superintendent of Police Narayan Prasad Adhikari of the District Police Office Gulmi, the fire occurred around 3:00 a.m. last night, claiming the life of Juna B.K., daughter of local resident Manidevi B.K. The victim, who was reportedly mentally unstable, died on the spot when the fire engulfed their one-story stone-and-clay house with a tin roof.
Conspiracy underway against party and leadership: Prachanda
Chair of the Maoist Centre, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, has claimed that a well-orchestrated conspiracy is being carried out to weaken the party and its leadership. He called on all leaders, cadres, and supporters to unite and resist the campaign.
Addressing the fifth session of the Gulmi-Kathmandu Contact Forum, Prachanda said, “Once again, an attempt is being made to corner and dismantle the party. Some comrades have been confused by this. Reactionary forces are spreading disinformation by promoting and even investing in certain individuals to destabilize the movement.”
He asserted that during the time the Maoist Centre-led government was gaining popularity through pro-people programs, brokers, middlemen, mafias, and elements within the bureaucracy conspired to oust it from power.
State’s role crucial in journalists’ security: Chief Minister Kandel
Chief Minister of Karnali Province, Yamlal Kandel, has emphasized that the role of the state is vital for the security of media personnel. Addressing the Journalist Health Insurance Policy Handover programme organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law of Karnali Province today, the Chief Minister said journalism is not only a challenging profession but also a pillar of democracy.
“Journalism is always a profession dedicated to seeking truth and shaping public opinion. The state must be concerned with the security and protection of journalists who perform such a sensitive and demanding duty,” the Chief Minister added.
Dhorpatan welcomes 23,000 tourists in one year
The number of tourists visiting Dhorpatan—the only hunting reserve in Nepal—has been steadily increasing each year. According to the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Office, Baglung, domestic tourist arrivals have risen by 8,000 over the past year.
Ranger Sagar Subedi of the reserve office reported that 15,573 tourists visited Dhorpatan in the fiscal year 2024/25. This figure rose to 23,692 in 2081/82. Of these, only 12 were citizens of SAARC countries and 213 were other foreign nationals; the vast majority were domestic tourists.
Subedi attributed the growth to increased publicity, improvements in tourist infrastructure, and growing interest in destinations like Bukipatan and the surrounding water bodies. He also noted that the rise in tourist numbers has contributed to increased revenue. Domestic tourists pay an entry fee of Rs 100 to enter the reserve.
First phase of Kathmandu Valley Drinking Water Improvement Project completed
The first phase of the Kathmandu Valley Drinking Water Improvement Project, operating under Sub-Project 2 of the Melamchi Water Supply Project, has been successfully completed, according to the Project Implementation Directorate (PID).
The initiative aimed to replace Kathmandu Valley’s decades-old, dilapidated water pipelines with a new leakage-free distribution system to ensure clean and proportional supply of drinking water to households across the valley.
According to the Kathmandu Valley Drinking Water Limited (KUKL) Project Implementation Directorate, the first phase involved the construction of new service reservoirs (water tanks), a bulk water distribution system from the Sundarijal water treatment plant to storage sites, a comprehensive household water distribution network, and two wastewater treatment plants.
Nepali Congress faces dilemma in Bagmati Province
Amid rising internal tensions threatening the stability of the Nepali Congress-led government in Bagmati Province, the Nepali Congress has entrusted leader Rajan KC to facilitate efforts to resolve the ongoing power struggle.
Nepali Congress General Secretary Bishwaprakash Sharma confirmed that KC, a central member and elected MP from Kirtipur, has been assigned to represent the central party in Bagmati. “A central representative is needed for facilitation. The party has appointed Rajan Kumar KC for that role,” Sharma said.
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