KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
PM Oli arrives in Madrid
Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli has arrived in Madrid to attend the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development organized by the United Nations.
He was welcomed at Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport by Nepali Ambassador to Spain Shanil Nepal, Nepal’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Lok Bahadur Thapa, and senior officials from Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Nepali delegation led by Prime Minister Oli is scheduled to travel to Seville, the conference venue, later this evening.
President Paudel participates in paddy plantation
Paddy plantation has been carried out at the President’s Office to mark National Paddy Day on Sunday.
President Ram Chandra Paudel and First Lady Sabita Paudel took part in the event organized by the Office of the President.
Inaugurating the plantation, President Paudel emphasized the need to modernize and commercialize agriculture. He said his symbolic participation aimed to promote a culture of respect for all forms of labor, including farming, and to encourage rice production.
President Paudel emphasizes modern agricultural technology
President Ram Chandra Paudel has stressed the importance of developing and expanding modern agricultural technology by activating the domestic labor force and human resources.
In a message on National Rice Day, he urged the promotion of rice-related food technologies and expressed concern over the rising import of rice.
President Paudel emphasized the need to end land abandonment, foster a strong work culture, and focus efforts on achieving self-reliance in rice production.
PM Oli calls for modernizing agriculture on National Paddy Day
Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli has emphasized the need to modernize agriculture and boost production through the use of technology.
In his message on the occasion of National Paddy Day, he said, “Today, Asar 15, is our festival of hard work and harvest—Paddy Day—the fragrance of life from the soil, the worship of sweat in the water, and the dream of swaying rice ears. This planting tradition has been passed down through generations. Though I am currently abroad, memories of planting rice from my childhood come alive today.”
Prime Minister Oli further noted that the government has introduced an agricultural modernization program aimed at increasing production by integrating technology across all farming activities.
Federal Civil Service Bill passed by House of Representatives
The House of Representatives on Sunday passed the Federal Civil Service Bill.
The bill was endorsed by a majority after Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration Rajkumar Gupta tabled the proposal for its approval during the House session.
After fiery remarks from Ram Kumari, Unified Socialist bans criticism of Madhav Nepal
Following strong public comments from leader Ram Kumari Jhakri against party chair Madhav Kumar Nepal, the CPN (Unified Socialist) has issued a directive barring any criticism of the former prime minister.
On Saturday, Jhakri had made sharp remarks during an event of the Youth Union in Lumbini Province, questioning the leadership of Chair Nepal, who is currently facing a corruption case at the Special Court related to land dealings of Patanjali Yogpeeth in Sanga, Kavre.
In response, party General Secretary Ghanashyam Bhusal issued a formal circular on Sunday directing all leaders and cadres not to make any public statements contradicting the party’s official stance.
Nepal thrashes Laos 9–0 in AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers opener
Nepal made a dominant start in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers by crushing Laos 9–0 in their opening match held at Pakhtakor Stadium, Uzbekistan.
Captain Sabitra Bhandari ‘Samba’ led the charge with a stunning five-goal haul. She netted Nepal’s ninth goal in the 88th minute.
Anita Basnet, Rashmi Kumari Ghising, Anita KC, and Saru Limbu each contributed a goal, sealing Nepal’s emphatic win.
Special Court orders release of Congress leader Mohan Basnet on Rs 2.5 million bail
The Special Court has ordered the release of Nepali Congress leader Mohan Basnet on bail in connection with the multi-billion rupee Teramox procurement corruption case.. The court set the bail amount at Rs 2.5 million.
A joint bench of Justices Tej Narayan Singh Rai, Ram Bahadur Thapa, and Bidur Koirala issued the order after recording Basnet’s statement earlier in the day.
On Jestha 1, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed a corruption case against Basnet and 15 others at the Special Court, accusing them of embezzling Rs 3.21 billion in the procurement of the Teramox system for the Nepal Telecommunications Authority.
Four key decisions made to enhance early warning system after weather forecasts
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has made four major decisions to enhance early warning systems and adopt precautionary measures in light of potential risks caused by recent rainfall across the country.
A meeting of the council chaired by Acting Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh was held at the Ministry of Urban Development on Sunday. The council decided to adopt timely preparedness measures considering the risks triggered by ongoing heavy rains.
The decisions include: prohibiting vehicle movement at night in high-risk areas, disseminating safety alerts to local residents during and around periods of heavy rainfall, broadcasting weather bulletins and warnings through local FM stations and social media, and making immediate reporting and rescue arrangements in disaster-affected areas.
Farmers must be given justice to end dependency: Prachanda
Chair of Maoist Centre and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has emphasized the need to ensure justice for farmers as a key step toward building a self-reliant economy.
In a message issued on the occasion of National Paddy Day, Chairman Dahal stressed the importance of supporting small farmers through cooperatives and ensuring their access to markets.
He also called for the effective implementation of fertilizer recommendations based on climate-resilient rice varieties and region-specific needs.
Policy reforms needed to modernize agriculture: Speaker Ghimire
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Devraj Ghimire, has emphasized the need for comprehensive policy reforms to transform agriculture into a modern, commercial, and attractive profession.
He also underscored the importance of boosting production and achieving self-reliance in the agricultural sector.
Extending his best wishes on the occasion of the 22nd National Rice Day, Speaker Ghimire remarked, “A large portion of Nepal’s agriculture still depends on rainwater. The lack of irrigation infrastructure, delays in fertilizer supply, and shortages of improved seeds continue to significantly affect our agricultural productivity.”
Govt has given high priority to promoting rice crop: Minister Adhikari
Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ramnath Adhikari, has said that the government has given high priority to promoting rice cultivation in the country.
In a message issued today on the occasion of the 22nd National Paddy Day and Planting Festival 2082, Minister Adhikari highlighted that the ministry is prioritizing initiatives such as rice research and development, provision of quality seeds and fertilizers at subsidized rates, expansion of technology, technical assistance and knowledge dissemination to farmers, and the implementation of minimum support prices.
National Paddy Day is being celebrated across the country with the slogan, “Intensification in Rice Crop: Food Security and Self-Reliance.”
Farming calendar shifts in Manang amid climate change
As climatic patterns shift, farming timelines in Manang are changing significantly.
While lower regions of the district are just entering the planting season, upper areas have already begun cultivation, marking a noticeable change from traditional agricultural cycles.
Farmers in villages like Tachai, Tilche, Thanchowk, Chame, Timang, Nachai, and Odar are currently engaged in sowing traditional crops such as potatoes, wheat, buckwheat (fapar), among others.
Water flow in Mahakali River increases
The movement of four-wheeled vehicles across the Sharada Barrage has been temporarily banned following a significant rise in the water level of the Mahakali River.
According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Sagar Bohara, who also serves as the Information Officer at the District Police Office, the ban was imposed after continuous rainfall caused the river’s flow to increase substantially.
“Vehicle movement is halted when the water flow in the Mahakali River exceeds 100,000 cusecs,” Bohara said.
Agriculture Minister participates in paddy plantation
The Government of Nepal marked the 22nd National Paddy Day and Plantation Festival at the premises of the National Agricultural Research Center.
Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ramnath Adhikari, also took part in the celebrations by planting paddy during the event.
Water level rising in Bagmati River, public urged to stay cautious near riverbanks
With continuous rainfall since Saturday night in Kathmandu and several other parts of the country, water levels in rivers and streams are rising steadily.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has reported that the water level at the Bagmati River’s Gaurighat monitoring station in Kathmandu has approached the alert mark. The department has urged people traveling along riverbanks or residing near the river to exercise caution and remain in safe areas.
HoR meeting: ‘Government should be accountable to the parliament’
In today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, the MPs have emphasized that the government should be accountable to the parliament.
Seeking time in the meeting, MP Amanlal Modi of the CPN (Maoist Centre) said, “We MPs will raise public issues in the House during zero hour and special time, but the government has not responded to the issues raised in Parliament. I had drawn the government’s attention to the poor condition of the Postal Highway, but the government has not taken it seriously.”
Nepali Congress MP Dr. Chandra Bhandari said that the road from Ruru in Gulmi to the district headquarters Tamghas could not be improved due to a lack of policy decisions.
It is necessary to reduce arrears to maintain financial discipline: Speaker Ghimire
Emphasis has been laid that constitutional bodies, three-tier governments and public organisations should conduct regular audits and maintain financial discipline by reducing arrears.
Similarly, it was stressed that clearance of arrears should be kept in priority in order to maintain financial discipline.
At a programme organised here today on the occasion of 67th anniversary of the Office of the Auditor General, Speaker Devraj Ghimire, shared that the Office of the Auditor General has been playing significant role for frugality, efficiency and effectiveness in government bodies.
Dr. Koirala stresses timely NC general convention
Nepali Congress (NC) leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala has stressed that the party’s general convention must be held within December 2026.
Speaking to journalists today, he expressed concern that party office bearers have yet to show sufficient commitment to organizing the convention on schedule. He noted that party cadres are increasingly worried the date may be postponed.
Koirala also mentioned that he and General Secretary Gagan Thapa are now aligned, and expressed confidence in his ability to move forward by uniting all factions of the party, including the president, for the convention.
Butwal-Narayangadh road obstructed due to flooding
The Butwal-Narayangadh road section has been completely blocked following flooding on the alternative route in the Dumkibas area of Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Sustapur).
The diversion route for goods vehicles along the Binayi Khola in Binayi Triveni Rural Municipality-1, as well as the internal alternative road used by smaller vehicles and passenger buses, have both become impassable, according to Superintendent of Police Yadav Dhakal of the District Police Office, Nawalparasi.
“The diversion and alternative route via Hongsi Gate, Sardi, and the Jyamire Highway have now been closed. All vehicles have been moved to safe locations,” he said.
NEPSE gains over 26 points, trading crosses Rs 7 billion
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) witnessed a notable surge on Sunday, rising by 26.53 points to close at 2,622.28. This marks a 1.02% gain compared to the previous trading day.
The day’s total turnover stood at Rs 7.12 billion, with over 166.43 million shares traded across 328 companies in 74,752 transactions.
Out of the traded companies, share prices of 185 firms increased, while 63 declined. No company remained unchanged.
Paddy plantation completed in 72,520 hectares across Lumbini Province
Paddy has been planted in over 72,000 hectares of land in Lumbini Province this year, according to data as of June 29.
So far, paddy plantation has been completed in 72,520 hectares—only 23.94 percent of the province’s total paddy cultivation area of 302,939 hectares. The total land suitable for paddy cultivation in Lumbini stands at 680,015 hectares.
Ram Prasad Pandey, Director General at the Directorate of Agricultural Development under the provincial Ministry of Agriculture, stated that paddy production in the province has been gradually increasing in recent years.
Earthquake tremors felt in Mugu
A 4.8 magnitude earthquake struck Mugu district on Sunday afternoon, with its epicenter located within the district.
According to the National Seismology and Research Center, the quake occurred at 2:34 PM and was felt in surrounding areas as well.
Prabhu Sah tears up Civil Service Bill in Parliament
Aam Janata Party Chairman Prabhu Sah tore up the Federal Civil Service Bill during Sunday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, calling it discriminatory and threatening mass unrest if it is passed.
Taking the rostrum during the bill’s discussion, Sah dramatically ripped the document in protest, stating that the proposed legislation was an attack on the future of the poor and marginalized communities.
“If this bill is passed, it will be a black day for the poor,” Sah declared. “It aims to deprive them of their right to government employment.”
DP Aryal and Ramhari Khatiwada trade accusations in Parliament
A heated exchange erupted in the House of Representatives on Sunday between Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker DP Aryal and Nepali Congress (NC) lawmaker Ramhari Khatiwada, with both accusing each other of misconduct amid ongoing protests over the visit visa case.
As soon as the House session began, lawmakers from the RSP and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) stood up in protest, reiterating their demand for a high-level investigation into alleged irregularities in the visit visa process.
Speaker Devraj Ghimire then gave floor time to RSP lawmaker DP Aryal, who objected to what he called false accusations made by Nepali Congress lawmaker Khatiwada during a previous session.
RSP and RPP MPs boycott House meeting over visit visa issue
Lawmakers from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) boycotted Sunday’s meeting of the House of Representatives.
As soon as Speaker Devraj Ghimire announced the start of the session, MPs from both parties stood up in protest before walking out of the chamber after making their point.
The two parties have been obstructing parliamentary proceedings, demanding an investigation into Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak over alleged irregularities in the visit visa process.
Regional cooperation key to development of landlocked countries: Minister Dahal
Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Devendra Dahal, has stressed the importance of regional cooperation for the development of landlocked countries like Nepal.
Speaking at the ‘Global Transport Connectivity Forum’ held in Istanbul, Turkey, Minister Dahal underscored the necessity of ensuring maritime access for landlocked nations through strategic regional partnerships.
Addressing the forum on the theme ‘Strategic Opportunities for Regional Development through Landlocked-to-Landlocked Efforts’, he noted that enhanced transport infrastructure could help landlocked countries connect to the sea and unlock new opportunities.
TERAMOX case: Former Minister Basnet records statement at Special Court
Former minister and Nepali Congress (NC) leader Mohan Bahadur Basnet, who is facing corruption charges, appeared at the Special Court today to give his statement.
According to the court administration, his statement is being recorded before a bench comprising Special Court members Tej Narayan Singh Rai, Ram Bahadur Thapa, and Bidur Koirala. A closed-door hearing is scheduled to be held later today once the statement is completed.
Basnet, currently a sitting MP from Sindhupalchowk, is facing charges of abuse of authority and financial misconduct amounting to Rs 3.21 billion.
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